July 16^th 2004

Dear Professor Kenneth Herrmann,

From watching the report about Agent Orange victims broadcast on DN television, I believe tht you have a thorough understanding about the great losses that Agent Orange victims are incurring. Therefore, you set up this program to help us.

My name is Hoang Van Hue, born in 1948. I am now a seriously wounded soldier. 81% of my health was lost during the days I served in the army. I fought in many fronts in the South East battlefields where American troops sprayed a lot of dioxin. That is the reason why I became a victim. Until now I am exhausted, I can't work. Besides, I was mentally disordered and I am still sick all the time because of chronic diseases.

I got married in 1975. I have four children whose brains develop very slowly, especially two children. They are Hoang Binh Lap, born in 1978 and Hoang Thi Ngoc Ha, born in 1983. They were mentally retarded as soon as they were born. It's been very hard for us to bring them up. They keep shouting and moaning every day. They can't do anything, even feeding themselves. All their daily activities need serving. I have taken them to many hospitals, but they were said to be incurable because the effects of dioxin were the cause.

The war has been over; however, its consequences are still there with Vietnamese people.

Nowadays we are suffering from persistent pains. Vietnamese veterans are both mentally and physically tormented. I write this letter with the hope that after coming back to America you will appeal to the American people to raise funds to partly relieve our pains. We are very grateful for your help.

Hoang Van Hue
Nhan Hien Hamlet, Hien Giang Commune, Thuong Tin Ha Tay

trans. Nguyen Thi My Hoa