Blog Archives

Former American GI & ARVN (in Vietnam) talks about Vietnam today

Join our Vietnam Veteran Common Bond exclusive circle- http://thuysmithinternationaloutreach.org/OurWork/commonbond.aspx Become a part of an opportunity to make what was once a negative into a postive. We can bridge the gap and make a difference in healing for all.

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Posted in Healing betwen Veterans from Vietnam & U.S., Return Trips- Vietnam

Vietnam Vets help me load medical container to Vietnam

Loading 40 foot ocean freight medical container to Vietnam. Although most of the items were used, they were in excellent condition. Medical facilities purchased new items and couldn’t use them anymore. We actually helped take it off their hands many times instead

Posted in Return Trips- Vietnam

Pictures of us and other vets hanging out

Many Vietnam veterans are retuning to Vietnam to visit. Some return every year and then there are some who live in Vietnam either part or full time. David and Chuck eating from the hot-pot David getting haircut & then pretending

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Posted in Return Trips- Vietnam

Lost children of Asia

Lost children of Asia January 11th, 23:13 So I said to my new-found friends when I saw them, “Who are you?”.And they say, “I’m not sure”. So I said to my new friends, “Where are you going?” And they say, 

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Posted in Return Trips- Vietnam

Time to leave my family

After breakfast with some friends I’ve been with my family pretty much all day. It is currently 8pm and we’ve been having dinner, laughing, & having a good time.  Actually went to the Cambodian wedding again today. Live music &

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Posted in Return Trips- Vietnam

The people! Love, love, love the people!

The people! Love, love, love, the people! January 23rd, 2010 I just love hanging out with the kids! I all of a sudden became like the pied piper in town. Fun hanging out & people watching! Tomorrow going to a

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Posted in Return Trips- Vietnam

Had an urge to write this morning

Had an urge to write this morning January 20th, 2010 As I sat here this morning for breakfast (Banh Mi & Cafe Sua Nong) I was feeling at peace & in the moment, more so then at anytime on this

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Posted in Return Trips- Vietnam

Psychological lense

Psychological lense January 11th, 2010   As I zoom lensed my camera into their eyes in my best photography, I saw these thoughts as I independently photographed these asking people: ~Did my dead father die on the battlefields of Vietnam?

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Posted in Return Trips- Vietnam

Arrived in Vietnam December 28, 2009

December 28th, 2009 We are in our very first day in Vietnam. We are currently in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) or what mostly everyone still calls Saigon. It was a long flight. I am here with two Vietnam Vets.

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Posted in Return Trips- Vietnam

Some funnies in Vietnam & Cambodia

Some funnies in Vietnam & Cambodia January 9th, 2010 We were in a hotel the first day where the bed spread said “Happy today & Happy today. David really trying to be open-minded to everything on this return trip of

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Posted in Return Trips- Vietnam

First day in HCMC

Day in Saigon January 11th, 12:07 David: January 5, 2010 On return to Saigon via  Cambodia airlines, the beauty of the flight matched the beauty of the young flight attendant who politely served us sandwiches & water. Looking down on

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Posted in Return Trips- Vietnam

On the way to the Delta

On the way to the Delta January 19th, 2010 We have stayed just long enough in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, & Nha Trang to rudamentally begin to learn how to function, to develop a sense of familiarity with individuals, to find

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Posted in Return Trips- Vietnam

Peace Train

Peace Train January 19th, 2010 Peace Train by Cat Stevens revolves around in my head as we say farewell to Nha Trang on our night bus heading for Saigon. This city along the south China Sea waves goodbye in blues,

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Posted in Return Trips- Vietnam

Chuck’s thoughts on meeting Amerasians

Chuck’s thoughts on meeting Amerasians Vietnam trip with Thuy 2010 After meeting Amerasians Meeting Amerasians men & women & family members today was a deeply moving experience. It somehow connected one deeply to that other reality of 40 years ago.

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Posted in Return Trips- Vietnam

My thoughts on Amerasians

My thoughts on Amerasians Vietnam trip with two Vietnam Veterans- January 2010 I was so overwhelmed. I looked at all of them & felt very honored to meet them, little did they know. We started with introductions & I told

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Posted in Return Trips- Vietnam

Putting things to rest

Putting things to rest David Backstrom (Return trip with Thuy to Vietnam) January 2010 Soldiers of the Vietnam War & people who surrounded their lives know the expression: “Many soldiers returned home to their country after the war. However, many

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Posted in Return Trips- Vietnam

The Last Chapters

The Last Chapters David Backstrom (Return trip with Thuy to Vietnam- January 2010) Soc Trang is a very pleasant city with very foreigners Chuck & I. Thuy of course blends in. Chuck & I are noticed from moment to moment.

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Posted in Return Trips- Vietnam

Chuck’s final thoughts

Chuck’s final thoughts (Return trip to Vietnam with Thuy) January 2010 I am ready to begin the homeward journey. When I think about the reality of living in the center of North America, I see more clearly some of the

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Posted in Return Trips- Vietnam