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Report: The VVAW Thanh Binh School Library Project

By Chuck Theusch

September 21, 2019

In the finest tradition of government efficiency (or lack thereof…), the Final Certificate of Authority and Permit was issued on August 28, 2019, by the Government Agency for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Hanoi. Le Thi Hoa is our friend who is delighted to have the VVAW Library in her Village. Located in Giong Trom, Ben Tre Province the historic nature of the locale has special significance for the Vietnamese. In this remote area of old South Vietnam, relatively close to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the number of kids existing at poverty level is extreme. Vietnam's definition of poverty is far more serious than the American definition.

Here is a brief introduction to VVAW's new friends in South Vietnam. Le Thi Hoa started and owned a Beauty Salon in New Berlin at 165th & Grenefield Avenue suburban Milwaukee for over 20 years. She recently sold the business and now runs a small masseuse shop with locations in Elm Grove and Dousman, Wisconsin.

She has never lost her love of her homeland. A late 60's entertainer in South Vietnam, with little education, she has still excelled at building a life for herself here in the USA. She has returned to her home in Ben Tre to help her family invest in a business and homes in Saigon. She purchased some land near Ton San Nhut Airport, familiar environs to many veterans. Her sisters run a coffee shop there that she has inspired and funded.

The VVAW Library Project will be much more than a one time investment. It will provide Vietnamese friends, associates, and contacts for future travel and involvement for any of it its members, their families, and friends. If they wish to travel or engage in internet exchanges, the library will be the source of such contacts taking advantage of the relationships.

Having obtained the Hanoi approvals, October 2019 we will be finally holding a small groundbreaking event as construction begins.

Chuck Theusch is a Vietnam Veteran of the US Army, 4/3 Infantry, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, Vietnam 1969-70.
He is the founder/CEO of the Library of Vietnam Project.

Actual construction brick signed by the Thanh Binh School headmaster from the VVAW Library site. Bricks can be made for any sponsors over $500, and brought back.

Chuck Theusch, Ms. Hoa of Hanoi, Permit Processor, and Khanh, of Saigon, LOVP representative.