San Joaquin County Fairground Stockton, March 28, 2016

general monument

recognition book general vang pao monument 2 GVP MONUMENT DEDICATION CEREMONY March 28, 2016

8am – 11am Guests Arrival 11am – 1pm Programs • Unveiling Remarks by LFCE President & GVP Monument Chairman • Unveiling the GVP Monument • Veterans salute GVP Monument • Candle lighting • American National Anthem • Lao National Anthem • Speech by LFCE President & GVP Monument Chairman • Speech by SJC Fairgrounds President • Speech by the Sculptor • Speech by Stockton City Official(s) • Speech by San Joaquin County Official(s) • Speech by State Official(s) • Speech by Federal Official(s) • Speech by Mr. Galen Beery • Speech by Chao Khamlouang Nokham • Speech by Thai Official(s) • Speech by Edward J. Szendrey • Speech by Colonel Vang Thai • Speech by President Nom Tshuas Vwj • Speech by President/Sponsor Pobtsuas Thoj • Speech by Sponsor Michael Thao • Speech by Mr. Wachong Vang son of GVP • Song of GVP - “Kuv Haiv Hmoob” • Closing Remarks by LFCE CEO/GVP Monument Vice Chair/MC 1pm – 4pm Programs • Thank you/Recognition by LFCE CEO/GVP Monument Vice Chairman • GVP Video Documentary • Announcement of Hmong Grave Desecration Committee • Late Lunch • Closing Remarks by Chong Blia Neng Lo/Board Member

general vang pao monument 3 the general vang pao monument By Dr. Cheuyengther Xiong

ecause of General Vang Pao’s leadership during the BVietnam War, the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds Board of Directors have provided a space at the Fairgrounds for Lao Family Community Empowerment and the Hmong community to build a monument to honor him and to remember the sacrifice that the Laotian people, mostly the Hmong, made during the War. uilding a world class public monument recognizing Bthe Hmong and one of their historical figures is a challenging process. It takes a lot of time and effort to carefully design a concept that will be meaningful now and in the future, research the appropriate material that will retain its beauty for future generations, identify the sculptor who will do the best job, plan and organize fundraising efforts to build the monument, and make tangible the timeless vision of a live and powerful statue that truly represents the history, contributions, and impact of a historical figure. he General Vang Pao (GVP) Monument was Tdesigned with this perspective in mind so when future Hmong generations see the monument, they will be reminded of General Vang Pao’s desire for and commitment to their success; and when others see the monument, they will learn of the contributions of the Hmong and General Vang Pao. People will see that GVP was not just a military leader but a civilian leader as well as a father who worked tireless on behalf of the in many ways. He played critically important roles in encouraging and providing leadership, economic, and educational opportunities, in addition to social mobility to the Hmong people and others in and the .

general vang pao monument 4 the general vang pao monument he GVP monument will consist of a beautifully Tsculpted ten feet tall full-figure bronze statue of GVP standing on a four-sided six feet tall granite base. There will be three bronze relief panels on the base and a granite wall behind the General. One relief panel will be on the right side, one relief panel will be on the left side, and one relief panel will be on the front of the base. he General will be with U.S. officials in military Tuniform on one relief panel providing a brief description of the role and responsibility that the U.S. asked the General and the Hmong to take on during the War. The General will be sculpted in civilian attire with a Hmong individual on another relief panel. In this panel, there will be a brief description of his contributions to the Hmong people in the United States after the . On the last relief panel, the General will be sculpted wearing traditional Hmong clothing, General uniform, and civilian attire meeting with President Nixon. This last relief panel will briefly describe the General’s life as a Hmong child, his passion for lifting the Hmong people out of fear and discrimination, and creating opportunities for the Hmong people and others, as well as his road to becoming a revered General.

general vang pao monument 5 the general vang pao monument he beautiful ten feet tall full-figure bronze statue of the General will Tbe in civilian attire. He will be dressed as such because, although he spent about 15 years of his life as a military leader and General, he spent the rest of his life as a civilian leader and father to the Hmong people. His right hand will be extended out to symbolize his love for and continued belief and support of the Hmong people. His left hand will be holding a book to symbolize his quest for achieving and promoting educational opportunities for the Hmong people and others. The book will be titled, “Education is the Key; Knowledge is Power.” These words were chosen because General Vang Pao often used them in his many lectures and conversations with Hmong families and communities around Laos and the U.S. he granite wall behind General Vang Pao will tell three stories. TOne will tell the story of Long Cheng City. Long Cheng was the CIA Headquarter during the Secret War in Laos, and it became the heart of General Vang Pao and the Hmong people. It was where General Vang Pao encouraged and introduced the Hmong and many other ethnic groups to military, civil, economic, and educational opportunities. The other is dedicated to the Hmong soldiers and military leaders who sacrificed their lives with the General from 1961 to 1975. The last one is dedicated to the Hmong people who could not leave Laos with the General after the Vietnam War, and who have suffered and are still suffering for their role in aiding the United States during the War. n Laos, particularly in Military Region II, he built schools, sent teachers and, in some cases, military Ileaders to teach Hmong children, built roads to Hmong villages, and created educational and economic opportunities for the Hmong people as well as others. After he resettled in the United States, GVP created organizations to help the Hmong adjust to life in the United States and traveled throughout the United States to meet with Hmong families and communities encouraging them to embrace the American ideals of freedom and democracy. He inspired with a vision of hope, offered his unwavering support, and emphasized the importance of education. The GVP monument with all its components will not only tell the story of General Vang Pao and the Hmong people during and after the Vietnam War, but will inspire the Hmong people and others for generations to come.

general vang pao monument 6 president cheuyengther xiong LAO FAMILY COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT, INC.

Good Morning.

Distinguished guests, families, and friends, I want to thank all of you for being here today.

We are here to honor our great father General Vang Pao and to remember his leadership, service, and the sacrifice that he made for us to be here today. This amazing monument represents that, and it would not be possible without the support of many people.

I want to thank the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds for providing this space for Lao Family Community Empowerment and the Hmong community to build this monument. Without their generosity, we would not have a home for this monument. Thank you for their support and partnership.

I want to thank Paula Slater, our Sculptor, for the remarkable work that she has done in crafting this monument. We have a stunning world class monument because of her. Paula, you are not only a sculptor of this monument, but you are a great friend and family member of the Hmong family. Your kindness and skillful abilities in building this monument will remain in the heart of the Hmong people.

I want to thank our donors, sponsors, and supporters for their kindness and support. Their support has built a history to remind our future generations of the sacrifice that General Vang Pao and our veterans made for us to be in the United States and other countries. Finally, I want to thank the General Vang Pao Monument Committee Members and Advisors for their hard work and commitment in making this monument a reality.

Today is a day of honor. We gather today to remember our great father General Vang Pao and our veterans who sacrificed their lives during the Vietnam War and thank them for their service and their willingness to give up their lives so our lives can be better. Our people are educated, prosperous, and live in peaceful countries such as the United States because of General Vang Pao’s leadership. We have the opportunities to become educators, doctors, lawyers, business owners, and leaders because General Vang Pao and our veterans sacrificed their lives to build a bridge across the oceans for us to be here.

We must keep this history and tell it to our children and future generations, so they know why we came to the United States and other countries. We must cherish our history for our children. We must teach our children to cherish their history and be proud of being Hmong.

This magnificent monument tells General Vang Pao’s great leadership, legacy, service, and sacrifice to the world. With this monument, his spirit lives on.

Every year, we should come here to remember our history and our loved ones who we lost along the way. Every year, we should come here to pay respect, to honor, and to remember General Vang Pao and our veterans who sacrificed their lives for ours. Every year, we should visit this great monument and teach our children why General Vang Pao is such an important figure in our history.

Let this be the place where we can come and ask for General Vang Pao’s blessing. Let this be the place where we will always remember who we are and how we got here.

Thank you. general vang pao monument 7 president chao khamlouang nokham Royal Lao Phuan Family of Xieng Khouang

Ladies and Gentlemen,

My name is Chao Khamlouang Nokham. I am the President of the Royal Lao Phuan Family of Xieng Khouang and today representing all of the Lao Phuan people living overseas, especially in America and France. Today, I feel very honored and would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Cheuyengther Xiong, President of Lao Family and the Chairman of the General Vang Pao Monument Committee for inviting me to attend this special event and to give a speech honoring General Vang Pao’s leadership and contributions to the world. For more convenience and for better understanding, I would like to express my speech in as follows: The Honorable Mayor Anthony Silva, Mayor of the City of Stockton, California, the Honorable Dr. Cheuyengther Xiong, President and Chairman of the General Vang Pao Monument Committee, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

Today is an important day for the history of the Laotian people and every ethnic group of the people from the country of Laos who migrated to settle in the United States. Today, we, the Laotian people, are coming together to celebrate and unveil the statue of our leader, General Vang Pao, who had done great things for the country of Laos, made an important legacy, and set principles of leadership for every Laotian ethnic group, our children and grandchildren to become productive citizens and economic self-sufficiency.

Today, I, Chao Khamlouang Nokham, the President of the Royal Lao Phuan Family of Xieng Khouang and the representative of the Lao Phuan who migrated to settle in the United States of America and France, am honored to be invited to take part of this important ceremony to honor the leadership and contributions of our leader, Pranga Norak Pramok General Vang Pao and the unveiling of the statue of General Vang Pao to keep our history alive for our children who grew up in this country to understand and appreciate our rich history.

Our distinguished guests and community members…

Because of the profound leadership of General Vang Pao and the countless commitment and passion to serve his Laotian people and the country of Laos, therefore, I, Chao Khamlouang Nokham, feel that I won’t be able to describe General Vang Pao’s leadership, characters, and contributions in details to share with you. Please forgive me those who read my speech and join us today honoring General Vang Pao together.

General Vang Pao was born on December 8, 1929 at Ban Phou Kongkhao, Mouang Kham, Xieng Khouang Province, Laos. His father was Phutong Neng Chue Vang and mother was Song Thao. During 1942-1944, General Vang Pao attended a local elementary school near his hometown and completed 3rd grade.

During 1945 to 194: 1945 was the onset of World War II and General Vang Pao joined the military with the French to collect intelligence information on the Japanese military presence. In 1946, he joined the French military to conquered Communist and release the Royal King Surisavangvong who was arrested and detained by the Communist. In 1947, the French government gave independence to Laos. On May 11, 1947, Congressman Toulia Lyfong who represented at the national government of Laos sponsored a bill to allow all Hmong who born in the country of Laos to grant Lao citizenship the same as others.

Between 1948 and 1957: In 1953 since Laos gained its full independence from France, Vang Pao was promoted from St. Lieutenant to Second Lieutenant and then was sent to Mouang Heem to resolve the conflicts between the Hmong and Lao in that region. In 1954 when the Laos declared itself to become a neutral country in accordance to meeting and agreement signed in Geneva, Switzerland, Second Lieutenant Vang Pao bravely conquered Mouang Nong Het from the Communist. Because of Second Lieutenant Vang general vang pao monument 8 president chao khamlouang nokham

Pao’s braveness and leadership, he was promoted to Captain in 1957. When the coalition government was formed, Captain Vang Pao was sent to perform his duties in Mouang Puen and was promoted to the rank of Major in the .

Between 1958-1960: After Sisavangvong named the Royal King of Laos in 1959, the Kingdom of Laos formed three governments. In 1960, Major Vang Pao who worked very hard at the time was appointed to be the commander of Battalion 10 and within the same year Major Vang Pao was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel for the Royal Lao Army.

Between 1961-1962: In 1961, President John F. Kennedy sent American troops to the Vietnam War. Lt. Colonel Vang Pao fought alongside American against North Vietnamese communist. Because of the great work with tangible outcomes, Lt. Colonel Vang Pao was promoted to the rank of Colonel. According to the Geneva Agreement in 1962, Laos declared itself to be a neutral country. Prince Suvanaphuma was elected to be the Prime Minister for the Royal Lao Government. During this time, Colonel Vang Pao increased his responsibilities and recruited more soldiers from 9,000 to 18,000. Between 1963-1965: In 1963, the Royal King Sisavang Vathana went to Washington, D.C. and Colonel Vang Pao was promoted to the rank of General. In 1964, General Vang Pao was able to recruit Guerrilla soldiers to 30,000. In 1965, General Vang Pao was selected to be the Commander of Military Region II of the Royal Lao Army from 1965 to 1975.

Between 1966-1968: In 1966, General Vang Pao, the Commander of Military Region II, invited the Royal King Sisavang Vathana and Princes Tivong to visit Long Chieng. In 1967, General Vang Pao had increased his military men to 40,000. In 1968, General Vang Pao was promoted to the rank of Major General and was given an honorable title by the Royal King Sisavang Vathana called “Pranga Norak Pramok”.

Between 1969-1972: Pranga Norak Pramok Major General Vang Pao continued building strong military to fight against North Vietnamese communist aggression. In terms of religious belief, he had built a temple and a house for the Royal King in Long Chieng. In 1971, Major General Vang Pao had sent his children (Chai Vang, Cha Vang, Sisouk Vang, and Chong Moua who is the son of Colonel Tou Lee Moua to attend school in the State of , U.S.A. In 1972, he also took a group Hmong to visit Washington, D.C. and Paris to see the Hmong students.

Between 1973-1975: Since the agreement for the Coalition of government between the Government and the Communist Pathet Lao signed on February 21, 1973, the Communist North Vietnamese and Pathet Lao heavily attacked Major General Vang Pao’s troops in the Plan of Jar. In September 1973, the Communist troops attacked Long Chieng, Military Region II. In 1974, General Vang Pao sent another son of his, Wa Chong Vang, to the West Point Military Academy in New York. During this struggle time, General Vang Pao bought three airplanes for personal use. One of the airplanes named Papa Uniform. Between May 12 and 14, 1975, about 35,000 high ranking military personnel, soldiers and their families were air lifted from Long Chieng, Laos to a Thai military camp in Ban Nam Phong, . Pilot Moua Song flew the last flight on May 14, 1975 to pick up Major General Vang Pao out of Long Chieng and was the day that Long Chieng fall to the control of communist North Vietnamese and Pathet Lao as they had planned to take over that region for many centuries.

Therefore, Pranga Norak Pramok Major General Vang Pao had left the country of Laos, leaving behind the cries of love ones, the persecutions against those fought alongside him, the sorrow of every ethnic group, especially the Hmong who left behind hiding in the jungles and cannot communicate with. Pranga Norak Pramok Major General Vang Pao was a loving father to his people. He was a great leader who cared about the well-being for his people, brought justice to every ethnic group, provided guidance and leadership. If we look at our Hmong brothers and sisters before and now, before our Hmong brothers and sisters work on the farms to raise their families, but with the leadership, wisdoms, and guidance of General Vang Pao, their children and grandchildren have become socially and economically self-sufficiency and have better life style than before. With the leadership and guidance of General Vang Pao as the Commander for Military Region II general vang pao monument 9 president chao khamlouang nokham of the Royal Lao Army, Xieng Khouang Province or region II became an important region and had developed tremendously if compared to other regions in the country of Laos.

Because Pranga Norak Pramok Major General Vang Pao was someone who loved his people, country and never forgot his identity and cultural roots, he was fighting for justice, freedom, democracy, and liberty for all. In conclusion, General Vang Pao was special and important leader who never said against, afraid, tired, pulled back, back out, and/or give up; therefore, he was the greatest leader.

We are here together to ask the questions, and we are here together to find the answers. If we did not have General Vang Pao as the Commander for Military Region II, our enemy will take over the country of Lao: faster than what had happened? Or slower than what had happened? Or our country will never be controlled by our enemy?

If all the Laotian people and every ethnic group think and feel the same way Major General Vang Pao did, our enemy will take over the country of Lao: faster than what had happened? Or slower than what had happened? Or our country will never be controlled by our enemy?

Finally, I, Chao Khamlouang Nokham, President of the Royal Lao Phuan Family of Xieng Khouang, am asking for blessing for the souls of Pranga Norak Pramok Major General Vang Pao and to protect and provide guidance to our Laotian children and grandchildren to become productive citizens and socially and economically self-sufficiency.

Thank you.

general vang pao monument 10 the greatest hero of the vietnam war By Ed Szendrey In world history during extraordinary times, extraordinary leaders rise to meet the challenges. I believe God raises up courageous leaders to help mankind face difficult times, giving them a vision of triumph over evil, encouragement to endure, and a vision of hope for the future. General Vang Pao was one of those great leaders destined to guide his people not only through war but through difficult times of exile to a strange land.

It was CIA Director William Colby who declared that General Vang Pao was “The greatest hero of the Vietnam War.”

Vang Pao took men from remote mountain villages of Laos and transformed them into one of the most respected fighting forces in history. He also brought the Hmong clans together giving them a united purpose.

To meet the challenges facing them Vang Pao demanded great sacrifices of himself, those that fought with him, and their families. His Secret Army is credited with saving the lives of thousands of American soldiers and preventing North Vietnam military forces from moving into Thailand and other nations.

I would like the veterans of the Secret Army that are here to please stand. Today you share in the honor given to General Vang Pao. I also would like the wives of the veterans of the Secret Army to stand. Many are not here with us today. They like General Vang Pao have gone on before us.

You left your villages to take a stand against tyranny. You endured the horrors of war. You fled your homeland only to see your loved ones and your friends die in the arduous trek out of Laos. You were held captive in the refugee camps in Thailand. You came to America the land of promise only to find a culture that misunderstood you and knew nothing of the debt it owed you. You endured prejudice and poverty sometimes to the point of despair. Yet you held onto Vang Pao’s vision of a future and a hope.

I am here today to tell you your sacrifices have not been in vain. Today the Hmong are a strong people here in America. A proud people who have excelled beyond your furthest dreams.

Because of your sacrifices your children and grandchildren, and my children and grandchildren live in a better world. May God richly bless you.

Those that are sitting please take a moment to look upon those that are standing. Remember those that are near you. Give thought to what they endured that we may be standing here today. I will come back to them later.

Please be seated.

It is fitting that General Vang Pao is depicted in this statue as not just a military leader but as the world leader of the Hmong people.

Vang Pao was one of the greatest military leaders of the Twentieth Century, yet, in possibly his greatest role he, as civilian leader, shaped the destiny of the Hmong people. Vang Pao truly became the Father of his people when his role as military leader changed to that of the civilian leader of the Hmong who were again displaced from their homeland. The rest of his life would be dedicated to serving his people.

Like no other leader in exile, he gave his people a vision for a certain future.

Now I would like to have the Hmong here who are under the age of 45 please stand.

In the short period time you have achieved more than any ethnic immigrant group in history. You are well educated, general vang pao monument 11 many of you have Bachelor, Masters, and Doctorate degrees. You have responsible well paying professions. Some are lawyers, some doctors, some are educators.

You have excelled in business and your hard work ethic and loyalty is treasured by your employers. You have become leaders in your community You have woven yourself into the fabric of every community in which you live. You are an important part of this country.

I want those that are now standing to look upon those that stood earlier, and to also remember the elders who are no longer with us. They are to be honored. They sacrificed lives in the war, endured the hardships of the jungles of Laos and the refugee camps in Thailand. As people without a country they came to America, where they couldn’t speak the language, lived in poverty, faced prejudice and had to adjust to a culture far removed from their own. Without their sacrifices you would not be where you are today. Take time to ponder what your life would be like if they had not sacrificed their all for you. You can repay them only by living honorably, making the best of the opportunities they have given you, and by caring for them in their twilight years as they have cared for you.

After this ceremony go to them and thank them for the life you now live.

Now look upon the statue behind me. Give thought to the fact that it was Vang Pao’s vision and leadership that paved the way for you to become what you are today. You are the fulfillment of General Vang Pao’s vision and you are his Legacy.

The future for the Hmong now belongs to this new generation. A dynamic group of young men and women now carry a torch that was lit by the elders. The future is now in your hands. Always honor your heritage. Always honor General Vang Pao and your elders and the foundation they built. The vision is now in yours to fulfill.

The torch is now in your hands. Handle it with pride. Handle it with care.

After this ceremony take time to stand before this statue and reflect on General Vang Pao and how he has shaped your life. Soberly reflect on the responsibility that he has placed in your hands to keep his vision for the Hmong people and pass it on to future generations.

You may be seated.

VP (may I call him that) was my friend. In a most gracious way he treated Georgie and I, as he did with others, more as family than simply friends. We have been with him during times of triumph and times of mourning. We have laughed with him and been with him as he shed tears for those left behind in Laos. He has shared moments with us that allowed us truly see the heart of this great man.

One of the greatest honors of my life was a day in 2006 when V.P. told me “you are my brother.” Only those in the culture will understand what a great honor was bestowed upon me that day.

My wife and I will always be proud to be known as Vang Ed and Vang Georgie. We miss V.P.

Vang Pao lived for his people. For all of his greatness he was a humble man. He understood that to be a great leader one must first be a dedicated servant to those who follow him. Vang Pao spent his life for the Hmong people.

Jesus said “No greater love have any man than to lay down his life for his friends.’’

General Vang Pao was not only a good friend to the Hmong People, but a good friend to America. Vang Pao was a great servant to his people and to the world. He completed the task God called him to do. He did it well. Because of General Vang Pao, we are a richer nation, and the Hmong no longer are a displaced people but they face a future full of hope and of promise.

Well done good and faithful servant.

May God continue to bless the Hmong people. general vang pao monument 12 colonel vang thai

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here today. It is an honor for me to be here with you. Today, we gather here to pay respect to and remember one of the most prominent leaders of the Hmong people, General Vang Pao. At the age of 13 years old, General Vang Pao entered to join the French military in Xieng Khouang Province.

On January 3, 1961, Col. Bill Lair and Col. Pranet flew from Thailand to meet with General Vang Pao at Tham Thong, Xieng Khouang Province, Laos to ask General Vang Pao for his help and support. Three days after the meeting, weapons and supplies were dropped by airplanes onto the village. General Vang Pao’s men were trained to carry on the missions assigned to him.

I would like to share with you the crucial roles General Vang Pao played with the United States in the war against communist aggression in Southeast Asian from 1961 to 1975, and what he did for our people after the war.

As commander for the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) covert operations during the Vietnam War and Royal Lao Army for Military Region II, General Vang Pao rallied the Hmong and other ethnic groups to fight as guerilla soldiers. The main missions that the CIA assigned to General Vang Pao were to (1) protect U.S. Navigation Radar in Phou Pha Thi and collect intelligence information on North Vietnamese troops along the borders, (2) navigate U.S. airstrikes and rescue American pilots shot down along the border of Laos and Vietnam, and (3) stop the flow of North Vietnamese troops and supplies through the Ho Chi Minh Trail and deter communist aggression. General Vang Pao committed to his assignments and saved many American lives but lost about 35,000 of his own soldiers and military leaders, mostly Hmong.

After the Vietnam War, General Vang Pao resettled in the United States. In America, He found a new calling to help his people make a successful transition into American society. With the support of many Hmong leaders, he found the first Laotian community benefits organization, Lao Family Community in 1978, which reached out to many Laotian communities to help them adjust to their new life in the United States. In addition, he created the United Hmong International Council in 1982 to deal with Hmong cultural and social adjustment issues, established the Lao Council in 1986 to advocate for human rights in Laos, and formed two veteran organizations in the 1990s to advocate for Laotian veterans and their families.

General Vang Pao inspired people with a vision of hope, offered his unwavering support, and emphasized the important of education. He was a great leader and loving father. He will forever be known as our beloved father.

Thank you.

general vang pao monument 13 president nao choua vue Former President of Koom Haum Hmoob Sib Sau Fab Kis Teb

Distinguished guests, families, and friends, it’s great to be with you today.

I want to thank President Cheuyengther Xiong, Lao Family Community Empowerment, the General Vang Pao Monument Committee, and the Hmong community for the hard work that they do in building this world class monument. President Cheuyengther, your leadership, honesty, integrity, hard work, and kindness is a great example for the Hmong people.

Today is a special day for Hmong people around the world. We are here to honor and remember our great father General Vang Pao and the sacrifice that he made for us to have the life we have today.

I want to thank our veterans for their courage and sacrifice. We have the opportunities become educators, lawyers, business owners, and leaders because General Vang Pao and you sacrificed your lives for us. Our people are educated, prosperous, and live in peaceful countries such as the United States and France because of General Vang Pao and you. We must keep this history and tell it to our children and future generations, so they know why we came to the United States, France, and other countries. We must honor and remember his leadership and your sacrifice.

This amazing monument tells General Vang Pao’s great leadership, legacy, service, and sacrifice to the world. With this monument, his spirit lives on. Every year, we should come here to visit, to pay respect, to honor, and to remember him and receive his blessing.

Thank you.

general vang pao monument 14 gvp monument timeline 2011 2013

January January June • General Vang Pao passed away in Clovis, • The committee met with • Began Car Raffle Fundraising California on January 6 Paula Slater, reviewed her • SJC Fairground BOD initiated the idea of sketchs a monument to honor GVP December • 1 feet high GVP Model Feburary sculpted • GVP Funeral in Fresno, California • LFCE President and CEO discussed idea with GVP family • LFCE BOD approved the project after getting agreement from GVP family

April • Researching and planning started

May • LFCE President contacted Colonel Wangyee Vang and visited the veteran statue in Fresno June • Began discussing the designing concept

November • Announced the project to the public 2012

January • GVP Committee formed January 27 March • Paula Slater choosen as Sculptor • First fundraising to kick off the project March • GVP monument graphic April rendering completed • Designed and re-designed the monument and researched/selected 2014 the sculptor April • Commission agreement signed and sculpture to begin

November • GVP clay portrait in progress

December • Finalized the designing with input and ideas from the sculptor

general vang pao monument LAO FAMILY BOARD OF DIRECTORS gvp monument timeline 15 2015 2016

January 30 July January • GVP clay portrait approved • 1st relief panel sculpted • Relief panels casted to bronze Februrary • GVP clay portrait molded

February 10 • Breaking ground at San Joaquin April Fairground July • GVP statue being apply chemicals • The COST OF FREEDOM wall designed and submitted

August • Panels being molded and March 10 ready for bronze • Relief panels go through patina process • GVP statue completes patina process

March 16 & 17 April • GVP Monument Installation • 3 relief panels sculpting March 28 started • GVP Monument Unveiling

general vang pao monument LAO FAMILY BOARD OF DIRECTORS 16 LAO FAMILY BOARD OF DIRECTORS “We Make Positive Changes Together” By Dr. Cheuyenther Xiong When I came to Lao Family Community of Stockton in April 2007, the agency was in a difficult position. The funders and community were losing hope for the agency. In order to restore the confidence of those who supported the agency and community, I made many changes to turn the agency around and move it forward.

I recruited new and professional board members, hired a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and made the agency and its actions transparent to the public. Together, the new board members, CEO, and I rewrote the by-laws, changed the agency’s name from Lao Family Community of Stockton to Lao Family Community Empowerment (LFCE), developed a new vision, mission, values, personnel policies, processes and procedures, and set high standards and expectations for the agency. As a result of these changes, we have gained the confidence of our funders and community. We have developed good collaborative partnerships with many government agencies as well as other organizations. Our commitment to help the agency reach its full potential has helped the agency to grow, serve the community well, and made a difference in many people’s lives. Because of our partnership, the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds have provided a space for LFCE to build a stunning world class monument to honor our beloved Father General Vang Pao and to remember the sacrifice that he and the Hmong made during the Secret War in Laos. This is the greatest accomplishment by the agency under my leadership. DR. CHEUYENGTHER XIONG As I leave LFCE after the dedication of the GVP Monument in March 2016, I want to thank the staff and board of directors for their support PRESIDENT during my tenure and wish them the very best. As a word of wisdom for my wonderful team at Lao Family, if you know who you are and where you are going and lead with honesty and integrity, you will reach your destination.

“What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.” - Elbert Pine Nhia Bee Xiong Marie-France Kongmeng Thao Ger Vang Vice President Thao, Secretary Treasurer CHIEF EXECUTIVE oFFICER

Mike Vang Chong Blia Neng Lo Jeff Slater Kay Cha Sam Fant Joua Lee Kur Song

Dr. Chao Chang Vang Naoleng Lee Solyn Laney Nou Fue Thao Leng Thao Boua Chao Thao general vang pao monument GVP MONUMENT COMMITTEE 17

Dr. Cheuyengther Ger Vang Kongmeng Thao Atary Xiong Boua Leng Xiong chang fong thao Charlee (Nom Lis) Xiong Vice chairman Treasurer Vang chairman

Chong Blia Neng Dr. Charlie Jonchue Dr. Ia Vang Fai Chee Yang Jamie Xiong Joua Lee Kay Cha Lo Chang

Kur Song Lia Vang Lt. Nyia Cheng mike vang nhia bee xiong capt. sou thao Nom Ntxiag Moua Xyooj

Nom Tshuas Vwj Pao Lee Pobtsuas Thoj Por Yang Sa (Tooj Yeeb) Sky (Siv Yim) Steve Zong Xa Vang Ntxwj Vang

Ted Vang Thao Mi Lo Vang Chong Vang Wachue Xiong Wayeng Cha William Longyee Xaichou Vang Xiong CHAREUM XIONG SHONG YING LAO CHIA CHA SUA MAY VANG CHONG SAO VANG TOMMY XIONG CHUE PAO VANG TONG BLIA XIONG GERRY VANG TOOJ SIAB HAWJ LINDA SHARP TSHAJ KOOB YAJ NIAM TSAV NTAJ XYOOJ TUA VANG NTXOOV LWM VAJ TXIAB NEEB VAJ yen thao zang lue vang Naoleng Lee kennedy xiong SUA MAY VANG READYLEE LOR VANG SENG THAO SEE Y LEE general vang pao monument 18 sjcf bod, advisors, sculptor, and mold maker SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY FAIR BOARD OF DIRECTORS • JOE BACCHETTI • NIKKI LINNERMAN • JOE VALENTE • DAVE CULTRERA • NANETTE MARTIN • CAROLYN VAN EXEL • SAM FANT • DANIEL MEZA • GER VANG • CHRIS FLAHERTY • GREG O’LEARY • TORI VERBER SALAZAR • JAMES JIMENEZ • TOM SAWYER • DANIS LEWIS • GINA VALADEZ GENERAL VANG PAO MONUMENT ADVISORS

• CHINENG VANG • GENE HAMNER • LES FONG • DR. LEE HAI • GEORGIE M. SZENDREY • MAJOR CHONGJEH VANG • DR. WANGYEE VANG • JAMES JIMENEZ • NOAH LOR • EDWARD J. SZENDREY • JEFF SLATER • LEE KOU XIONG

Paula Chris Slater Slater It has been my great honor being chosen for the General Vang Pao Monument commission. I always do research before I begin working on a monument project, and after I had read about GVP I had a very powerful dream in which GVP held out his hand and said to his people, “Come with me to a free land.” I awoke with tears in my eyes and called Dr. Xiong to share my dream and that this monument’s design needed to encompass the whole of GVP’s life, not just his military career but also his decades of civil service to the Hmong people. This would take more than a bronze portrait of the General, it needed to also tell the story in words and sculpted images of his long and amazing life. Dr. Xiong understood immediately and supported my vision. We worked very closely on this project and Dr. Xiong had many profound ideas including the addition of “The Cost of Freedom” granite wall. It is our wish Mold Sculptor that this historic Monument not only be a place of information about GVP and the tremendous bravery and sacrifice of the Maker Hmong people, but also a place in which to help heal the loss and wounds of the past, and to inspire the viewer’s mind and imagination forward into the opportunities of this “free land”. general vang pao monument title sponsors 19

“I envision united, educated, prosperous and loving Hmong people around the world.” title sponsors

Dr. Cheuyengther Xiong & Maymao Thao (CA)

Wachong Vang (son of GVP) & Kao Hlee Lee (CA) Ger Vang & Youa Yang (CA)

Colonel Vang Thai Fachue Vang & Waa Yang (CA) Pobtsuas Txiajkuam Thoj & Choua Yang Nue Chang

Chongblianeng Lo & Mai Her Lo (CA) san joaquin county fair a million thanks to our TITLE SPONSORS general vang pao monument 20 platinum sponsors

“My life and my energy I have absolutely given to the Hmong one hundred percent” platinum SPONSORS

1st Lieutenant Xaichou Vang & chaivang thao & yeng vang yia xiong Charlee (Nom Lis) Vang & Cyndi L. Neng Lee, CALIFORNIA WISCONSIN WISCONSIN Vang, CALIFORNIA

Chaying Thao & Kia Yang Chue Feing Thao & Song V. Thao Dr. Pao Ming Thao & Choo M. Thao Dr. Toua Nhia Chao Thao & WISCONSIN WISCONSIN WISCONSIN Pajntoos Lee, WISCONSIN

Hmong Internation New Year, Inc Khoua Cher Xiong & Sao Vang Kongmeng Thao & Sue Hang Major Chongjeh Waseng Vang & CALIFORNIA MINNESOTA CALIFORNIA Sai Y. Vang, WISCONSIN

Vang Chong Bouayee Vang & WaChue Xiong, CALIFORNIA Shoua L. Vang, WISCONSIN general vang pao monument platinum & GOLD sponsors 21

Major Ka Toua (Chong Neng) Mr & Mrs Kav Shoua Tou Thao Nao Nhia Thao & Mai Zoua Thao Nom Tshua Vwj & Lig Thoj Xiong, BG211, CALIFORNIA WISCONSIN WISCONSIN France

Ntxhoo Lauj Sky (Siv Yim) & See Ntxwj Thai Thao & Blia Xiong Tooj Yeeb (Sa Vang) Vaj & Thailand CALIFORNIA WISCONSIN Mai K. Yang, CALIFORNIA

gold sponsors

CHIA SUE XIONG & YEE LOR Chong Thao Lo & Pao Koua Xiong FACHUE VANG & MAO THAO CAPTAIN WAYEE THOR & PAY MOUA CAlifornia caLIFORNIA CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA

• NOU MAI XIONG & MEE YANG, MINNESOTA a million thanks to our PLATINUM & GOLD SPONSORS general vang pao monument 22 SILVER SPONSORS

silver sponsors

Chang (Yaj Huas) & Chai Lor Vang Chang Fong Thao & Chong Ong Xiong & Kia Thao Mr. & Mrs. Boua Long Vue of Apple CALIFORNIA Marie-France Thao, CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA Video Production, CALIFORNIA

Chongge Moua & Maggie Thor, Chue ge Ly &Thao Mi Lo Chungyia Thao & Maiyoua K. Thao Dr. Chao Chang Vang & Phai Yang CALIFORNIA WISCONSIN CALIFORNIA

Dr. Shong Yeng Xiong & Ker Vang Fai Chee Yang & Chao Lee Kevin Khoua Xiong & Kevin Txawj Nchai Vang & CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA Thongwhi Vang Xiong, WISCONSIN Kelly Y. Vang, MINNESOTA

Lia Vang & Sia Xiong Major Xiong Doua & Xe Ly Xiong Nhia Thong Lor & Pao Youa Vang Lor Pao Lee & Mee Chue CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA WISCONSIN CALIFORNIA general vang pao monument SILVER SPONSORS 23

Steve Zong Xa Vang & Sor Lee Tong Xiong & Joua Lee William Longyee Xiong & Grace Vang SAO KUE VANG & FAMILY CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA

READYLEE LOR & EVENLY N. XIONG Wang Xang Thao & Zang Yang Thao XOR XAIV TOUA VANGS & william vang & amy lo CAlifornia CALIFORNIA AMANDA VANG, CAlifornia

Yawg Fav Tswb Rog Xyooj WIsconsin LAO VETERANS VAM NTAUB NTAWV KOOB TSHEEJ XYOOJ & Tsev Neeg OF AMERICA, INC. FAMILY FOUNDATION NKAUJ NTXHUA VAJ, CALIFORNIA

SENG MOUA & MAI KIA MOUA Xiong United National, Inc BoarD Term 2014-2016 Georgia

• LARRY MA XIONG & DIANNA Y. XIONG, CA • MG. RICHARD CHAO VANG & YONG T. VANG, WI • NHIA VUE YANG & NHIA PAO XIONG, CA • SAM XAIV LEEJ THAO & KELLIE YANG, CA • CHAGER XIONG & DIA VUE XIONG, MN • TONG SHOUA XIONG & IA THAO, CA • DR. LA HUAWA YANG & KATHOU VANG, MN • VANG CHONG XIONG & LEE VANG, CA • IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR MOTHER MRS. LUPE L. • VANG FAMILY OF STOCKTON, CA ALAMEDA BY ROBERT A. ALAMEDA & DR. STELLA E. • VANG TSIM KHO OF WAUSAU, WI ALONZO • VICTOR NENG XIONG & MAIDER VANG, CA • JENG TONG VUE & JAMIE XIONG, WI • XIONG UNITED NATIONAL OF CALIFORNIA • JOUAXUE (J) VANG & MAI NHIA XIONG, MN • CHIA NENG VANG DBA IRON KNIGHT SECURITY a million thanks to our SILVER SPONSORS general vang pao monument 24 bronze sponsors

BRONZE SPONSORS

Bouachao Xiong Chiakoua & Captain Chong Neng Vang & Captain Nao Shoua Xiong Dr. Salad Vang & Tsee Vang Phoua P. Xiong, WISCONSIN mee yang, CALIFORNIA WISCONSIN WISCONSIN

Naikong Wacha Lo & Ying Pao Nao Yeng Ga Pao Thao & Hlo L. Thao Nou Toua Khang & Chia Lee Yang Nue Chang YanG Vang, CALIFORNIA WISCONSIN WISCONSIN UTAH

Sgt. Nao Soua Lao & Xeng L. Vang Soua Tua Vang & Thay Xiong Vang, Sua May Vang & Tze Lee Thong Xiong CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA WISCONSIN general vang pao monument bronze sponsors 25

Txawj Yeej Xyooj & Maiv Zag Yaj Tyler Thai Yang & Zong Her Yang Wachong Vang & Maichao H. Vang MAILY LO CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA WISCONSIN california

Xyooj Txoos Cuab chaomuang lo teng chueSANG & Nhia Pao Xiong & Chao Pha Nhia Vue Yang and Ah Thao kou lee

ATTORNEY CHONG VANG & Mamiko Kayeng vue & YER HER ZANG LUE VANG CAPTAIN CHAU KAO VANG & thao xiong VANG LAW OFFICE, WISCONSIN california CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA

• AARON VANG & CHRISTY SONG, CA • JOHNNY CHA & NOU VANG, CA • AUSTIN HMONZONG LEE, CA • MICHELLE & KEVIN HICKS, CA • CAPTAIN CHA PHIA CHUE & CHAO YANG CHUE, CA • NAO SOUA KOUA LO & XENG VANG LO, CA • CAPTAIN LEE XIONG, BG211, WA • NTXOOV XEES VAJ FAMILY, CA • CAPTAIN SALY XIONG, CA • NRUAS VWJ & HNUB HAWJ, FRANCE • CHONG SAO VANG, CA • NYIAJ VWS VAJ & YAJ MIM TSAB, CA • CHUE SANG THAO & KHOU LEE, CA • RALPH & MARIE WOMACK, CA • DEREK MHUAHMONG LEE, CA • RUSSELL VANG INSURANCE • GENE HAMNER, RAVEN 1-2 • SHING XIONG & CHUE LEE, OK • HMONG AMERICAN PARTNERSHIP, INC. • TXHIAB NEEB HAWJ FAMILY LCH, CA • HMONG VILLAGE, MN • WALUE VANG & TZAMY VANG, CA • IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY HUSBAND VAJ XYOOJ VAJ • XYOOJ HAUM XEEB FAMILIES MILWAUKEE, WI BY SOR XIONG • YONG VA YANG, CA

a million thanks to our BRONZE SPONSORS general vang pao monument 26 donations

DONATIONS

Cherneng Xiong & Zoua Vang Ge Moua & Yuping Song Jaroenkun James (Nom Pov) Lor Katie Vang WISCONSIN CALIFORNIA WISCONSIN CALIFORNIA

Koua Lee & Pang Vang Morgan Thao & Maly Vu Mr & Mrs Cha Lee BOUAYEE Vang Nao Kao Xiong WISCONSIN MINNESOTA WISCONSIN WISCONSIN

ly Neng Ngia Cha Xiong Por Xiong & Yer Lee Xiong Sam Xiong France NORTH CAROLINA WISCONSIN CALIFORNIA general vang pao monument donations 27

Txos Vaj & Sue Xyooj Vamcai Xiong Xaiwa L. Yang & Xai Shoua Yang Youa Pao Vang WISCONSIN WISCONSIN CALIFORNIA

• HUNAN HOUSE RESTAURANT • JOHN THAO, CA • JOUA TRUE XIONG, MN • MAX TSWJ NTUG LEE, CA • NHIA CHER VANG & CHOUA LOR, KS • NKAUJ MIM TSAB, FRANCE • PA MA THAO, MN • PA XANG VANG, MN • SENG VANG & LUANGCHEE XIONG, CA • SHAWN THOR & PADA LY, CA • SHONG LENG YANG, MN • STEVE ELLIOTT, CA • THOMAS FAIDAC HER, CA • BILLY THOR & ONG VANG, CA • TSUJ ZOO XYOOJ & KAB LIA LAUJ XYOOJ, WI • CAPTAIN VANG XIONG, MN • XAI SHOUA THAO & YEE LEE, CA • CHAO VANG & SUE XIONG, WI • ZONG CHIA YANG & YING THAO, CA • CLIENT FIRST REALTY • ZOOV TXIM (TENG) LEE & MAI LOU XIONG, CA • COLONEL YOUA TRUE VANG, CA • DR. RON J. RUDOMETKIN, CA • GNEAL BEE XIONG, MN a million thanks FOR YOUR DONATIONS the dedicated fundraising singing team

Steve Zong Xa Vang & Chue ge Ly & Thao Mi Lo Chong Ong Xiong & yen thao Lia Vang Fai Chee Yang Sor Lee Kia Thao

a million thanks FOR YOUR efforts general vang pao monument 28

“I envision united, educated, prosperous, and loving Hmong people around the world.” - General Vang Pao a million thanks to our SPONSORS AND DONORS

Thank you to all the individuals, organizations, and Monument Committee to fundraise during their events. companies who donated to support this monument. A special thanks to the individuals, especially the children Thank you to SEA Games USA Sacramento, CA, Oroville and elderly who donated during these fundraising events Hmong New Year, Sacramento Hmong New Year, Stockton Hmong New Year, Merced Hmong New Year, and Hmong This monument would not have been possible without International New Year for providing spaces for Lao Family their generousity and support. Community Empowerment and the General Vang Pao Design by: Kongmeng Thao general vang pao monument kongthao.com