[Letter from my father to Veena Vadini – Children & Women Education Welfare and Development Society]

8 Mar 94

P.O. Box ____ Andersen Air Force Base
Yigo, Guam 96929

Mrs. __________
__________
Veena Vadini Children & Women Education
Welfare and Development Society
__________
Agra - 282002 (India)

Dear Mrs. __________,

I just received your name and the address of your organization from the CHILD RELIEF AND YOU organization in New Delhi whom I had contacted to try and get help for a small beggar boy I met first at the entrance to Agra Fort and again later at the Agra train station during a trip to India on official U.S. Air Force business. I have enclosed a copy of one of the letters I sent to the CRY organization to give you a little background on the help I need and am hopeful you will be able to offer some assistance.

Unfortunately I have had to make contact with five different organizations before I finally got your address and with the long mail delays between Guam and India quite a bit of time has passed since my first efforts to get help for this boy. I realize there is a good chance that he is no longer in the Agra area since I understand that some of these children are very mobile and move frequently from city to city. Nevertheless, there is still a chance and I ask your help in at least trying to locate him so we can hopefully get him the medical attention and other assistance he needs.

When I first found him he was begging at the entrance to Agra Fort, then later that evening I found him again on the platform of the Agra Train Station. The enclosed letter gives you some of the particulars of the child and a tentative diagnosis of the illness that is causing his feet to swell to such large proportions. It also briefly outlines my unsuccessful efforts to try and find someone to help him while I was still in India.

I have enclosed $___ US to start and help with the effort. I’m sorry to have to send a personal check and hope it isn’t too difficult for you to cash and exchange for Rupees. The island of Guam is small and the local banks here tell me there is no other way for them to send you the money. The CRY organization was able to cash the check I sent to them without difficulty and I hope you will be able to do the same. I realize $___ isn’t enough to get the boy the help he needs but it is a start and if you let me know what additional money is needed I will be happy to work with you.

Would you be kind enough to let me know that you received this letter and whether you are able to help me find this boy? A short note is all that is necessary. I will understand if the great demands on your time and resources prevent you from helping to find him, but would ask if you are unable to help could you please direct me to a person or agency that could.

God bless you and all your efforts and thank you in advance for any help you can offer to try and get this child and those with whom you work the help they need.

Very sincerely yours,

__________
Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force