Guys, this is on the level. I just received it from a very good pal (SF) who I have known for years and who I trust with my back. If Hannon says it's on the level, it's on the level.
If you have been waiting for a chance to do something that will make a difference, this is it. This is no time to ask questions, just do it, if you want to, and if you can.
If you don't want to, or if you can't, I apologize for the spam. (Seriously.)
Message follows. Thanks, guys.
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Subj: 905 Montagnards Date: 4/30/02 10:27:25 PM
From: SFAHQ@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2002 11:57 AM
To: members@sfahq.org
Subject: 905 Montagnards
Special Forces Association, Chapter 57 will hold a business meeting at the VFW in Kernersville, NC on Saturday, May 4 at 1500 hours (3PM). All who receive this and can attend are welcome.
Directions: Take old/business I-40 to Kernersville/Hiway 66 exit. Turn South. Look for Susie's diner on the Southeast corner of the bridge. turn into the side street directly across from the diner. You will be facing the Lexus dealership and driving west parallel to the freeway after you make this turn. Go 1 1/2 blocks and turn left into the VFW parking lot. There are 2 buildings. The meeting will be in the basement conference room in the smaller buiding at the back of the parking lot.
The meeting is to briefly discuss our chapter calendar for the rest of the year and then will focus how to assist the 905 Montagnards (mountain tribesmen from Vietnam) who were in primitive jungle camps last week and who will be arriving in NC beginning on 12 May. These folks are penniless, many are sick. they have been living under terrible oppression for years solely for their support of American efforts in Southeast Asia. Most of the original members of this group were killed by North Vietnamese, Communist Pathet Lao and Khmer Rouge Forces. Many of the men in this group fought with American Green Berets in Laos, Cambodia, and North and South Vietnam. This has all been confirmed and they and their families have been approved for immediate immigration by the US State Department.
We estimate the need to be for 225-250 families households.
Since last Wednesday's meeting, National Special Forces Association and chapter 57 efforts have raised $2100, furniture for 3 apartments and promises of clothing and kitchen items for 2 families. The Montagnard community has 2 trailer loads of supplies coming from Oregon and I was told last night to expect one U-haul from Illinois in June. In meetings with other civic orgs, church and synagogue groups that I have attended as well as many many phone conversations since last Wednesday...I believe approx 75 Montagnard families will be ok. This need has been evaluated by over 20 local churches and synagogues and they have all agreed to help and are, but they too can only do so much.
That leaves 150-175 families left out. Greensboro will receive about 1/2 of the group. The rest are going to Raleigh and Charlotte NC. I believe if everyone just understood this situation, they would all contribute something...The community is reaching out in a huge way, but I am most concerned and believe that the local saturation point is being reached much too quickly and way before most of the families will receive the assistance and food they need to have any hope for a successful start.
I am trying to make the challenge very clear early with this message. I have been involved and a key Special Forces representative to the volunteer Montagnard resettlement effort since it began about 17 years ago. This is a huge group, the largest ever by several times. It is going to overtax every resource we have. I have witnessed over two hundred Montagnard family resettlements over the years. These folks are hard-working, honest and clean. They do not want welfare and do not sign up for it. They find jobs and make do. They work overtime and many men have worked 2 full-time jobs for a coupla years to get a house down payment together and to buy a car.
These folks need a helping hand initially to get them started ok. America was created by immigration. Our forefathers and mothers all got a helping hand from someone. Let's make this payback time.
the $2100 raised by Special Forces in 3 days is a fantastic start but is only $2.32 per Montagnard and we need to provide food for at least the first 3-4 weeks. The community's collective local effort to prepare 75 homes is awesome but we need 150 more.
These people are worthy and America supporters. I lived in their villages and fought with them in Vietnam. I hate to beg and never have in my life...but if you know me, I am asking you now to look around your house and send us a blanket, kitchen supplies, a kid's toy or anything else for a household. If you can spare a buck or 2 or more for food supplies or rent please send it too. Jimmy Dean ( Secretary, National Special Forces Association) and I will supervise all donations to National Special Forces Association and/or Chapter 57. You have our "Green Beret" word that nothing will be wasted, nothing siphoned off and every penny will go to a needy family. All volunteers working with me will pay all of their own expenses and buy their own lunch.
Do not put this off. these folks begin arriving on May 12; that is only 14 days. the logistics involved in sorting and distribution to 225 homes is a gigantic job...we need more items and help now.
If you have read my book you know that I believe the greatest mistake a person makes is to do nothing because they can only do a little.
Please write checks or send cash to: US Army Special Forces Association PO BOX 41436 Fayetteville, NC 28309
Include a note that it is for "Montagnard resettlement"
Please send household goods, food and clothing to Mike Linnane
4631 Chesterfield Place Jamestown, NC 27282
Questions...E-mail - unclewest@aol.com or call me 336 454-4544, Cell 336 215-4189
Request worldwide distribution of this information.
Mike Linnane Major, Green Beret, Retired US Army Special Forces Association Triad Chapter 57, President