After the Sept 9 chicken distribution, we drove a short distance to the house of Mr. Thuong. There were many banana trees en route. Just two years old when he fell into a fire, reducing his hands to mere stubs, Thuong has adapted amazingly well and can tackle about any task. He has a huge grove of papaya trees, the fruit of which is sold at local markets. He picked a few ripe ones for us. He also raises chickens and pigs. However, a swine disease has temporarily placed a halt on pig production. A vaccine has been developed but, much like the covid-19 vaccine for humans, it doesn't necessarily prevent infection. We took a look at the 50 chickens that he had received from us earlier that day. And it was a pleasure meeting Thuong's mother. With handshakes & hugs, we were on our way to see Mrs.Vac.
I'm late in reporting last Friday's delivery of 750 chickens to 15 impoverished families in rural Huong Van Village. It was a great event with 750 21-day-old peepers waiting to be picked up by15 appreciative families. Khanh and I were joined by Vi and Ha of Hearts for Hue, who did a super job capturing the action with photographs and video. Also in attendance was Mr. Thuyen, the local Red Cross director. With Mr. Thuyen, Vi, and Khanh Chicken Bonding When all recipients had arrived, we began distribution. Everyone was excited to get 50 chickens, which will serve as a source of food and income. And I was excited to personally hand the crate containing the chickens to each recipient. Hey, you Versailles, Ohio folks....It was Poultry Day in Vietnam! A Little Talk Before Distribution Remember Our Friend, Thuong? And off the happy recipients go with their chickens! h MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!! As the distribution was almost complete, I not...
Well, I left DaNang Airport at 1155 and arrived in Singapore 3 hours later. The last time that I flew DaNang to Singapore was July '68. A huey was dropping off supplies to my field company when someone hollered out, "Hannan, R & R." I had had no clue if I would ever get an R & R or, if so, where it might be. I rushed to the chopper with my M-79 and pack and jumped on board. My head was still spinning as it lifted off and headed for Chu Lai. Then came a cold beer (something cold!), a shower (I had been in the field since Feb), and a haircut (longest my hair had ever been). From Chu Lai I believe that it was a C-130 that flew me to DaNang. Leaving DaNang Air Base July '68 When standing on the tarmac in DaNang July '68, about to board a plane destined to Singapore for 5 days R & R, someone tapped me on the shoulder. To my surprise, it was Gary Davidson (aka G-Man) from my hometown of Versailles, Ohio. He was going on R & R in Taipei. What a coinci...
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