An Inspiring Humanitarian Project
I’m Involved in cooperation with MAG (Mines Advisory Group)
The NO MORE UXO in LAOS Project
In late 2023, I expanded my work with MAG (the Mines Advisory Group), a humanitarian organization devoted to finding and removing unexploded ordnance-bombs (UXO) in former conflict zones. The NO MORE UXO in LAOS project is deeply personal to me as it helps restore safety and hope to Laotian communities still scarred by the 11-year Vietnam War.
During the war, Laos was caught in the crosshairs—with the Ho Chi Minh Trail on its border with North Vietnam being a crucial supply route. Laos was devastated by more than 580,000 bombing sorties and 2 million tons of ordnance dropped which left an estimated 80,000,000 unexploded bombs (UXO) that are still as deadly today as the day they were dropped.
Since the war ended in 1975, more than 50,000 Laotians, mostly children, have been killed or injured from these unexploded bombs. For them, the war has never truly ended. Each day, they live with the constant fear that one wrong step could take their life or that of someone they love.
Samples off (UXO) Unexploded Ordnance found in Laos.
Photograph: Tessa Bunney Corbis/Getty Images. Used with permission.
HOW DID I GET INVOLVED?
During the Vietnam War, I was stationed in Thailand, near the border of Laos where much of the bombing took place. Decades later, while writing my memoir, Angel’s Truck Stop, about my wartime experiences, I learned that Laos was the most heavily bombed country per capita in history—more bombs were dropped there than on all of Germany during World War II.
That realization shocked and saddened me, and the fact that many of my pilot friends had been killed or are still MIA in Laos had me want to do something.
WHAT COULD I DO TO HELP?
Knowing the ongoing suffering caused by UXO, I felt duty-bound to act. I began donating 10% of my book sales to MAG (The Mines Advisory Group), and requested my donations support MAG’s work in Laos.
The donations from the book sales were consistent, but I wanted to make a bigger impact. So, I launched a campaign to raise $50,000 to help increase the UXO removal effort.
WHAT COULD $50,000 ACCOMPLISH?
MAG’s response was, it could:
Clear 110,000 M2 (square meters) of land in Khammouane Province.
Hire and train a team leader and a 12-person demining crew.
Purchase the essential safety and detection equipment.
Fund five months of life-saving work.
It sounded great, and as it turned out 110,000 M2 was equivalent to
25 FOOTBALL FIELDS!!
WHAT’S BEEN ACCOMPLISHED SO FAR:
(More updates to follow at the end of 2025.)
Raised more than $101,650 from 150 total donors for 2024 - 2025 with 74% being repeat donors.
Cleared and made safe more than 29.9 football fields.
Found three aircraft bombs: Two - 500 lb. and one - 750 lb.
Discovered 31 submunitions and 6 other deadly items, AND…
Made land safe for 1,983 women, children and men.
CLEARING UXO IS A NECESSARY & HUMANE ENDEAVOR
THAT’S LONG OVERDUE.
SPECIAL NOTE:
Anyone donating $1000 will receive one of my homemade decadent chocolate tortes!
Note: You can donate in honor or in memory of someone special.
I Want to Thank You for YOUR Compassion and Generosity
And the People of Laos, Especially the Children,
Want to Thank You, Too!
Keep the Children Safe and Smiling
To mail a donation:
Make check payable to:
MAG America
send to:
MAG America
Attn: Aga Simmons “No More UXO in Laos Project”
1233 20 St. NW, Suite 640
Washington, DC 20036
MAG America (Mines Advisory Group) is a 501(c)3 and all donations are tax deductible. Tax ID # 52-2302253
Children and families are not the only victims.
Acknowledgements:
My thanks go to Sarah Tavener, MAG/International; Louise Wells, MAG/America; Gail Anderson/Initial Contributor; Aubree Holliman/AH HA Creative; and Gregg Swanson who gave me the football field as a visual.
Questions: Contact Angelica ‘Angel’ Pilato, AngelsTruckStop@gmail.com