Gio Linh District, Quảng Trị Province – A 23-year-old hearing-impaired man, known affectionately as “Mouse” by his neighbors, played a crucial role in helping an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team locate and safely dispose of an unexploded mortar round in Gio Linh District.

On Tuesday morning, Phan Van Thuan, a resident of Binh Minh Village in Phong Binh Commune, flagged down the NPA/RENEW EOD team as they were passing through his village. Using hand gestures, Thuan communicated with team leader Hoang Kim Chien, indicating that he had seen a suspicious object in a nearby rubber plantation. 

Following Thuan’s lead, the EOD team discovered an unexploded 81mm mortar round. After assessing the item’s condition, team leader Chien confirmed that it was safe to remove and ordered his team to transport it to an open area for safe disposal. 

The mortar round was successfully destroyed in Tan Ky Village of Gio Quang Commune. 

Thuan’s remarkable ability to communicate effectively, despite his hearing impairment, demonstrates his dedication to helping his community. His actions highlight the importance of community involvement in addressing the challenges posed by unexploded ordnance in Vietnam. 

We would like to express our gratitude to the governments of the United States and Norway for funding this project, making a significant contribution to the effort to overcome the consequences of war in Vietnam.