[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 139 (Tuesday, August 27, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1075]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THE LIFE OF PETER VANG

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 27, 2019

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and career 
of Mr. Peter Vang. Peter passed away on Friday, May 18, 2019 in Clovis, 
California. He was a beloved and well-respected member of the 
community, and he will be missed by all who had the pleasure of working 
with him.
  Peter was born on January 20, 1960 in Laos and immigrated to the 
United States with his family as a refugee after the Vietnam War. He 
was an embodiment of the American Dream. Peter and his family came to 
settle in the United States to start a new beginning. His own 
experiences as a refugee motivated Peter to help those in the Southeast 
Asian community assimilate to life in the United States. Peter loved 
the United States and became a naturalized citizen. He was very proud 
of this accomplishment.
  Peter served as the Executive Director of the Lao Veterans of 
America, Inc., in Fresno, California where he helped the Lao and Hmong 
soldiers who fought in the Special Guerrilla Unit (SGU) during the 
Vietnam War. Peter was a driving force in assisting my office with the 
creation of the Hmong Burial legislation that became Public Law 115-141 
on March 23, 2018.
  Peter was a hard-working individual who dedicated his life to serving 
others. During his career, Peter worked for the Fresno County 
Department of Social Services for over 21 years, until his retirement 
in 2015. He also spent many years with the Lao Family Community of 
Fresno. In addition to his professional career, Peter served on 
numerous community boards and committees and received awards and 
recognitions during his lifetime. It was most fitting and appropriate 
that I appointed Peter to the Fresno County Equal Opportunities 
Commission (EOC), where he served with distinction as a commissioner 
for 22 years. His service to the community will not be forgotten.
  Peter was preceded by his mother, See Yang and by his son, Richard 
Vang.
  Peter is survived by his son, Billy Vang who is currently serving in 
the U.S. Army, stationed in Okinawa, Japan, Billy's wife, Ryoko Vang 
and their child, Haruka Vang; his daughter, Sarah Vang; his daughter, 
Mindy Ruz, her husband, Anthony and their children, Valerie and Audrey 
Ruz; his daughter, Sylvia Phillips, her husband, Matthew and their 
children, Andrew and Charlotte Phillips; his father, WaCheng Vang; 
brother, Yeu Vang; sisters, Kaying Moua, Mee Vue and Betty Vang-Do, a 
long with his nephew and nieces. Peter was a wonderful son, brother, 
father, uncle and grandfather.
  I will remember Peter's good humor, his willingness to always help, 
his calming demeanor and his smile. He was a great friend and advisor. 
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the 
life and career of Peter Vang, a hero to his family, a wonderful role 
model for his children and grandchildren, his siblings and friends and 
an exemplary member of the community.

                          ____________________