Report Journey of Healing: From Vietnam War Veteran to Advocate for Agent Orange Victims

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Photo: VN Express

 

After battling cancer linked to Agent Orange exposure, Vietnam War veteran Matthew Keenan set foot back in Vietnam, a place he thought he would never return to. In mid-2014, 42 years after leaving Da Nang, Keenan's cancer diagnosis prompted him to learn more about the effects of dioxin, and in doing so, stirred a desire to return to the country he had long tried to forget.

 

Keenan's experiences during the war were marked by trauma and danger. He served in southern Vietnam, recording casualty numbers and helping soldiers with addiction before they returned to the United States. Stationed at a hilltop base in Da Nang, the memories of helicopters and F-4 jets still haunted him decades later. The whirring of ceiling fans and loud noises brought these memories back, contributing to his post-traumatic stress disorder, often referred to as "Vietnam syndrome" in the U.S.

 

Upon his cancer diagnosis, a result of Agent Orange exposure, Keenan realized that several generations of Vietnamese people had been affected by the same chemical. This realization pushed him to reach out to organizations like the Vietnam Friendship Village and Veterans for Peace with a desire to return to Vietnam.

 

In 2015, Keenan's journey to reconnect with Vietnam began. Despite initial fears of how he would be received, he found warmth and acceptance. In Da Nang, he visited a center for children affected by Agent Orange, where their laughter and resilience offered him healing. One child, Phuong, who had also suffered from dioxin exposure, became a significant source of inspiration for Keenan.

 

 

 

Keenan's visits transformed into a deeper commitment, leading to frequent volunteering at the Da Nang Association for Victims of Agent Orange (DAVA). His efforts extended to numerous charitable projects, including fundraising for a bus for children, building amenities, and providing supplies to brighten their days. In 2019, Keenan decided to settle permanently in Vietnam, just before the Covid-19 pandemic struck.

 

Keenan's new life in Son Tra District, Da Nang, included marrying Yen Lan and continuing his advocacy work. Together, they focused on supporting children affected by Agent Orange. In an emotional visit to the Truong Son National Cemetery, Keenan encountered Vietnamese veterans, sharing moments of mutual respect and healing.

 

Through his journey, Keenan transformed his painful past into a mission of reconciliation and support, bridging gaps between former foes and contributing positively to communities impacted by a painful history shared across oceans.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-04-30