MAG Campaign

I want to tell you about an exciting project I’m working on and how using a football field as a visual gave me the perfect perspective on how this project is going to make a difference and help save lives.

What is this project and how did I get involved?

First, a little background. During the Vietnam War, I was stationed in Thailand on the border of Laos. Decades later I started writing a memoir, "Angel's Truck Stop" about my war time experiences that recalled both the humorous and poignant stories. Through my research, I learned Laos was the most bombed country per capita ever in history. More bombs were dropped on Laos than were dropped on Germany during WWII.

What shocked and saddened me was the many tragedies being caused by UXO (Unexploded Ordnance) left in the aftermath of the war.
 
In Laos alone, to date, more than 50,000 people, mostly children, have been killed or injured. The war has never really ended for them. They are still living in fear of being killed or losing limbs from encountering UXO that are as lethal today as they were the day they were dropped.
 
Then I thought, seeing we dropped  the bombs, we ought to help clean ‘em up!

I asked myself, how could I help?

Knowing the tragedies being caused from UXO, I felt compelled to do something. So, I started donating 10% of my book sales to MAG (The Mines Advisory Group) a non-profit organization whose mission is to find and remove UXO wherever there’s been a conflict and directed my donations to be used in Laos. Donations from the book sales were consistent, but I wanted to make a bigger impact.

What will $50,000 accomplish? and Where is Khammouane Province in Laos?

The $50,000 will fund a 13-person clearance team for five months comprised of Laotians who will be trained to identify, remove, and safely destroy UXO and make the land safe.

It will purchase all the necessary equipment for the team including uniforms, boots, safety equipment, metal detectors, etc.

Also, the local population will be educated on the dangers of UXO and how to avoid them.

Read A Story of Don and Phon

A special thanks goes to the following individuals who joined the team early and have already pledged/donated. Their support and enthusiasm before the kickoff gave me the encouragement to move forward. At present we are at $25,850!

I hope their generosity will inspire you to donate and help us reach our $50,000 goal.