Say Xiong Vang “Nchaiv Xyooj Vaj”, a former US-LAO Army Captain who served under the leadership and direction of the Late General Vang Pao and the United States CIA during the Vietnam War, passed away on August 15, 2018 in the City of Sacramento, California. Say’s life journey began on February 1, 1945 in the small mountainous village of Phou Mou, Xieng Khoung Province, Laos. He is the youngest son born to Txhiaj Ntxawg Vaj and Cib Xyooj. As an adolescent, Say was a precocious individual who… Read More » enjoyed learning and took on many important responsibilities, i.e. ua Txiv Qeej, ua Mej Koob, ua Kav Xwm. From 1961 until the end of the war in 1975, Say served in the US-LAO Army in Laos where he attained the rank of a Captain (“Loi-tris”). Over the span of his military service, Cpt. Xiong Vang led many successful missions while minimizing the loss of casualty to his infantrymen; this is attributed to his strong prowess in military tactics and in the battlefield. He completed several military officer and reconnaissance training, most notably completing “Xem” – a military officer training at Long Cheng military base (6 months, 1967-1968, Long Cheng, Xieng Khoung, Laos); completed Commando “kaus-mau-dus” Special forces/Ariel Reinforcement training at Phitsanulok Thai Air Base (6 months, 1969, Phitsanulok military base, Thailand), and served as the field commander “nai koos phan” of Commando Battalion 208, US-LAO Army. Moreover, in 1973, he was admitted to sit in for the Laotian Secondary School (Grade 6) Entrance Exam (“xhet’) under the provincial control of Chao Muong Los Thaiv Vaj and received a certificate of passing despite never having attended any formal schooling in Laos. On May 15, 1975, one day after the fall of Laos, Say returned home from the battlefield to lead his family, along with several other relative members, on a treacherous trek out of Laos and sought refuge in Thailand. After 3 years of living in the dilapidated refugee huts of Thailand, Say, his wife and three children along with his mother and his youngest sister immigrate to the United States as refugees through political asylum. In the fall of 1978, through the sponsorship of the Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Services, Good Samaritan Lutheran Church of Chicago, IL and their American host family, Say and his family arrived in Chicago, IL, USA to begin a new life. Say worked full-time as a shopping mall Custodian, while attending vocational training in Welding. In 1982, the family moved to California and have since resided in Tulare, CA and, presently, in Sacramento, CA. In 1990, Say along with Mr. Blia Lia Vang co-founded a clan-based organization, Koos Haum Vaj Tshua Mab (USA); its mission was to serve as a medium for maintaining familial connection, communication, and support of Clan relatives whom have otherwise been scattered due to the resettlement process and are residing throughout the United States. The organization during its establishment was able to provide support and assistance to many families during times of hardship and distress. In 1992, Say organized a group of Hmong community members in the City of Tulare, California to establish the first Hmong cultural New Year celebration in its city’s history. As the elected Chairperson of the event, Say worked collaboratively gaining the support and participation of local elected officials, community leaders, and law enforcement agencies; distinguished attendees included the late Mayor Claude Retherford, the late City Council Member William Cooke, Police Chief Bruce McDermott, community leader Rev. Andrew Taylor, Hmong leader – the Late General Vang Pao, and many other Hmong and Mien leaders. Say’s most proudest life achievement and accolades are his wife, children, and grand-children. He dedicated his entire life in America to nourishing and helping his children build a better future, by instilling the important values of education, dependability, and hard work. He leaves behind his wife and life-partner of 45 years, See Yang; His six (6) sons: Hue Vang, Meng Vang, Pheng Vang, J.D., M.S. & See, Peng Xue Vang & Paj Ntoo, Dr. John Vang, D.C. & Deena, and Derek Vang; Four (4) daughters: Maiv Txos Vang & Ngias Mas Vwj, Paj Vang & Txawj Pov Xyooj, Diane Vang, M.S., RN & Vince Yu, and Tiffany Vang; 26 grandchildren & 6 great grandchildren.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Say Xiong Vang 2018.
Death notice for the town of: Sacramento, state: California