[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 152 (Tuesday, November 2, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2239-E2240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO WANGKAY FANG

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 2, 1999

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to WangKay 
Fang, a leader in the Hmong community who passed away on October 6, 
1999 in Fresno. Mr. Fang left behind six brothers, nine sisters, five 
daughters, three sons and twelve grandchildren, along with many fellow 
countrymen and women.
  Mr. Fang will forever be remembered as one of the respected Hmong 
leaders who spent his entire life dedicated to helping his fellow 
countrymen during and after the cold war in Laos. During the U.S./
Vietnam War,

[[Page E2240]]

Captain WangKay Fang served 15 years for the United States Secret Army 
operation, in Laos under the command of General Vang Pao. His service 
and dedication shall remain etched in history for generations to come. 
Mr. Fang's military leadership has contributed to the common interests 
of the world in order to protect against the spread of communism, and 
preserve peace, freedom and democracy in Southeast Asia.
  During the U.S./Vietnam War, Mr. Fang was the mission commander of 
the Special Guerrilla Unit to fight against communists and rescue U.S. 
pilots shot down in Laos. In addition, Mr. Fang was in charge of the 
military department for medical personnel.
  Mr. WangKay Fang arrived in the United States in August, 1976 as a 
political refugee from Laos. His family re-settled in California. Mr. 
Fang worked diligently to address the Hmong and Laotian resettlement 
difficulties in a new society. During his 24 years of re-settlement in 
the United States, Mr. Fang took on numerous leadership roles: chairman 
of the Hmong International New Year in Fresno from 1966-1998; co-
founder of the Hmong Youth Foundation of Fresno; co-founder and 
President of the United Hmong International Council from 1996-1998; co-
founder and Vice President of the Hmong National Council of Fresno from 
1994-1996; co-founder and board member of the Hmong Council from 1981-
91, and vice president from 1992-1994; Board member for the Lao 
Community of Fresno from 1981-1991; co-founder and board member for the 
Lao Family Community headquarters in Orange County from 1978-1981.
  Mr. Fang is also an active member of political advocacy in the Hmong 
community worldwide. He has dedicated his entire life in the United 
States to the promotion of freedom, democracy and human rights for the 
people and region of Southeast Asia.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Mr. WangKay Fang for his dedication to 
preserve freedom. Mr. Fang is honored by his family members and his 
fellow countrymen as an honorable leader who was generous and honest. I 
urge my colleagues to join me in extending my condolences to the Hmong 
and Laotian community.

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