2010 Vietnam Trip: The D.O.V.E. Fund Mission Continues
Select members of the DOVE Fund returned last month from nearly 3 weeks in Vietnam . Joined by Vietnam veteran, Gary Stocker and his wife, Linda, founders of the Bandage Brigade, a group formed to help ease the suffering of the leprosy stricken in Vietnam, the delegation landed in Ho Chi Minh City on April 20th.
Included in the group were Vietnam veterans John Borman and Lee Carlson, both members of the Hiawatha Valley Marines. The Minnesota based veterans group has helped build several schools in areas of Vietnam where the Marines served decades ago.
Traveling next to Hue City in central Vietnam , the group visited several schools, handing out scholarships to students at Hai Lang and Quang Tri High Schools. Later, the group dedicated a new addition to the Huong Xuan nursery school in Quang Tri province. Afterwards, the contingent met with District officials to inspect an addition to the Quang Thanh daycare center.
In the afternoon, the group visited the Vy Da resettlement area in Hue . The area is very poor and last year the DOVE Fund improved the fresh water delivery system to allow more residents to enjoy clean water. Gifts were provided to the children at the small, one room school. There is much to be done in this community and the DOVE Fund is partnering with Hearts for Hue, a local charity devoted to the less fortunate in this ancient city.
Later, the delegation travels to Hue School for the Blind. The DOVE Fund has provided a Braille printer and computer equipment for the students here and they thank everyone with an inspiring song and dance performance.
During the week long stay in Quang Tri province, the DOVE Fund, led by Vice Chair for Vietnam Projects, Fred Grimm and Trustee, Do Nguyen, the delegation also visited the new Hai An Medical Clinic. Due for completion next month, this two story building will replace the old six-bed facility next door and provide the community with modern diagnostic and out-patient care.
The group also visited the Cam Lo School for the Blind. Built by the late Mark Sathe, this school helps to rehabilitate the unsighted by teaching them how to build brooms, toothpicks and other items that help bring a sense of dignity and self worth.
Later, the DOVE Fund traveled to Ai Tu to dedicate the addition of two new classrooms and kitchen facilities. Built at the end of an airstrip used by the Marines 40 years ago, this new facility will house over 100 students in 4 classrooms. After lunch, the group moves to An Loi and inspects a two room school that DOVE built in 2002. Ravaged by the Ketsana Typhoon and resulting flood, the school is in need of repair. Because of population increases, district officials indicate the desire for a new addition to the existing building.
District representatives then lead the contingent to Phuoc Le village to inspect the site of a proposed water treatment project. The water quality is very poor and is causing sickness among the residents. Corrective action will require new, deeper wells and a better filtration system.
The next morning, everyone is headed to Trieu Trung Elementary School for the dedication of this new facility. Karen and Brandon Saumer, the wife and son of major fundraiser and Vietnam war veteran, Lanny Saumer, speak about Lanny’s dream and the commitment of the students of Meyer Middle School in River Falls WI , who helped raise funds to build the school. “Lanny was with us today”, said Karen, “we could all feel his love for the children of Vietnam .”
After leaving Quang Tri province the group heads south to Hoi An and visits with Global Village, a mobile book resource the DOVE Fund is using for some of its schools. Later, the delegation observes an onsite dental program at an elementary school in Da Nang . Staffed by volunteer dentists from the USA and funded by EMWF, the program is helping hundreds of children receive much needed dental care.
From Da Nang the group travels to Qui Nhon and meets with Binh Dinh provincial officials to discuss potential projects. Later, after visiting the Leprosy Hospital for a tour of the facilities the group is treated to lunch with the staff. In the evening, the delegation travels to a reception at the Saigon Qui Nhon Hotel where the DOVE Fund has donated specially modified bikes for special needs children.
The next morning, the group heads south to Ho Chi Minh City, leaving behind Linda and Gary Stocker. The leaders of the Bandage Brigade travel into the Central Highlands for meetings with patients at the Leprosy Village who will receive hundreds of hand-knitted, reusable bandages that will treat the damaged limbs of the lepers.
Heading back into Saigon , the group readies itself for a late afternoon reception at the Majestic Hotel. Organized by DOVE Fund Trustee, Do Nguyen, the evening featured singing and dancing by some of the most talented performers in the city. Fred Grimm received an award from Mr. Nam of the Quang Tri Department of Foreign Affairs noting the contribution of the DOVE Fund. Do Nguyen spoke about the 10th Anniversary of the DOVE Fund and our commitment to the people of Vietnam. Nguyen, who was born in central Vietnam, is a founding member of the DOVE Fund and travels frequently to his homeland. “This evening was beyond my expectations, said Nguyen, “many people asked how they could help us continue our efforts. It was a very rewarding experience.”
After breakfast the next day, all of the trustees visited Ho Chi Minh Technical University. Each year, the DOVE Fund Scholarship Committee awards scholarships to deserving students who show enthusiasm for excellence and hard work. “These kids are terrific”, said trustee and Vietnam veteran John Abbey, “they are a little older and appreciate the funding we provide.”
The next morning, it’s off to Tan Son Nhat and headed for home. Everyone is bone tired and exhausted but satisfied that much has been accomplished in the past few weeks. “Each visit only reminds us of how much more needs to be done”, says Vietnam veteran and trustee Dan Gregg, “it’s time to make things happen.”
Participants: Daniel Gregg, Diane Van Voorhis, John Abbey, Julie Oswald, Bailey Oswald, Jessica McGowen, Fred Grimm, Jill Grimm, Do Nguyen, Theresa Nguyen, Gary Stocker, Linda Stocker, Karen Saumer, Brandon Saumer, Lee Carlson, Peggy Carlson, Ginny Sathe, Patricia Moss, John Borman, Brad Meyer.