LA Times Articles-196th Light Infantry Nhi Ha (Neil)


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June 22 Lucky Girls (Katie)

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Kira and I are so fortunate to have had the opportunity to join my father for this year’s visit of compassion in Vietnam. It was an eye-opening, educational, and rewarding experience for both of us. Though there are other things I am proud of him for, his humanitarian work in Vietnam is one for which I am most proud. I’m not able to comprehend fully to what extent, but I know that there is always a degree of difficulty in returning to Vietnam after his haunting 1968 experience. It takes a uniquely strong soul to prevail over those memories and emotions and keep returning to create happiness and healing in the sites that held such horror. Last night at our lodging in Anchorage, I walked into the dining room to find Kira telling a child and her mother about the people that her Grandpa helps. She spoke with such obvious pride that I had to smile. She had answers to whatever questions they threw at her as well. This has been a month that she will always remember. I’m gr...
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May 27 Great Discovery! (Neil)

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Today, here in DaNang, Thong took me via motorbike to a jewelry store to exchange U. S. dollars for Vietnamese Dong. The Vietnamese owner of the store served in Co D 3/21 196th Light Infantry 1969-1970! I only had two 196th hats left and brought both on this trip...one for me and one for Katie. Well, now we're down to just one hat and I'm hanging onto that one! Katie had to cough hers up, I'm afraid. Mr. Man & Neil The veteran's name is Man and he spent much time in and around LZ Ross. He recalls a Lt. Black and a medic Dad (sp?) from LZ Ross. Now, listen up Spencer Baba, Man mentioned knowing Thua, who I will visit tomorrow! This is big news and Thong, aka Damn Guide, must be credited for leading me to Mr. Man. Man- Co D 3/21 196th LIB Thua-196th Light Infantry Brigade Man & Damn Guide Items have been secured this AM for tomorrow's visit to Thua, Duong, and Lady The. Must rush back over to Thong's place now. Neil
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May 31 Duong (Katie)

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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...
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