May 30, 2005

Dear President Ford,

On April 26, 1975, at the age of 3 months, I was evacuated from Viet Nam on an "Operation Babylift" plane and brought to the United States.

On June 5, 1975, I was adopted and placed into the arms of my parents at JFK Airport in New York. I cannot imagine all of the politics, red tape and arduous hours behind Operation Babylift, but I will forever be thankful to you as your actions saved my life and gave me a family.

I view Operation Babylift as a humanitarian effort which saved thousands of lives, providing babies with the love and nurture they needed to survive.

I have heard from my orphanage caretakers that when I was an infant in Viet Nam, I was extremely ill. Initially, I was scheduled to leave Viet Nam in mid April. However, doctors said I would not survive the flight and my departure was delayed until I became medically stable.

Upon arrival, I was given the immediate hospital care that could not be provided to me in Viet Nam.

I believe if I had not been under the care and supervision of Operation Babylift, I would not have survived.

Although this is only one letter, from one adoptee, Operation Babylift impacted and continues to impact the lives of thousands. It provided the opportunity for hundreds of parents and children to share a life together.

In addition, the Vietnamese adoptive community has taken on an international role in facilitating the healing process between Viet Nam and the United States.

Thank you for giving me a chance at life and for uniting me with a beautiful family.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Nguyen Noone

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