History Of Asia Connection Inc.
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The hospital remained in operation throughout the war years, but in 1975 expatriate staff were forced to leave. Minh Quy's buildings became a military hospital, but several of the local Minh Quy staff continued to provide quality care to local villagers despite financial constraints, lack of outside support, and the turmoil of the post war years. Travel restrictions limited contact between the former expatriate volunteer staff and the former local Minh Quy staff, but volunteers remained in touch and communicated when possible with friends in Kontum.
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Minh Quy Reunion 1995 |
In 1995 a number of former Minh Quy volunteers gathered for a reunion on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Bound by a deep respect for the culture of Vietnam's ethnic minorities and by fond memories of Minh Quy, we resolved to to explore ways of reaching out to help our old friends in the Highlands.
Following the Minh Quy Reunion, an informal group, variously named Friends of Minh Quy, Friends of Kontum and Friends of the Viet Nam Highlands, was able to provide some assistance to our friends in Kontum over the next several years. |
Bill tirelessly dedicated the rest of his life and considerable personal funds to ensure that ACI would continue helping the disadvantaged in the Highlands of Viet Nam as well as other projects in that country. Likewise, under Bill’s leadership, ACI expanded its support to additional programs across the globe, often working with Minh Quy alumni who had relocated their humanitarian endeavors in different countries.
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Healing the Montagnards - Time Magazine, 13 January 1967:
http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,843261,00.html
Doc Grandma Plots Return to Highlands - Stars and Stripes, 3 May 1972:
http://www.thebattleofkontum.com/stars/22.html
Dr. Smith provided care, compassion to Vietnam - The Seattle Times, 1 January, 2005:
http://www.thebattleofkontum.com/stars/smith_obit.html
In Tribute to the Founding ACI Board Members:
Bill Rose Deceased
Kerry Heubeck Board Emeritus - Guardian
Hilary Smith Board Emeritus - Guardian
Gone but not forgotten... Marion Brown, Tom Coles, Dr. George Pradhan, Father Joseph Lien, Bill Rose, Dr. Edric Baker. |