[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 176 (Thursday, December 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1859-E1860]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN NAO YENG VANG

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 12, 2013

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of 
Captain Nao Yeng Vang, who passed away on November 16, 2013 at the age 
of 67. Captain Vang was an extraordinary person, and he will always be 
remembered as an iconic hero to the Hmong people.
  Captain Vang never attended school, but learned to read, write, and 
speak Lao fluently on his own. In 1964, at 18 years old, he was 
recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and served as a 
Captain under the late General Vang Pao during the Vietnam War. He 
bravely fought and directed Hmong soldiers to fight against communists 
and saved many American soldiers from torture.
  In February 1965, Captain Vang married Yia Yang in Ban Soun, Laos. 
They were married for 38 years until Mrs. Vang passed away on October 
18, 2003. They had six sons: Moua Pao Vang, Chia Neng Vang, Kou Vang, 
Thai Vang, Ger Vang, and Nou Vang, and seven daughters: Ka Ying Vang, 
My Vang, Kia May Vang, Maiyer Vang, Pa Houa Vang, Stacey Bao Vang, and 
Kathleen Kalia Vang.
  Captain Vang and his family settled in Nampong, Thailand on May 13, 
1975. They lived in Thailand for three years as refugees before 
receiving asylum from the United States government in 1978. The Vang 
family resided in Hamilton, Montana where Captain Vang worked as a 
press operator for three years. In 1980, he co-founded the Lao Family 
branch in Montana. The organization was developed to help and empower 
refugees to adapt and become successful members of American society.
  The Vang family eventually moved to Fresno, California in 1982. 
Captain Vang was an independent farmer in Fresno for 16 years. As a 
farmer, he was able to engage in Hmong and American politics. He 
encouraged the Hmong community to vote during election cycles. Voting 
was a very important aspect in his life because in Laos, citizens did 
not have the right to vote and speak freely. Due to his involvement 
with American politics, he was able to meet former Secretary of State 
Hillary Clinton as well as many state, county, and city elected 
officials.
  Captain Vang was a member of Lao Veterans of America, Inc. He served 
as an advisor to the Hmong community and participated in various 
organizations as a community leader, educator, and cultural advisor. 
When he spoke at community events he urged the Hmong community to be 
productive citizens, to be united, and to love and support one another. 
He was a tireless supporter of education and encouraged students to 
stay in school and pursue a higher education.

[[Page E1860]]

  Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the 
House of Representatives to pay tribute to the life of Captain Nao Yeng 
Vang. He will always be remembered as an influential member of our very 
important Hmong community.

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