Suggestions on how to locate a veteran.

Hope someone can help me here. I have recently purchased a Chinese Type 53 carbine that was supposedly brought back from Vietnam. No capture papers, but the carbine does have a tag that reads 'Pleiku 1964 Lt Ben Read'. I have, in fact, found a reference to a 2nd Lt Ben Read who was at Camp Holloway, Pleiku in '64, but the trail ends there. Have attempted to contact the VA, but they informed me that records could not be released to non family members. Wasn't really surprised there. Could anyone out there provide me with a source that may be useful in finding this individual? A website or something along those lines? I would very much like to find this veteran, find out whether he is still around, and get some confirmation on this weapon. Any assistance in this area would be appreciated. Thank you!

If this is the reference to Ben Read you are referring to, you have a GREAT start on tracking him down. Start by writing a letter about your bring back and how you would like to get in contact with, who you believe to be, the original veteran that captured it. Tell how you would like to get firsthand knowledge of how it was obtained.
Send it to the editor/webmaster from where this article came from.
I would also copy this article, and bookmark a link to it. Attach this to the letter, and send it to any address you can find for the “119th Aviation Company, 52nd Battalion, Air Mobile Light”.
Good Luck and keep us informed of how your search is going.
Reference Article Link ???:
Smoke Signals 2010 Memorial Day Featue


Just found this site, TRY HERE FIRST!

52D COMBAT AVAIATION BATTALION AND CAMP HOLLOWAY ASSOCIATION

Thanks very much! I will keep everyone posted!