We were only 8km from the area we suspected the Bru had been resettled in. In 1994 we returned, travel restrictions had been eased, lines of communications were in much better shape, and finally we arrived in the Khe Sanh area. A stupendous journey and jubilant reunion were mired with malnutrition, disease, and a continuous struggle to live. The children of these brave fighters are now trying to survive under Communist rule which does little to support them. The Bru are engaged in a battle of fighting off malnutrition, disease, and trying to cope with the ever encroaching Vietnamese population.
Unexploded ordinance is also a major problem.
Friends of the Bru tribesmen, with their generous donations have been able to supply vitamins, clothing, potable water wells, and medical support to several villages. The Bru tribe belong to the Mon-Khmer language group of montagnards who inhabit the mountain areas of Indochina. The average Bru family has about 7 members and they live in a house constructed of wood, bamboo, and thatch. Many of the Bru complained of worms and diarrhea. Malaria, dysentery, malnutrition, TB, and infections were common.