[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 220 (Monday, December 28, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1208]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE OF FAIV NTAJ MUAS (DANG MOUA)

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 28, 2020

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Faiv 
Ntaj Muas (Dang Moua), who passed away on October 13, 2020 at the age 
of 71. Dang was a longtime Merced County business owner and an active 
member of the Hmong community.
  Dang was born on April 12, 1949 in the war-torn country of Laos to 
Muas Paj Cai and Ntxhais Lauj. Dang was the second of three sons, and 
had an elder half-brother, five sisters, four half-brothers, and two 
half-sisters. Although Dang faced a difficult childhood, he always had 
a heart for service and helping others. After completing grade school, 
he attended college near a hospital that treated injured soldiers. Over 
time, Dang's soft-spoken demeanor was recognized by his peers and he 
was hand-picked as a leader by the Hmong community to provide guidance 
to fellow students.
  As the war continued, Dang and his fellow students were no longer 
safe at their school, His quick thinking allowed opportunity for him to 
save nine people out of Samthong, where the enemy soldiers were 
approaching. Their journey led them through the mountains, and numerous 
towns to seek shelter until they were finally safe.
  In 1971, Dang married the love of his life, Paj Lis and began 
training with the United States Agency for International Development 
(USAID) and was recruited by the United States Embassy to work in USAID 
until 1975. In April of 1975, part of Dang's family moved to a refugee 
camp in Thailand for safety, after it became clear the situation was 
unsafe for anyone aiding the United States. Eventually, Dang and part 
of his family, were sponsored by Hatcher Memorial Baptist Church and 
moved to Richmond, Virginia in 1977, before settling in Merced, 
California. Once they settled in Merced, Dang attended college, and 
worked at Del Monte Farms.
  Dang and his wife opened their first business, the first Hmong 
grocery store in Merced, Moua Oriental Market, followed by the first 
Hmong farm and slaughterhouse, Moua's Hog Slaughter Farm and Moua's 
Cattle Farm in Livingston, California. His success and influence in the 
community reached political figures, Hmong community, and many 
individuals.
  Dang will be remembered in the community for helping others, his work 
in establishing the nonprofit organization Merced Lao Family Inc., 
filling a void for Hmong businesses in Merced County, and being a role 
model to so many. He was a leader and a caring individual that will be 
remembered by all who had the pleasure to work with him.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
Dang Moua. His commitment to the community of Merced County has left a 
lasting impact on many. I join his family and friends in honoring his 
great life.

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