[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 96 (Tuesday, July 13, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S8027]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL HANG CHAO

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to the 
life and work of a truly remarkable American and long-time Detroit 
resident, Hang Chao. Born in 1939 in the city of Pha Leong, XiengKhoua 
Province, in Laos, he was among the thousands of Hmong young men who 
gave their support to the United States during the Vietnam war. By 
joining with American soldiers to fight against Lao and Viet communists 
in the jungles of Laos, these young men put their lives at risk. In the 
face of considerable personal risk, the heroism of these brave men 
saved countless American soldiers. Hang Chao continued his strong stand 
defending and promoting democracy throughout his life and leaves a 
legacy of selfless dedication to helping and enriching the lives of 
others. His family, colleagues, and many friends mourned his death in 
October 2003, and he will be remembered as a man of honor and goodwill, 
whose heroism and deep faith inspired all who knew him.
  During the Vietnam war, Hang Chao trained in the Lao Royal Army and 
rose through its ranks. He was appointed lieutenant colonel by General 
Oun Latikun and Prime Minister Souvanhna of Laos. During his service, 
he earned the respect of his peers and leaders because of his courage, 
principled leadership, and devotion to democracy. The Lao government in 
exile honored him in 1982 by appointing him Deputy Minister of 
Interior. Ten years later, Hang Chao was appointed Advisor to the King 
of Laos, LangXang Houng Kau, government in exile.
  Hang Chao immigrated to the United States with his family after the 
war. He valued learning and education and earned a Bachelor of Science 
degree in political science while making a new life for himself and his 
family in Michigan. While he spoke Hmong and English fluently, he was 
also fluent in Tao, Lao, and French. He was committed to the Hmong 
community, and his active leadership helped pave the way for many Hmong 
refugees to assimilate into American life. Hang Chao was also a devout 
Christian and was elected elder in ten Hmong churches. His faith, 
family, and commitment to public service guided his vision of community 
growth and the promotion of cultural understanding of the Hmong 
heritage. Hang Chao was a loving husband to his wife of 50 years, Mia 
Lee Vang, and a nurturing father to his five children, Tou Yi, Tou 
Chue, Mai, Youa, and Pang Nhia.
  I would like to express my admiration for the life story and the 
accomplishments of Hang Chao. We can all benefit from his example of 
courage, perseverance and leadership. He has left an indelible mark on 
his community, and his family can be proud of his legacy. I know my 
Senate colleagues join me in paying tribute to Hang Chao.

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