The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LIFE OF MAJOR NHIA LONG VANG
______
HON. JIM COSTA
of california
in the house of representatives
Thursday, July 14, 2022
Mr. COSTA, Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Nhia Long Vang, a Major in the Special Guerilla Unit (SGU) Secret War in Laos, a husband, father, and a beloved community activist in the Central Valley.
Nhia was born in the farm fields of Laos on October 12, 1939. His parents, Neng Yia Vang and Mai Vang were gifted with six children; the eldest being Nhia. Neng was the Head Chief of the village. Nhia attended first grade and second grade at 19 years old. He was then recruited by the United States Central Intelligence Agency to serve in the ``Secret War in Laos'' during the Vietnam War. Nhia was promoted to Sergeant by General Vang Pao and attended ``Special Guerilla Unit'' training in Phitsanulok, Thailand. He reported directly to the Central Intelligence Agency as he carried out top secret missions.
Missions led by Nhia were not unnoticed by his superiors. He led intelligence missions in Ho Chi Minh Trail, Road 7, so they could surveillance the Pathet Lao and Vietnamese armies' operations, reported to CIA headquarters in Laos. Not long after being promoted to Captain in 1969, he was assigned to oversee the Hmong CIA soldiers' unit. Heavy combat fighting was expected in this unit. Despite suffering severe injuries, Nhia survived a shrapnel injury, and in 1970, the troops trained under him were transferred to support the Plains of Jars.
His contributions to helping in the war were endless. Nhia helped in aiding and rescuing American pilots after crashing in the jungle, and after attending special advanced operational military training, he was promoted to Major. His final assignment was supporting the Royal Laos armies in their fight against the Vietnamese army. His bravery, courage, and leadership undoubtedly saved many lives.
Nhia received asylum in Nam Pong, Thailand before relocating to the United States with his family. He married Lee Yang and they had children. In 1972, he married Ka Moua. They he had a loving family raising 13 children. Nhia and his family eventually moved to Missoula, Montana. He cleaned Missoula's canals and after two years, they moved in 1982 to Santa Ana, California before settling in Fresno in 1983.
After serving the Hmong Community as a translator for the health clinic, Nhia returned to his roots and became a farmer mentoring others on how to be successful in selling Southeast Asian vegetables to wholesalers and retailers. Nhia used his experience to help families become self-sufficient while providing resources to health services and education and stressed the importance of voting. He showed unparalleled support, both financial and emotional, to Hmong and Lao veterans and their families. Nhia and I visited the White House and California State Capitol with Charlie Waters and Bill Dietzel, regarding local veteran community affairs. He worked with Dan Payne to have the community represented in the Central Valley Veterans Day Parade. Nhia enjoyed the Hmong New Year celebrations in Fresno and supported many Hmong and Lao cultures. In 2001, he was one of the Hmong Community Organizers campaigning and urging Hmong families to donate in support of the 9/11 families. The group raised over one hundred thousand dollars for the Red Cross.
His service earned him numerous special recognitions and certificates from Congress, the California State Assembly, and the County of Fresno. In 2021, the City of Fresno recognized him for his many accomplishments and service to the community. He educated people on General Vang Pao's legacy every December and advocated for the naming of Vang Pao Elementary School in Fresno. He advocated for the Hmong Language Program in Fresno Unified School District which passed in 2016.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Major Nhia Long Vang of the Special Guerilla Unit (SGU) Secret War in Laos. May we continue to be inspired by his story.
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 116(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 116(2)
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