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In midst of cancer fight, veteran returns to Vietnam

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Part of a local veteran’s last dying wish was fulfilled this week.

Kent Maxfield and 10 others boarded a flight Wednesday to Vietnam. The war hero wanted to return to the Cambodian border, just 60 miles west of Saigon, where he was stationed in 1967-1968.

Maxfield has already beaten the odds – not once, but countless times. He fought for our country during Vietnam and is now fighting for his own life.

Two years ago, doctors diagnosed Maxfield with pancreatic and liver cancer.

“My doctor said, ‘With the type of cancer you have, the survival rate is 11 months.’ I told her, ‘I will beat that.’ I have to return for peace and closure,” Maxfield said. “There are many memories that still haunt me. I want to have different images in my head.”

Maxfield said while he’s there, they will visit four orphanages.

“I want to see kids smile when we pass out gifts. Most of the luggage is packed with toys, clothing and medication. Seeing laughter will bring me joy,” he said.

“This was the last thing on his bucket list,” Kent’s daughter, Laura Groom said. “I don’t know if this is the last trip we will spend together because he is ill. I wanted us to share this experience together with his close family and friends.”

Kent returns in two weeks and is scheduled to start his chemotherapy treatments again.