The D.O.V.E. Fund 2009 Trip to Vietnam
“Hard work and a lot of fun!”
The D.O.V.E. Fund returned to the USA on May 5th after more than 2 weeks in Vietnam. Led by Vice President for Vietnam Projects, Do Nguyen and wife, Theresa, the group of 24 arrived in Ho Chi Minh City on April 17th then traveled to Hue, north to Quang Binh province, back to Da Nang and Hoi An, then to Nha Trang and on to Quy Nhon finally returning to Ho Chi Minh City on May 3rd.
"The trip was both hectic and relaxing," said Kentucky donor Sharon Snider, "during the day, we were usually visiting the D.O.V.E Fund schools and distributing gifts, school supplies and financial aid. In the evening, there was the cocktail hour, plenty of good food and massage therapists to get things right." Snider and her husband Jim along with friends, Roger and Ann Peoples and daughter Susan Hammon were on hand to dedicate their school, “The Bluegrass Academy”, a new daycare center about 15 miles north of Hue.
D.O.V.E. Fund Trustee, John Craven, wife Gail and daughter Adrienne also dedicated a school named for 3 Army buddies who lost their lives in Dak Lak province 40 years ago. John persuaded Pat Youngs, widow of soldier Wayne Elkins along with their son, Wayne and wife, Tracy to return to Vietnam and take part of the ceremony. John, who worked for over 3 years spearheading the fundraising efforts to build the school, found it especially satisfying to have both families in Vietnam to share in this dedication.
D.O.V.E. Trustee and major donor, John Abbey led the dedication ceremonies for the Hai Troung Daycare in Quang Tri province. “With the addition of a fresh water well, new kitchen and upgraded WC facilities, the D.O.VE. Fund has really made a difference in the lives of these children” said Abbey. The highly motivated teachers were also given well deserved financial aid from the D.O.V.E. Fund
D.O.V.E. Fund Trustee and Treasurer Doug Welch distributed scholarship funds to students at many of the schools along with school supplies, toothbrushes, Chap Stick and band-aids. “The kids really need the things we take for granted” said Dave Welch, New York attorney and 29-year old son of Doug Welch “This is my 2nd trip in 3 years and I’m motivated now to do more than ever” Mr. Welch has since been approved as an DOVE Fund Advisory member and will take on special assignments as directed by the Committee Chairs.
Do Nguyen kept The D.O.V.E. Trustees busy by arranging meetings with DoFA officials, looking at new project sites, evaluating proposals and inspecting buildings for maintenance issues. “We still had time to visit the caves at Phong Nha, practice Tai Chi on the beach, take a mud bath, attend a cooking school in Hoi An and even golf at Song Be on our last day in Ho Chi Minh City,” said Nguyen. “We work hard because much needs to be done” He smiled and added, “I’m already working on the itinerary for our 2010 trip.” We can hardly wait.
The D.O.V.E. Fund Travelers: Fred Grimm, Jill Grimm, John Craven Jr., Gail Craven, Wayne Elkins, Tracy Elkins, Daniel Gregorczyk, Lucille Peoples, James Taylor, John Taylor, James Snider Jr., Sharon Snider, Patti Longbrake, Patricia Youngs, William Abbey Jr., Susan Hammon, Doug Welch, David Welch, Kenneth Kropp, Patricia Kropp, Roger Hamilton