Razorback Hearts

By Le Thanh Giai

Look back to the journey by air from Saigon to Los Angeles-San Jose-Houston-Little Rock... With over 30 hours travelling on different types of airplanes... plus one and one-half hour on the road toward the address: 660 Homer Johnson Road, Rison, Arkansas 71665, just simply to meet an old American friend of the last 30 years ago, seems to have occurred in some dream only. And the best impression about America is also starting from that reunion, too.

July 4th, 2000

Marcell said Danny has always tried to make his family, his friends there in Rison to understand what America had contributed for the sake of ... Vietnamese's freedom as main topic in every conversation, including Vietnamese friends that the Jack's love... and something about me through his heart: a Non-Commissioned Officer ARVN (Army Republic of Vietnam) interpreter who was graduated from AFLS (Armed Forces Languages School) in 1966. I said to myself, "Surely that war hero Danny Jacks had so many times retold the unforgettable war stories." And then, when I , a strange Vietnamese, first shows up in Rison, after a hand shake with a friendly resident there, he or she immediately knew that I was Danny's buddy since the 70's.

To me, while a guest at the Jack's Ranch, I was a live witness to let the people there, in every meeting, to comprehend through my words how my dear friend, that very Jacks himself (needless to describe how braveDanny was at the time) and other America warriors who had fought so gallant to defeat the Communists... in an absolutely strand battlefield.

Jacks said most of all young men returned from Vietnam: Steve Lemire (Alaska); Robert Wells (Michigan).... all had paid for their volunteer to Vietnam to fight for the freedom of my country; some affected by PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). That psychological illness has led a number of veterans to different types of tragedies: suicide, drugs, ...and until this moment, that invisible wound still causes uneasiness in the heart of 270,000 veterans and inside the sleeping souls of 50,000 names on the Wall and countless veterans buried across America.

We had only one worry. That we would have lost an arm, a leg, or both to the VC. But I had often told my team members, if that unfortunate situation were to happen to me, .... do not hesitate to finish my life... as quickly as possible. This was the rule of Team Oregon and, as far as I know, was a rule of every LRRP Team. I now am feeling sorry for what had bee done during the years of 69-71 and still now achieving the freedom for Vietnam. However, as men, we wouldn't have to regrets for that, but must focus into our next generation by giving them all updated knowledge, instead of war weapons theory as before, I do truly believe that the world history of the 21st century will be noted that the last victory must belong to us.

July 5th, 2000

The Jacks have paid much respect to the Vietnamese Boatman and considered my case the same. Danny and Marcell had taken me to the INS in Memphis, Tennessee, Department of Labor in Arkansas for sponsoring and legalizing my visa status. In the sponsor letter to USINS TSC in Mesquite, Texas, Danny Wrote: My friend was a South Vietnamese soldier during the Vietnam war. After the war, he served several years in labor camp. He has been persecuted and discriminated against every day of his life. Since he has no hope for a future in his native land, he is seeking a life free of persecution and to be allowed his freedom. I have offered Le Thanh Giai a job here, where he can pursue his freedom and livelihood.

Marcell said she and her kids were proud of Danny. After 20 years of working, the Jacks have a chicken ranch in joint venture with KFC, planning for palm trees, a nice house...a daughter and a son and two lovely grandchildren. The Jacks family believe in God and are living next to wonderful neighbors. Danny said, " We enjoy the wonderful life that America has granted to us and it is not difficult to improve out living environment."

In Rison, everyone is out for hunting season, exchanging working days for each other nearby ranches... a peaceful life in a beautiful community. For my country's friends and for the Jacks, I have only resided 20 days in the "promised land" , but seem as I have already seen America... from the heart of my friends in Rison Arkansas.

(editor's note: this article was broadcasted on Que Huong Radio Station and published in the Que Huong Weekly News in San Jose, California for the Vietnamese community in the United States of America)