April 21, 2015

April 21 1512 Alaska Time "Photo Links"

Here is a link to all photos from the trip, as well as some '68 images. I provided Mr. Tha and Mr. Ba with all images related to Nhi Ha.  You may have to copy & paste the links.

Neil

2015 Trip
https://picasaweb.google.com/116190602388582715650/Vietnam2015?authuser=0&feat=directlink

Nhi Ha May '68
https://picasaweb.google.com/116190602388582715650/NhiHaMay1161968?authuser=0&feat=directlink

Vietnam '68
https://picasaweb.google.com/116190602388582715650/Vietnam196802?authuser=0&feat=directlink

Co A, 3/21 196th Infantry vs 3rd NVA Regiment March '68
https://picasaweb.google.com/116190602388582715650/A3213rdNVARegMar56802?authuser=0&feat=directlink


April 20, 2015

April 20 1830 Alaska Time "Video Link"

Well, folks,  Nhon and Khanh of Hearts for Hue have completed the video, as well as a description of the programs that I visited. To say that they have done a great job is quite the understatement. Khanh, founder of Hearts for Hue, is as dedicated a person as you'll ever find. Working with donated funds, he does an amazing job of ensuring maximum benefit for each dollar.  This man works with pure dedication and I find him to be quite an inspiration.  From the following link, you can  access both the video and my blog. Your best bet to watch the video is to just click the link beside "source", which is your connection to YouTube. I suggest making sure that the volume is high enough to catch the music. 

http://www.heartsforhue.org/en/trip-of-an-american-veteran-to-visit-projects-of-hearts-for-hue/

I have extensive video of events beyond that portrayed in the above link. Once it's edited/merged, I'll provide further access. I know that many of my fellow Nhi Ha comrades want to see the meetings with Mr. Tha and Mr. Ba in their entirety.

Please let me know if you have difficulty accessing the link. You can email me at neil@alaskaneil.com.

Neil



April 18, 2015

0311 PDT Time

Stuck in LAX overnight, awaiting my 0700 flight to Seattle. Then it's Seattle to Anchorage with an arrival of 1321 hours. Unable to pass security due to the flight being the next morning, I've been just  killing time. There is nothing open at which I could grab a little something to eat. Oh, I was advised to make the walk to the USO, but all was for naught. Seems that I don't qualify…only active duty and retirees. There must have been USO facilities in Vietnam, but I sure as heck never saw one. My unit was in the field 100%, not back and forth, so we didn't have such luxuries.

Anyway, enough of that. Four hours to departure. I'll get a video link posted very soon.

Neil

April 16, 2015

April 17 1426 VN Time (Heading Home)

Well, with departure time from Saigon just four hours off, it's time to pack the backpack and secure transport to the airport. The journey home is long and tiring, but that's how it goes.  I should have a video, created by Nhon, within a couple days. I'll post the link here on the blog, so keep checking back.
It's going to be amazing. Signing off for now…

Neil

April 16 1520 VN Time


Well, with departure from Saigon tomorrow evening, I’ve been busy getting things together in anticipation of making the long journey back to Alaska.  Currently, I’m in the process of uploading videos to YouTube, the link for which will be sent to Nhon of Hearts for Hue. She has already created a neat video, but we’ve decided to make some changes/additions. So, I am monitoring the painfully slow process of the You Tube upload function.  At this rate, it’ll be evening before it’s complete. I’m chomping at the bit to get the video link posted, but will wait until Nhon has finalized everything. 

On Monday, I journeyed in the hired van from Hoi An to the rural area in which The, Duong, and Thua reside.  Guide Thong and one of his English students were in accompany. The first stop was at Duong’s, where we found my legless infantry comrade on the ground in front of his dwelling.  I supplied a nice supply of food, including some treats, for which he was most appreciative. To my dismay, it seems that Duong’s TV, purchased just last February, isn’t working.  Thong and I tinkered with it for a bit with no success. So, I need to figure out how to proceed with that dilemma.  After saying goodbyes, we were off to see Lady The.

And what a sweet lady she is.  I approached this visit with a degree of sadness, as there is very real possibility that this would be the last.  I had purchased a sizable supply of staples, plus some treats, for her.  I also gave her an envelope containing 1,000,000 VND, or about $50, for the purpose of “buying fresh”. Over and over, she expressed her gratitude. Following goodbye hugs, we departed for a visit with Thua.

Thua and his family greeted us with enthusiasm as we strolled unannounced down the path to his house.  Our prior attempt to reach him by phone had been unsuccessful. However, I now have his new phone number and confirmed the accuracy of the mailing address.  Thua, too, received a supply of food, along with treats. He and I distributed candy to the kids, which always brings smiles. The stop at Thua’s marked the end of this trip’s mission.  The positive effect that we’d had upon the lives of these deserving folks is profound.

After returning to Hoi An, Thong’s student and I hopped a bus for Da Nang while Thong journeyed via motorbike.  After checking into a hotel, Thong and I sat on the street in front of his house waiting for his English students to arrive.  His wife brought out a selection of very tasty food, as well as beverages.  In a short time, the students began to arrive.  I found talking with the group, fielding questions, and showing/explaining photos most interesting.  Should I return, I hope that the opportunity avails itself again.  It is obvious that these young folks have a great deal of respect for Thong, also known to me as “damn guide”. 

After individually saying goodbye to each student, Thong transported me via motorbike to my hotel.  After parting with my good friend, it was time to retreat to my room and stretch out after a very busy, yet most rewarding, day. 

Now it’s time to return to the video task. I should have allowed this process to complete through the night instead of being confined to this hotel room all day.  Live and learn.  I’ll get the video link posted as soon as Nhon, the Royal Empress of Videos, has it finalized.  But, she is waiting for the raw videos from me before proceeding.   You can access photos from this trip using the following link:


Danny departed last night for home, so I’m back to being solo.  

Neil
Thua and Family

Lady The

Lady The Saying Goodbye

Duong & Neil " Brothers in Arms"

Duong's Military ID Card

Lady The & Neil

Lady The & Neil

Neil with Thong's English Students

Neil, Thua & Wife

Thua's Family

Thua's Pigs

April 14, 2015

April 14 1651 VN Time

Well, I've made it back to Saigon and am talking a breather while Danny cruises the streets. The plan is for him to return to the room around 1830 so that we can go out and find something to eat. His flight is just after midnight tomorrow night. I'll get into the details of yesterday's visits to The, Duong, and Thua was soon as my mind is rested and ready to roll. For now, though, I'm going to close my eyes for a bit.

Neil

April 13, 2015

April 13 1030 VN Time

It was certainly a very active, intense day. Took food to The, Duong, and Thua and visited….hated to leave. Just arrived at my Da Nang hotel following a two-hour question/answer session with Thong's English students. It's pretty late and I'm drained…will write more tomorrow. Just  really wiped tonight.  Leaving on a flight to Saigon in the AM and must close these weary eyes.

Neil