May 31 Duong (Katie)

Leaving Lady The's, we traveled some more narrow roads to Duong's. We made our way up to his house on the path that we'd paved for him several years ago, and found him in the doorway greeting us with his cheerful one-toothed smile.

He and my father both served in the same platoon during the war, but at different times. Duong joined the 196th Light Infantry Brigade after my father returned to The United States. He served as a Kit Carson Scout. They were highly valuable, as they were far more familiar with the terrain and had extensive knowledge of enemy tactics. Duong lost both of his legs in an mortar round booby trap explosion.

Food, vitamins, ibuprofen, a new fan, candy for the children, and money for him to spend on food were delivered. He's been taking his vitamins and medication as recommended, and now has another full-year's supply. Gesturing to his arms, he said that the multi-vitamins are making him feel stronger and healthier, and that the ibuprofen is very effective at alleviating his arm and shoulder pain. His arms get extensive use, as they are his only tools to move himself around. In the photos here, you can see how he walks using wooden blocks. He showed us two ways that he uses them... the first where he uses them at the sides of his body, moving his legs directly along the floor. The second, hoisting himself up onto the blocks and moving along with the blocks underneath him, which he says is more comfortable. He was also very appreciative of the fan, commenting on how very hot it is.

While we didn't see any obvious additional needs for Thua and Lady The, there were two that become evident during our visit with Duong. 1) While the well that the we put in for him does make the tasks of bathing and washing (dishes, clothes, etc.) much easier, we were disappointed to find that he has been unable to use it for drinking. He relayed that he was told he would have to install a water filter, though he doesn't know what the actual problem with the water is. We pumped some to investigate. Its appearance is crystal clear with no sediment, but it does have a strong sulfur odor. Without running a water test, we won't be able to determine if the water is indeed unsafe to consume, or how the situation can best be remedied. 2) The remote for the TV that was delivered last year is broken. We hoped it was just a battery issue, but it will indeed need to be replaced. It looks like the TV can still operate, but he can't change the volume, channel, or anything besides turning it on and off.

Duong will be able to resolve the remote issue locally. We will work on resolving the water problem. If the only concern is sulfur, we may be able to simply purchase some water filter pitchers. Presently, a neighbor brings him drinking water at his request.

From the smiles, cheerfulness, and kindness this man radiates, you could never guess the misfortunes he has faced.

Neil and Duong sitting on the floor that was installed a few years ago (prior to that, it was all rough concrete).
The walls were painted inside and out and gutters were installed at the same time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Neil, Kira, and Duong sitting behind his new fan, food, and supplements

Kira sharing some of Duong's candy with the children, with Duong's permission.

Katie and Duong in his house, his TV that was delivered two years ago in the background.

Duong's unique method of walking

 

A goodbye kiss for Kira