[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 11 (Wednesday, January 26, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E125]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL VANG PAO

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 26, 2011

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues Mr. Cardoza, 
Ms. Bordallo and Mr. Kissel to honor the memory of Major General Vang 
Pao of Fresno, California, who passed away Thursday January 6th after a 
battle with pneumonia.
  Major General Vang Pao led the Royal Lao Army during the Secret War 
in Laos, fighting against the People's Army of Vietnam in cooperation 
with the Central Intelligence Agency and United States military forces. 
Bravely leading thousands of soldiers in a guerilla war against 
communism, Vang Pao became a hero, due to his leadership and 
dedication.
  Growing up in the Xiengkhuang province, Vang Pao became interested in 
military service early in life. He left his family farm as a teenager 
to join the French Military in defense of his fellow Hmong as the 
Japanese invaded, and began a historic military career. At the end of 
World War II, and the departure of the Japanese, Vang Pao was recruited 
as an officer in the First Indochina War to fight the Viet Minh.
  As he rose within the Royal Lao Army, Vang Pao was heralded for his 
valor and dedication and was the only ethnic Hmong to attain the rank 
of General in the Royal Lao Army. In the early 1960's, when the CIA 
recruited Hmong men in Laos to join a guerrilla unit during the Vietnam 
War, Vang Pao was chosen to be the commander. As his Hmong soldiers 
rescued downed American pilots from enemy territories and defended 
American outposts in Laos, he gained a reputation for being a 
disciplined, honorable leader.
  The Hmong soldiers also attacked many North Vietnamese convoys that 
were using the Ho Chi Minh trail from North Vietnam into South Vietnam. 
By attacking these supply routes, thousands of U.S. soldiers' lives 
were saved in South Vietnam. Vang Pao and the Royal Lao Army valiantly 
fought for their cause throughout the entire Secret War.
  Immigrating to the United States in May of 1975, Major General Vang 
Pao was instrumental in negotiating the resettlement of thousands of 
his fellow Hmong. Vang Pao continued his leadership after his exit from 
military service. He was active in fostering U.S.-Lao relations, and 
combating human rights abuses abroad, as well as serving as an icon and 
mentor to the Hmong-American community. A widely respected figure, 
General Vang Pao was a constant feature at Hmong-American events and 
celebrations nationwide.
  Major General Vang Pao is survived by his widow, Mrs. May Song Vang, 
25 children, 68 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and numerous 
friends and community members.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join Mr. Cardoza, Ms. Bordallo, 
Mr. Kissel and myself in honoring the life of Major General Vang Pao as 
we offer our condolences to his family and celebrate his memory and 
service to our country.

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