10.09.10 : Friendship Village - The Effects of Agent Orange

10.09.10 : Friendship Village

I needed to do a special post just for this, because it was quite an experience for everyone, however difficult, painful, or joyful the experience. I went into this visit with some fear and reservation, preparing for a difficult situation, and it was joy that prevailed overall.

Dr. Ed Tick, and John Fisher of Solider's Heart share laughter and high fives with Vietnamese veterans receiving medical treatment at Friendship Village.  John found new friends in men who were his enemies during the war in the Central Highlands.

Friendship village is an NGO that was started by a US veteran Gerge Mizo. Mr. Mizo had the idea to make a home for veterans and their children who were affected by Agent Orange. His troubles raising funds to build friendship village sent him to Germany where he was able to raise funds from many countries to begin the project, his vision for peace and reconciliation on land that was once ride paddies, Located in Van Canh commune, Hoai Duc district, Ha Tay province, about 15 kilometers southwest of central Hanoi.  

The Village opened it's doors in 1993, and now has beds for 120 children, and 40 veterans, a school, an organic garden among other facilities.  The residents receive medical care, education, vocational rehabilitation, in addition to many other types of rehabilitation to address the different ways - physical, mental, and emotional - effects of Agent Orange present themselves; even three generations later.

All of the veterans from both sides gather for a photo together chanting
"Hoa Binh!" the Vietnamese word for peace.

 A highlight with the kids was a spontaneous game of kickball in the rehabilitation room with their rehab balls, plastic balls, and anything that bounced.  Smiles and laughter all around.  I heard someone say, "these kids may be disabled, but they're happy with what they've got."                                                

"The only universal language is pain," says Joe Caley.

                                                        

Joe Caley, and Michael "Magoo" Phillips pose with veterans they
met at Friendship Village who fought in the same battles with them in 1968. 

Reverend John Schluep embraces the Dr. who takes care of the Village residents' medical needs.  Schluep presented him with a giveaway cloth marked with the organizations behind the journey - Warriors Journey Home, Kent Roosevelt High School, The Red Bird Center, Soldier's Heart, Freedom House, The Wick Poetry Center at KSU, and the City of Tallmadge Ohio.

We were also reminded by our Iraq vets Nate Lewis that chemical warfare in the form of depleted uranium is being used in in Iraq and Afghanistan. For the two Iraq vets with us in Vietnam, the visit was also a vision into the future of the long-lasting hurt and conflict this current war will leave behind.