PRESS RELEASE

July 13, 2006

U.S. Department of Defense Handover of Humanitarian Assistance Construction Projects in Quang Tri and Quang Binh Provinces, July 18-19, 2006

On July 18-19, Colonel Mark Chakwin, the U.S. Embassy’s Defense and Army Attaché, will participate in handover ceremonies in Quang Binh and Quang Tri Provinces to transfer two facilities recently constructed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster and Civic Aid (OHDACA) program.  A ten-room primary school in Gio Viet Commune, Gio Linh District, Quang Tri Province will be dedicated on July 18, and a two-story medical clinic will be turned over to the People’s Committee of Quang Ninh District, Quang Binh Province on July 19. These structures are designed to be “turn-key” facilities, functional for their intended use upon completion, and include basic furnishings.  The total value of these construction projects is valued at over $300,000 USD.

Since 2000, the U.S. DoD has supported a wide variety of OHDACA funded Humanitarian Assistance projects in Vietnam.  Through the United States Pacific Command (USPACOM), the U.S. Government has sponsored the construction of eight medical clinics in Thua Thien-Hue Province and a primary school in Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province, as well as two centers for disabled children in Dong Hoi Town and Quang Ninh District, Quang Binh Province.  Although funded by U.S Government donations, building materials are typically procured locally, and design and construction is carried out by local contractors.  In all, U.S. DoD OHDACA programs have invested over $2 million to help meet the humanitarian needs of the Vietnamese people. 

The U.S. DoD’s OHDACA program constitutes a pillar of the U.S. government’s efforts to build cooperative relationships with both allies and friends.  By reaching out to stave off the consequences of disasters and to mitigate human suffering, the U.S. Government strives to demonstrate in a practical manner the depth of the American people’s compassion and generosity.  By providing early humanitarian assistance to localities with the most need, these projects aim to minimize the potential for crises to develop in the future.  In doing so, this assistance contributes to promoting regional stability and ensuring a safer world. 

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