First Stop in Saigon

Upon arrival in Saigon, I wanted our group to experience what is known as The War Remnants Museum. We will be traveling through villages of Southern Vietnam, to areas that were affected during the "American" war. We will be treating patients that continue to suffer the lasting effects of war, including amputees from land mines, and patients and off spring affected by Agent Orange. Agent Orange, Dioxin, was used during the war to defoliate plants, and trees, presumably to aid our troops in defending the South. Dioxin is the most devastating chemical ever to be discovered. It is estimated that over 44 million liters of Dioxin, and 56 million liters of other dangerous chemical were sprayed over the country of Vietnam. 2-4 million Vietnamese natives plus countless other members of The United States military and other nations military were exposed to it. The eco-system has been damaged, patients DNA were permanently altered producing birth defects, cancer and other malformations that are still witnessed today.  It is disturbing to look at the photos documenting the effects of the war. It reminds all of us that war, for whatever reason, has its consequences. Right or wrong, humanity is permanently affected. We should not forget our United States military and their families that were subjected to the physical and mental consequences. We are hear also to aid the Vietnamese patients that have been affected. What modest assistance we can offer does not make a dent in the situation, but we are here to help regardless of political views. We bring a humanistic approach to this mission, and gain a perspective otherwise unnoticed by many!