[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 116 (Thursday, July 14, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E737]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF MAJOR NHIA LONG VANG

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 2022

  Mr. COSTA, Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Nhia Long Vang, a 
Major in the Special Guerilla Unit (SGU) Secret War in Laos, a husband, 
father, and a beloved community activist in the Central Valley.
  Nhia was born in the farm fields of Laos on October 12, 1939. His 
parents, Neng Yia Vang and Mai Vang were gifted with six children; the 
eldest being Nhia. Neng was the Head Chief of the village. Nhia 
attended first grade and second grade at 19 years old. He was then 
recruited by the United States Central Intelligence Agency to serve in 
the ``Secret War in Laos'' during the Vietnam War. Nhia was promoted to 
Sergeant by General Vang Pao and attended ``Special Guerilla Unit'' 
training in Phitsanulok, Thailand. He reported directly to the Central 
Intelligence Agency as he carried out top secret missions.
  Missions led by Nhia were not unnoticed by his superiors. He led 
intelligence missions in Ho Chi Minh Trail, Road 7, so they could 
surveillance the Pathet Lao and Vietnamese armies' operations, reported 
to CIA headquarters in Laos. Not long after being promoted to Captain 
in 1969, he was assigned to oversee the Hmong CIA soldiers' unit. Heavy 
combat fighting was expected in this unit. Despite suffering severe 
injuries, Nhia survived a shrapnel injury, and in 1970, the troops 
trained under him were transferred to support the Plains of Jars.
  His contributions to helping in the war were endless. Nhia helped in 
aiding and rescuing American pilots after crashing in the jungle, and 
after attending special advanced operational military training, he was 
promoted to Major. His final assignment was supporting the Royal Laos 
armies in their fight against the Vietnamese army. His bravery, 
courage, and leadership undoubtedly saved many lives.
  Nhia received asylum in Nam Pong, Thailand before relocating to the 
United States with his family. He married Lee Yang and they had 
children. In 1972, he married Ka Moua. They he had a loving family 
raising 13 children. Nhia and his family eventually moved to Missoula, 
Montana. He cleaned Missoula's canals and after two years, they moved 
in 1982 to Santa Ana, California before settling in Fresno in 1983.
  After serving the Hmong Community as a translator for the health 
clinic, Nhia returned to his roots and became a farmer mentoring others 
on how to be successful in selling Southeast Asian vegetables to 
wholesalers and retailers. Nhia used his experience to help families 
become self-sufficient while providing resources to health services and 
education and stressed the importance of voting. He showed unparalleled 
support, both financial and emotional, to Hmong and Lao veterans and 
their families. Nhia and I visited the White House and California State 
Capitol with Charlie Waters and Bill Dietzel, regarding local veteran 
community affairs. He worked with Dan Payne to have the community 
represented in the Central Valley Veterans Day Parade. Nhia enjoyed the 
Hmong New Year celebrations in Fresno and supported many Hmong and Lao 
cultures. In 2001, he was one of the Hmong Community Organizers 
campaigning and urging Hmong families to donate in support of the 9/11 
families. The group raised over one hundred thousand dollars for the 
Red Cross.
  His service earned him numerous special recognitions and certificates 
from Congress, the California State Assembly, and the County of Fresno. 
In 2021, the City of Fresno recognized him for his many accomplishments 
and service to the community. He educated people on General Vang Pao's 
legacy every December and advocated for the naming of Vang Pao 
Elementary School in Fresno. He advocated for the Hmong Language 
Program in Fresno Unified School District which passed in 2016.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
Major Nhia Long Vang of the Special Guerilla Unit (SGU) Secret War in 
Laos. May we continue to be inspired by his story.