April 26, 2017 1330 Vietnam Time Hoi An

APRIL 22 NHI HA, VIETNAM-PIGLET DISTRIBUTION

Nhung and I departed my Dong Ha hotel at 0630 and struck forth on the 30/40-minute drive to Nhi Ha. In '68, after being airlifted to Dong Ha, we were 196th Light Infantry troops, marching this same route. 29 of us didn't make it back out. 

Upon arrival at Nhi Ha Commune Building, we set to work preparing for the distribution of piglets to 20 families. The little oinkers, packed like sardines, arrived on two motorbikes. As the recipients arrived, bringing their own transport containers, distribution began. Fortunately for the young piglets, a light rain provided a much-needed cooling. One by one the piglets were loaded into each transport container, the recipients signing to acknowledge receipt. The little piglets seemed relieved to have been released from their previous confinement. Some folks had nice wire cages, while others just utilized woven plastic sacks for the short trip home. By the way, each piglet had its required inspection and inoculations. It was interesting to observe the pigs being loaded onto bicycles and motorbikes for transport to their new home. In a few months, there will be 20 litters and many new piglets in Nhi Ha. This will provide income and security for the impoverished disabled, and disadvantaged recipients, who are selected by a local officials based upon situation 
and need. 

Nhung Coordinating Activities

I must point out that one contributor to the Nhi Ha Piglet Project did so conditionally. It was demanded that "their" pig be named "Neil". So, you will see a photo of Neil the Pig. Folks from my hometown of Versailles, Ohio might well determine the identity of these former classmates, who happen to be named Joe and Pam. I'm just pleased that Neil the Pig's owner had a nice cage in lieu of a little sack. Otherwise, I could have potentially ended up half in the bag.

Neil The Pig

Neil the Pig

Neil Going Home

Off Goes Neil

When my guys fought a long, hard battle at Nhi Ha in May '68, this hamlet had been completely obliterated by war. One could have never imaged that a village had ever existed at that desolate, bomb crater riddled spot. Now we're breathing life into Nhi Ha by providing deserving, hard-working folks with the means to produce income for their families. Further, we're helping the children of Nhi Ha. In a nutshell, we're helping, healing, and building bridges. 

May 3, 1968 US air strikes on NVA entrenchments in support of our ground assaults-Nhi Ha (Hannan Photo)

Nhi Ha May '68 (Hannan Photo)

Sgt. Stone (Stoney)-Nhi Ha My '68  (Stone Photo)

Enemy (NVA) Artillery Hitting Our Position-Nhi Ha. Jones Creek in Foreground

On Nhi Ha main road, facing Jones Creek. We endured constant artillery and repeated NVA night attacks at this position. A short distance north (to the right of photo) is where two platoons from my company fought a meat-grinder battle with Col. Tha's forces May 6.  This spot is very near the current Nhi Ha Schools and piglet distribution point.

 

After repeated assaults against a large, entrenched NVA force, we finally took Nhi Ha. Immediately, under NVA artillery attack, we hastily dug/built bunkers. This was mine. It was located near the path through Nhi Ha...now the main road. We endured multiple NVA night assaults at this position. (Hannan Photo)

 These female piglets will be pushing out babies before too long, so I expect Nhi Ha to be wallowing in pigs by my return next year. Nhung and I have decided that the focus should be the chidren of Nhi Ha in 2018. Providing small backpacks and books for the library are ideas that have been suggested. 

I want to acknowledge the coordinating effort and hard work of Nhung, who has been instrumental in the success of each of our 2016/2107 endeavors at Nhi Ha . Her ability, focus, and drive are amazing. Thank you, Nhung!!

And thus ends another return to Nhi Ha.

Nhung (pink top) Facilitating Activities

Pig in a Poke

April 25, 2017 1015 Vietnam Time Hoi An

APRIL 21, 2017 VISIT TO NHI HA KINDERGARTEN

My return to Nhi Ha included a pleasant visit with the 135 children and staff of Nhi Ha Kindergarten. Visiting the schools and interacting with the kids is a refreshing and rewarding experience that I always anticipate with eager enthusiasm.

Nhung and I were warmly greeted by the school principal, who was standing outside awaiting our arrival. After being served drinks and sitting for a short time, we proceeded to the classrooms.

Neil & Kindergarten Principal

The principal, Nhung, and I first popped into the youngest class, consisting mostly of two+ year-old    kids. It was a bit tough getting these little ones, who seldom see an "outsider", to warm up to me. But, 

facilitated by candy, it worked out just fine.

2+ Year-Old Classroom

We then proceeded to visit the other classrooms, the age groups advancing with each stop. Teachers and I worked together to distribute treats, with each child receiving a nice handful. We were even treated to songs. Such cute little kids!!

Treats forKids

With a Teacher

Treats for the Children

Singing a Song for Us

Last fall we supplied three sets of cubbies, 18 compartments to a unit, for this kindergarten. By my calculations, providing one more will allow each student to have the benefit of a compartment shared with one other. Four units at 18/ea = 72 compartments. With two to each compartment, that allows for 144 kids. With about 135 students, it'll work. So, working with Nhung, we'll make this happen.

YOU MUST CHECK THE CUTE LITTLE GIRL IN FRONT OF ME IN PINK.  ADORABLE & PRECIOUS

With a promise to get moving on supplying one more set of cubbies, Nhung and I said goodbye, promised to return next year, and were off into the midday heat.

Neil

April 24, 2017 1800 Vietnam Time Hoi An

PROPANE DELIVERY-HUE, VIETNAM

On busy Vietnam city streets, motorbikes are the best vehicle for deliveries, whether it be propane, beer, or whatever. This particular bike has some years on it!

Neil

April 24, 2017 1800 Vietnam Time Hoi An

It's a whole different philosophy here in Vietnam. Trash receptacles are mighty scarce. Trash is simply thrown onto the sidewalk or streets. Litter on sidewalks is swept into the street by the shopkeeper or resident. One way or another, it all ends up in the street. Street cleaners with a broom & scoop continually push large wheeled containers through the streets, gathering all trash and sweeping the street clean. In short, littering is not only tolerated, it's encouraged!

Neil

I

April 24, 2017 1800 Vietnam Time Hoi An

Project Renew works with officials of Quang Tri Province with a focus on finding and disarming landmines left from the Vietnam War. This poster is in Nhi Ha, right in front of the commune building where we distributed pigs April 22.

Neil