Title
Honoring Major Eugene Wa Geu Vang.
Body
WHEREAS, Major Eugene Wa Geu Vang was born on June 10th, 1951 in Phou Mork Village, Xieng Khouang, Laos and;
WHEREAS, after being recruited and serving in the Secret War in Laos in the Special Guerrilla Unit and serving at the late General Vang Pao’s Headquarters for four years before being sent to the front line in eastern Laos; and
WHEREAS, in 1966 he coordinated military needs and supplies in Vientiane, and upon his return was promoted to First Lieutenant, and eventually being promoted to Second Lieutenant in 1968, and
WHEREAS, his position allowed him to work closely with Colonel Vang Neng and General Vang Pao, leading to a lifelong friendship; and
WHEREAS, in 1970 he married April Pa Thao and eventually had 6 children while continuing to serve in the SGU until 1975 when the Vietnam War concluded; and
WHEREAS, he moved his family from Laos to Van Vinai Refugee camp in Thailand, before being sponsored in 1976 by Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Bliatout to move to Hilo, Hawaii; and
WHEREAS, after being resettled in the United States, he continued advocating for the resettlement of thousands of Hmong refugees into Saint Paul, Minnesota and throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, after living in Hawaii for eight and a half years, Wa Geu moved to Fresno, California where his love of people and cuisine allowed him to work at various restaurants before discovering his true passion; and
WHEREAS, he devoted his time to interpret and serve the Non-Speaking Hmong community members of Fresno Central Valley until his retirement in 2014; and
WHEREAS he worked tirelessly in the community to advocate for education, leadership and progress of the Hmong-American community and campaigning for Hmong American leaders throughout the country; and
WHEREAS he also joined the United States National Defense Support command in 2011 and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonol; and
WHEREAS he served his community tirelessly, and served on several boards and organizations, including Hmong International New Year and the SGU Organization; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Saint Paul honors and remembers Major Eugene Wa Geu Vang and afford an opportunity for people to recognize the service, sacrifice, and dedication of Major Vang.