Title
Honoring and commemorating the life and contributions of Nhia Yong Thao.
Body
WHEREAS, Nhia Yong Thao was born on June 12th, 1947 at Long Moune Village in Xieng Khouang Province, Laos; and
WHEREAS, his father Youa Tong Thao and mother Zoua Vang raised six sons and three daughters during the Secret War; and
WHEREAS, in 1962, Nhia Yong Thao went to Phakhao Elementary Public School in Laos; and
WHEREAS, Nhia Yong Thao became the chief of Long Moune from 1968-1970, and promoted to Nai Kong, a district government or bureaucrat of Laos, from 1970-1975; and
WHEREAS, from 1962-1975, Nhia Yong Thao, along with his three brothers: Sou Moua Thao, Chue Cheng Thao, and Neng Chue Thao, served the American CIA during the Secret War in Laos; and
WHEREAS, Nhia Yong Thao actively recruited Hmong men and youth to support the American CIA under General Vang Pao at Long Cheng, the American CIA’s headquarters in Laos, during the Secret War, from 1968-1973; and
WHEREAS, Nhia Yong Thao also served as a mediator to resolve disputes in his community in Laos and the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, after the Secret War, Nhia Yong Thao sought refuge in Thailand with his family in 1975, and lived in the refugee camp Ban Vinai; and
WHEREAS, in the refugee camp, Nhia Yong Thao collaborated with the United Nations to provide care for the refugees, including the building of additional houses and providing safety and food; and
WHEREAS, Nhia Yong Thao and his family resettled in Minnesota in November 1979; and
WHEREAS, Nhia Yong Thao was a strong supporter of entrepreneurship and started several businesses and provided jobs in St. Paul; and
WHEREAS, Nhia Yong Thao was instrumental in leading the Thao Kue of Minnesota, Inc., President of Hmong Radio, Advisor to Thao United of MN, Inc., and Advisor to General Vang Pao; and
WHEREAS, Nhia Yong Thao also spearheaded the effort to clear and demand the release of General Vang Pao during the alleged Operation Tarnished Eagle; and
WHEREAS, Nhia Yong Thao served as President of Florida Hmong Community, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, Nhia Yong Thao had five sons and four daughters, all of whom have contributed greatly to the community including former MN State Representative Cy Thao, who served for four terms in the MN State House representing Saint Paul; and now
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the City of Saint Paul honors and commemorates the life and contributions of Nhia Yong Thao; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the City of Saint Paul extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of Nhia Yong Thao.