Why Vietnam?

As a retired veteran, I was asked to represent a large US company in the country of Vietnam. Having heard many frightening stories and tales of woe, I was admittedly concerned for my well being.

This happily is no longer the case and I have found the country and government officials to be very gracious and thankful for the efforts being made to help the people and economy of their country. I have traveled to the capital of Vietnam and visited with government officials and was treated with kindness and respect.

During my business travels, I met the sweetest Vietnamese woman who was my interpreter and later became my wife. We have two precious children that my wife has taught the Vietnamese tradition to love and not to judge.

As I set out on my journey through Vietnam, I was saddened by the poverty and sickness that is so prevalent, especially in the outer provinces. There are children with arms and legs missing and suffering on their little faces. Beyond the need for hospitals, schools, clean water and decent roads, there are provinces where hundreds of shoes are needed. When the typhoons come, there is a desperate and immediate need for food, clothing, medicine and fresh water.

I had a friend, David Golden, who was a Vietnam veteran and backed my dreams 100% of the time. He would always tell me that I was a very persistent person and when putting my heart into something was determined to never give up. He told me that the time would come when my dreams would be fulfilled. David died in December 2009 and requested his ashes be spread throughout the Mekong Delta.

He knew my desires to help and assist those that are less fortunate and by going back to Vietnam would refortify my goal. “Don’t stop until your trophies at last lay down.” He had a saying from Confucius: Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime. He would say to give to those less fortunate and teach those that will listen. David, I miss you and thank you for all your advice and help.

I want to add that none of this would be possible if it weren’t for my mother. She watched me go through many very difficult times, but never ceased to pray and believe for me. Oh, how often I heard her whisper prayers. I am so proud that now she and my father get to see the many years of success. How can one fail with such a wonderful family backing me; never judging and ever praying. Mother and Papa, I salute you!

Our goal is to alleviate the suffering, feed the poor and clothe the naked. Together we can make a difference.

Mark A. McCarroll

CEO, OneWorldHumanRescue