In Memoriam -- Hugh O'Neill


Hugh O'Neill (T-9) (1936-1998) seen here while playing cards with one of
Sandy Pfunder's sons in the early 1990's
 

This message from Hugh O'Neill appeared in Issue Number 46 (January 1988) of the Turkey 9 Newsletter:

Gee, it's been a long time since I last communicated directly with you.  Not remembering when we were last in touch, let me start by saying I'm married (Sunantha) and we have a daughter (Phontipha).  Following the Peace Corps, I accepted employment with USAID.  During my eight years in South Vietnam I was classified as a Special Welfare Advisor with responsibilities for nationwide planning and the implementation of family and child welfare services.  During a part of my tour of service, based on USAID sponsored training in nutrition and population at Columbia University Medical School, I assisted in the design and implementation of a PL 480 nutrition program for more than 200,000 refugees and 1000 child care centers.  In 1972, following USAID sponsored training at the Maxwell School of International Development, Syracuse University, I was Deputy Senior Advisor in Darlac Province, an assignment which gave me additional familiarization with management and personnel matters.  Following the expiration of my time-limited appointment with USAID, I continued to work in the social services field holding such positions as Country Representative for an international voluntary agency and Consultant for family and child services to work for the Government of Thailand and UNICEF.  Based on my professional work I have been awarded the National Defense Medal of Honor from the Government of Thailand.  I presently work at the City of Philadelphia orphanage (Girard College) with 20 fourth and fifth grade boys and girls.  When time permits, I "toy" with drafting a doctoral paper on social welfare administration.  Never giving up the dream, I continually search for professional leads that may land me back in southeast Asia.

Looks like Sunantha and I will have to pass up this year's proposed "Middle East Paradise Adventure."  In celebration of my 50th birthday we are already making arrangements to spend the entire month of July in Thailand.  In addition to just enjoying ourselves, we really need to make the trip to tend to family business (Sunantha is still a Thai citizen).  Perhaps at another time we can join a group going to "Paradise".

If anyone gets to the Philadelphia area, the welcome mat is out.  . . .   Selamlar!