Scope and Contents

The collection consists of approximately twelve linear feet of materials documenting Larry Woodson's service with International Voluntary Services (IVS) in Laos from 1964-1971, his later work with USAID, and his subsequent involvement with the IVS Alumni and Air America Association after the war. The materials include documents (including administrative documents, memos, reports, guides on Lao and Thai customs, and correspondence); books; scrapbooks containing Lao currency and stamps; clippings/articles; photographs; slides (600 slides of Laos dated from 1964 - 1975); flags; periodicals; newsletters; newspapers; calendars; audio (including music); video; artifacts; Air Facilities Data Reports on Rescue and SOS SEA losses; Mekong Circle Reunion material; and electronic media.

Items of interest include a copy of the Laos book project proposal (an unpublished manuscript containing reminisces of men and women who served in Laos), Woodson's letters home to his parents, and affidavits and correspondence documenting the asylum seeking efforts of a Laotian family. Also included are correspondence and clippings telling about the lives of USAID people after they returned from Laos. The materials date predominately 1964-1979.

Biographical / Historical

Larry Woodson served with the International Volunteer Service (IVS) in Laos from 1964-1971. He then spent several years working with USAID. As of 1995, he was director of the Kansas State Board of Agriculture's Division of Inspections.