Jan 1, 2024 11:30 AM (Alaska) 2024 Humanitarian Program Preview

Well, in a couple weeks I'll be on my way back to Vietnam to implement our 2024 humanitarian program. Many details have been worked out, but there will always be spontaneous undertakings.

On landing at 8:30 AM Jan 18th, the smiling face of Thong (aka Damn Guide) will be waiting.  

The first order of business will be to visit two 196th Light Infantry Brigade veterans, Duong, and Thua. Thong and I will assess their needs and react accordingly. 




I also intend to visit the graves of Son and her mother, Lady The. Such history...



The vision program is well underway, thanks to the efforts of Khanh, Chairman of Hearts for Hue. Preliminary vision screening has been accomplished in the rural schools of Quang Phu and Huong Van in order to determine which students are most in need of eyeglasses. The 200 selected children have been given comprehensive visual examinations and have selected their frames. Currently, the eyeglasses are in production and will be ready when I arrive. None of these folks have ever had glasses, so this will be pretty amazing. I'll personally hand each person his/her glasses on Jan 22nd and 23rd.



Also, the local Copper River Basin Lions Club has donated 200 pairs of glasses, which will accompany me on the flight to Vietnam. Prospective recipients, regardless of age, will be matched with suitable glasses. The village and date has yet to be set, but it's going to happen!

I believe that we'll be able to provide 15 families (hopefully more) with 50 chickens each. The birds will be 21 days old and have necessary inoculations. Each family will be given a feeder and waterer. These chickens provide both food and income for impoverished families.



I'll be in Dong Ha for a couple days and will, as always, travel a short distance north to Nhi Ha.  It was there that my infantry unit fought a grueling battle the NVA May-2-16,1968. Author Keith Nolan termed the engagement "Nightmare Battle of Nhi Ha." In coordination with Nhung of D.O.V.E Fund, we will provide one computer and 2,800 writing tablets for 380 students. The school is located in what was our dug-in defensive position during most of the battle.


So, soon things will be in high gear! My heartfelt thanks to all who have generously contributed to our helping and healing humanitarian program. I am truly humbled. We're changing lives and providing hope. The villagers are so respectful and appreciative. It's absolutely heartwarming.

I'll be quite busy, but will make every effort to post daily blog entries.

Keep this blog address!

hannan2024vietnam.blogspot.com

Thanks again!!

Neil

 






Comments

  1. GmanJanuary 1, 2024 at 3:27 PM

    Wishing you a safe trip. The eye glass program is a great idea.

    ReplyDelete

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