April 24, 2017 1550 Vietnam Time Hoi An

APRIL 21, 2017-NHI HA BATTLE SITE

You'd think after four return trips to the Nhi Ha, DMZ battlefield that the overwhelming intensity of the gut-churning memories would somewhat lessen. They will never disappear, regardless of where I might be. After this many years, I am fully aware of that. But, being right there, where it all went down, is different. I stand where my hastily-dug bunker once was, with Jones Creek a short distance across the rice paddy. Then there's the May 6 memorial, just completed last year. Landmarks are everywhere. There really is no escape. 

When Nhung and I stopped in to visit Mr. Ba, he was all smiles. The former area leader of the VC and resistance forces greeted us warmly. Hs wife, working the rice field directly behind the house, joined us in short order. With the benefit of Nhung's excellent interpretive skills, we interacted for about 30 minutes. A nice set of stainless-steel cookware was presented as a gift. As we departed, Mr. Ba decided to accompany us on our intended visit to the May 6, 1968 memorial. 

Neil & Ba

Neil & Ba

For me, it's a sobering spot to be. My focus was to pause in honoring the many soldiers killed during the 196th Infantry-NVA engagement in May '68. But, I intended to particularly focus on Allan Barnes. a grenadier with Co A, 3rd Platoon. His squad leader was Sgt. Stone (Stoney). Allan was listed as missing following the May 6 battle and remained in MIA status for over four months. Then in September his status was changed to killed in action with a date of May 6. I and many of my comrades found the ambiguity surrounding Allan's death unsettling. What really happened? Theories were offered. Certainly, the chaos back then was undeniable. It was literally a minute to minute fight for survival that endured for 14 days straight in the face of overwhelming odds. But, last year I took it upon myself to unravel the real story regarding Allan Barnes. Working with his sister, I obtained Barnes' official military records. A review of said documents, along with input from others, served to clarify the situation. Details will be spared out of respect for Barnes' family. The important thing is that a degree of closure has been realized. Incense was lit as I held a photo of our fallen brother, Allan Barnes. It can be said that the last dust has now finally settled on Nhi Ha battlefield.

Honoring Allan Barnes at Nhi Ha Battle Site

Allan Barnes-Killed in Action May 6, 1968 Nhi Ha

Honoring Allan Barnes at May 6, 1968 Memorial

Sign on Road Pointing to May 6, 1968 Memorial

Honoring Allan Barnes at Nhi Ha Battle Site

Honoring Allan Barnes at May 6, 1968 Memorial

Honoring Allan Barnes at Nhi Ha Battle Site

April 24, 2017 1235 Vietnam Time Hoi An

I'm pleased to share a short video (unedited) of the April 21, 2017 writing tablet distribution at Nhi Ha Elementary School, Vietnam. This event was in tribute to Terri Chapdelaine, recently deceased, who taught school in a remote Alaska village. It was the perfect way to honor Terri. Thanks to my friend, Nhung, for coordinating this event and for documenting the action through photos and this video.

It seems that you'll have to click the link to make visible "go to link", then just click again.  Or, copy and paste. I'm kind of clueless on this stuff.

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B9xFOds4fgHeUTNoRC1SaHgtaHM

Neil

April 23, 2017 1720 Vietnam Time Hoi An

APRIL 19, 2017 VISIT TO MR. THO

With this being my last day in Hue, Khanh and I decided to make a visit to Mr. Tha, the ARVN veteran with one leg, as well as return visits to Mr. Thuong and Ms. Hanh.

Our first stop was at the house of Mr. Tho, who lost his right leg while fighting in the war.  This humble man has provided for his family, including six children, by making woven baskets and trays. And what beautiful creations this immensely talented man produces! On average, Tho can put out two per day, which are sold to hamlet residents for about $2.50 each. Last year I purchased two trays, contributing much more than the asking price, but they ended up being too large to fit into my travel bag. Next year, though, Tho will make a couple small ones for me. I still owe one to a donor who requested specifically that I bring one home for her.  That will have to happen next year. 

Tho and his wife were very pleased with the electric water kettle and stainless steel cooking pan that I presented as gifts.  Adding to their joy was a monetary gift of 500,000 VND, which equates to about $23 USD. Tho would have to labor 4-5 days, producing 9 baskets, to earn such an amount. To be in a position to help such hard-working, deserving folks warms my heart.

With handshakes and hugs, we said goodbye with a promise to return next year.

April 23, 2017 1700 Vietnam Time Hoi An

APRIL 19 VISIT TO MS. HANH

What can I say? Ms. Hahn is a rare and beautiful person with an effervescent personality and contagious smile. She has the ability to reach right inside and touch one’s heart…without saying a word.

 Khanh and I wanted to stop in to see how the new fridge, delivered two days previous, was operating.  Well, I am pleased to report that it is doing just fine and dandy. The fridge and freezer compartment temps are “right on”.  Ms. Hanh and her sister were thrilled! Their house was inundated the day prior by hamlet residents who had heard about their new appliance. The neighbors were very excited to touch the ice! For the first time in their lives, Ms. Hanh and her sister have refrigeration. This is major life-changing event for them.  I also delivered boxed milk and plastic fridge/storage containers.

An unexpected treat was a delicious meal prepared by Ms. Hanh’s sister. Although the name eludes me, this scrumptious food is rice paste and shrimp/meat wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. Then came a tasty dessert of a rice pudding nature. It was all so tasty! And, check this out. Cold beer!  And, if all of this isn’t amazing enough, observing our armless friend eating and drinking utilizing her feet really pushes the envelope!  Wow. She has adapted to her monumental disability with courage, a positive attitude, and the sweetest smile ever seen.  And you’ll never sense a “poor me” attitude with Ms. Hanh.  Rather, it’s an “I can do it” attitude. She and her sister are most appreciative of our help, expressing thanks over and over. 

I observed that more piglets had been sold, so our program is working well.  There are also many fuzzy little baby ducklings. We started it all with a female piglet and 50 ducks. It’s great to witness the positive effects of our humanitarian assistance.

As Khanh and I were preparing to leave, Ms. Hanh’s sister asked for photos of me as a young soldier in ’68. So, I left several at my hotel to be picked up by Vy of Hearts for Hue. She did so and will deliver them in the near future.

Bunches of hugs marked our departure, as Ms. Hanh followed us down the path to our car. A final wave goodbye, then we headed back to Hue.

April 23, 2017 1650 Vietnam Time Hoi An

APRIL 19 VISIT TO MR. THUONG

Mr. Thuong and his wife greeted Khanh and I with their usual broad smiles.  Due to Khanh’s busy schedule, our visit was rather brief. I bestowed as gifts a variety of plastic containers, including ice cube trays, to accompany the fridge that we provided last year.  More hugs and handshakes marked our departure, as we vowed to return in 2018.  We have provided substantial assistance for Thuong, who has mere stubs for hands, during the past three years. This has allowed him to create a stable and secure environment for his family.

Thoung doesn’t let his disability get him down, that’s for sure! It’s amazing how innovative, hard-working, and productive one can be in the absence of responsibility-draining government handouts, huh? No “entitlement” mindset here...refreshing.

April 22, 2017 1145 Vietnam Time Hue

Brief update: Distributed 20 piglets at Nhi Ha this AM and am now back down to Hue, where I'll spend one night. Details are coming when I can settle down. Will head to Hoi An in the morning and will hopefully be able to get the blog all caught up.  It has been non-stop of late.

Neil

April 21, 2017 2000 Vietnam Time Dong Ha

Due to this hotel's internet being down, I've had to find a spot to write quick note. Just prior to the wi-fi going out hours ago, I learned that I've been inserting "medium" sized photos, the default setting. All along, I should used "extra large". How inadequate of me. Anyway, I will go back and enlarge all prior images. After distributing 20 piglets at Nhi Ha tomorrow morning, I'm off to Hue for one night before continuing on to Hoi An.  Nhung and I are out of here for Nhi Ha at 0630.

Neil