Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Gary Kurpius, Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), also said that both countries had actively cooperated for this humanitarian issue in the last few years.

"I think it has gone very well for the last few years. Vietnam has opened up a lot and given us a lot of information,” he told the Vietnam News Agency.

“Therefore, we have been getting back some bodies every year. As long as the Vietnamese continue to work with us, we will certainly continue to work with them."

"Vietnam and the US have been exchanging information on the MIA issue. If we have information on where Vietnamese soldiers were buried, if we get that information from VFW members, we give it to the Vietnamese. They in turn help us out.

“During this visit, we have some information to give the Vietnamese side on some sites and we hope they will also have some information to give us," he said.

Asked about the VFW's humanitarian projects in Vietnam, Kurpius said: "The VFW members have set up a Friendship Village in Ho Chi Minh City, built libraries, and sent wheelchairs and prostheses. I imagine they will continue to do so."

The American veteran was impressed with changes that have taken place here over the past year. "I think Vietnam is moving ahead very nicely. I see all the construction going on. It looks like the people are moving up and the standard of living is getting better. The first time I came to Vietnam was 25 years ago. The economic changes in the cities are very big. It's like a different country. These cities are like the other cities in Southeast Asia."

Kurpius is leading a four-member VFW delegation on a visit to Vietnam. During their stay, the delegation will contact with Vietnam War Veterans Association in an effort to build a closer relationship and work together.

Source: VNA
Story from Thanh Nien News -  22 February, 2006