[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 30, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E724]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF COLONEL VANG FONG

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 30, 2021

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Colonel 
Vang Fong. Vang passed away on February 17, 2021 in Fresno County. Vang 
was a husband, father, and grandfather and a leader in the Secret War 
in Laos.
  Vang was born on January 1, 1944 in Rhawv Zeb, Xieng Khouang, Laos to 
Cheu Xang Vang and Nai Lor. He was one of eight children. In the year 
of 1960, Vang left school at the age of 12 to join the CIA's Secret 
Army in Laos. He was chosen by the late Brigadier General Vang Pao in 
1962 to attend military training at Savannakhet. It was there that Vang 
obtained the CCB/Premier Degree from Pham Khaum.
  Vang was stationed to Long Cheng, Laos. After hard work and 
dedication to protect all around him, he quickly rose rank and he was 
promoted to W-4 Chief Warrant Officer. After a brief period as W-4 
Chief Warrant Officer, he was named to Lieutenant Colonel in 1964. Nine 
years later, he was appointed to represent the second military region 
at Luang Prabang, Laos.
  His love for his family encouraged him to make a decision on the 
subject of moving. He moved in 1980 and his family resettled in 
Hamilton, Montana. After living in Montana, he then had everyone move 
to Huntington Beach, California to reunite with the rest of his family. 
This move inspired Vang to be active in whatever community he resided 
in. He was a member of the Lao Veterans of America; incorporated since 
1989, and the Special Guerrilla Units (SGU) Veterans and Families, 
incorporated since 2009.
  Even while Vang worked alongside the late General Vang Pao to ensure 
equality, social justice and opportunities for Hmong families in 
America, he still enjoyed being around his family. In 1964 he married 
Mylee Vang, and in 1968 he married Kao Lee. Throughout his life, he 
raised 10 children.
  Vang was well-respected in the Hmong community for his courage and 
leadership in protecting many people during the Secret War in Laos. 
Vang participated in numerous events. He participated in the Central 
Valley Veterans Day Parade in Fresno, California, where he settled for 
the remainder of his life. His love for his culture was evident and 
admirable to many in the community.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
Colonel Vang Fong. His service and contributions to the Nation and 
State of California will not be forgotten. He will be fondly remembered 
in the Central Valley. I join his family and friends in celebrating 
Vang's life.

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