Vietnam Babylift Personal
Stories
David Redmon Nguyen
I was one of the orphans that left Saigon and arrived in New York on April
15, 1975, adopted by an American family living in Boston, Massachusetts. I'm
not attempting to connect with anyone specific, but would like to get more
information regarding my own circumstances. I have a birth certificate (which
of course the authenticity cannot be guaranteed) which contains my Vietnamese
name (Nguyen Trong-Dung), and birth mother. I don't know what orphanage I
lived in; perhaps I could ask my adoptive parents.
The Babylift has obviously affected my life dramatically, providing me with
a loving family, and the opportunities afforded to almost every American child.
Of course, growing up as an adopted Asian child, living with a Caucasian family,
there were obvious physical differences, that people all around me (outside
my family)were always quick to point out. It's been a bit of struggle emotionally
throughout my life, always trying to find where I feel in most with; the "American"
(white) community, or the Asian community. I've never really spoke of this
with anyone since I've never been close friends with another adoptee.
I'm currently happily married, almost 4 years, with one 19 month old son,
Ryan, and expecting a girl this coming May 1. We live in Boston, Massachusetts,
and I work as a technology consultant in the financial services industry.
- David Redmon Nguyen
Email: dnguyen29@comcast.net