A Vietnamese Orphanage by Tom Briggs

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1966	Tom Briggs

A Vietnamese Orphanage

Vietnam

... 'Yours Truly' at an orphanage in 1966 somewhere outside of Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City). Note the flowers on my uniform, all placed there by the children. Our unit sponsored this orphanage and each weekend we'd take a truck full of Military Policemen to visit the orphanage and bring with us ice cream, candy, food, toys, etc.. It was a great day each week for all of us ... especially those soldiers with children of their own back in the States. Every time I look at this photo, I can't help but wonder whatever became of these children.

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Ken Zaret		16-Feb-2025 23:35
Great, these are wonderful historical images.

Lynda Mercer		10-Feb-2023 17:00
What a sweet photo!

rich leclair		09-Oct-2016 16:00
I am doing some research for a friend,does anyone know the name of the orphanage? I am most interested in locating Tan Binh Orphanage ( pre 1975) info or photos.thank you

Dan Greenberg		12-Jul-2016 00:20
Another amazing anecdote that makes me happy despite the context from which it arose. I can't say thanks enough Tom for all these images and historical notes.

Guest		23-Jan-2015 23:12
Never stumbled on this one in the past Tom, heartfelt moment and lasting memory for sure! HNY ! I haven't been active on pbase for quite some time. You can see my same old stuff here if you ever get a hankering to.

Guest		17-Nov-2014 15:07
Beautiful photo! Thank you for your service! I'm doing research for my friend Henry Martin, army, who served in Vietnam.

Nguyen Thanh Quan		20-May-2014 18:39
I am always grateful for what you and your country had done to VietNam. Thanks for sharing this photo. Kind regards, Quan

Denny Werk		15-Nov-2012 20:55
What a wonderful reminder that peace in your heart has a greater meaning than bullets in your gun. It's been over 45 years now, since these pictures were taken, what have we learned then and since that time? 11/15/2012

Georgia Roessler		21-Jan-2012 19:31
Very moving. We sometimes forget that in the midst of the horrors of war, there are still kind people like you who extend a helping and loving hand to others less fortunate. Bravo, Tom!

Johnny B,Nicholas		25-Aug-2011 06:14
Looking at the photo--brought back many memories I had at Di An in 1970-1971. We could have gone to Longh Binh to see Bob Hope for Christmas,but instead had Christmas with the mamasaun,s kids. I,ll never forget the smiles and laughter we gave and they gave to us. When they started to leave.We gave then beer to sale on the side of the road to be able to buy food to eat. I was with the 3/17 Air Cav,1sT Avation. Thanks for showing the wolrd--we care for the kids. I am now helping a Philipino mother and her child. Their a big comfort to me. Thank you again for a great photo,Johnny B.Nicholas

CarrieM		03-May-2011 17:49
I'm doing a project in school on orphanages, then and now, and I was searching them, and your site came up. They really do seem to like you. I was almost in tears when I realised that that WAS all they had. Thank you for all that you did.

Dave Berry		16-Nov-2008 05:40
Tom, Although this is a great gallery overall, I really appreciate the attention that you gave to the people. The children of Vietnam suffered more than anyone. Your unit was obviously good to the kids in the orphanage. I'm sure that as adults they still remember you fondly. Voted Dave

Sandi Whitteker		22-Apr-2008 16:52
Wonderful picture Tom. Who is that young guy, all decked out in flowers! I hope these children found a peaceful life somewhere, when it all finally ended. If they survived, they would be in their 40's and 50's now, with grandchildren.

mathilda williams		05-Apr-2008 02:54
the comments to this photo speak volumes. i tip my hat to you. mathilda

kim nguyen		11-Mar-2008 23:00
Those flowers on your shirt considered our gratefulness to you, US soldiers who fought and died for our country. (The Vietcong's propaganda lied about how US soldiers were not welcomed there). THANK YOU.

XiaoBernard99		16-Jan-2008 18:03
heart .When we leaved a loved place it is always difficult .Sure the children with their smiling were happy. V for my friend.

XiaoBernard99		16-Jan-2008 18:01
Dear TOM, Many thanks for sharing this time of sadness and hopness. Wonder with the children give the fioul of the life.It is our future. I know i am sure you get va big hea

Eric		14-Jun-2007 00:24
Hi Tom, your pictures reminded me of the old days in Saigon, before we lost our country to the communist. It's over 30 years now and these kids are all growned up. We appreciated all the US armies who sacrificed their lives and helped Vietnamese people to defend our country.

Guest		03-Jun-2007 16:52
Hi Tom! Vietnamese children always have a special place in my heart,but esp the orphaned children.

Kiem Do		11-May-2007 01:23
Kiem Do Tom - Vietnameses like mysself who now reside in the USA are always so grateful for what you guys had done to our country and our people. Again many thanks. Maybe one of those kids is now a good citizen in the USA. Who knows?.

Gus Rosenfeld		09-May-2007 07:07
Wow! A little speechless, I am - g

1moremile		06-May-2007 22:44
Good work you did, Tom. Then and now. A warm story. It appears they liked you a lot. They gave you what they had.

Cindi Smith		06-May-2007 13:53
These are the shots that the media failed to show us. I'm glad you did. What a wonderful thing to do and to look forward to. I wonder where these children are today? Makes me think!

Guest		26-Mar-2007 07:07
Thanks for sharing this photo with me. It is very touching... makes me think of the people I met in other countries that are not as fortunate as some others. They always seem to be happy.

Guest		01-Feb-2007 17:21
Tom - I have a friend who is a vet and was so touched by the wonderful people of Viet Nam that he came home and setup a new charity organization called "Think About the Children." His name is Tom too - and he works with orphanages in the Hue area. Fortunately, orphanages are not needed as much now as they were back then. Thanx for your service, then and now.

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