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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1075]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE LIFE OF PETER VANG
______
HON. JIM COSTA
of california
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and career
of Mr. Peter Vang. Peter passed away on Friday, May 18, 2019 in Clovis,
California. He was a beloved and well-respected member of the
community, and he will be missed by all who had the pleasure of working
with him.
Peter was born on January 20, 1960 in Laos and immigrated to the
United States with his family as a refugee after the Vietnam War. He
was an embodiment of the American Dream. Peter and his family came to
settle in the United States to start a new beginning. His own
experiences as a refugee motivated Peter to help those in the Southeast
Asian community assimilate to life in the United States. Peter loved
the United States and became a naturalized citizen. He was very proud
of this accomplishment.
Peter served as the Executive Director of the Lao Veterans of
America, Inc., in Fresno, California where he helped the Lao and Hmong
soldiers who fought in the Special Guerrilla Unit (SGU) during the
Vietnam War. Peter was a driving force in assisting my office with the
creation of the Hmong Burial legislation that became Public Law 115-141
on March 23, 2018.
Peter was a hard-working individual who dedicated his life to serving
others. During his career, Peter worked for the Fresno County
Department of Social Services for over 21 years, until his retirement
in 2015. He also spent many years with the Lao Family Community of
Fresno. In addition to his professional career, Peter served on
numerous community boards and committees and received awards and
recognitions during his lifetime. It was most fitting and appropriate
that I appointed Peter to the Fresno County Equal Opportunities
Commission (EOC), where he served with distinction as a commissioner
for 22 years. His service to the community will not be forgotten.
Peter was preceded by his mother, See Yang and by his son, Richard
Vang.
Peter is survived by his son, Billy Vang who is currently serving in
the U.S. Army, stationed in Okinawa, Japan, Billy's wife, Ryoko Vang
and their child, Haruka Vang; his daughter, Sarah Vang; his daughter,
Mindy Ruz, her husband, Anthony and their children, Valerie and Audrey
Ruz; his daughter, Sylvia Phillips, her husband, Matthew and their
children, Andrew and Charlotte Phillips; his father, WaCheng Vang;
brother, Yeu Vang; sisters, Kaying Moua, Mee Vue and Betty Vang-Do, a
long with his nephew and nieces. Peter was a wonderful son, brother,
father, uncle and grandfather.
I will remember Peter's good humor, his willingness to always help,
his calming demeanor and his smile. He was a great friend and advisor.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the
life and career of Peter Vang, a hero to his family, a wonderful role
model for his children and grandchildren, his siblings and friends and
an exemplary member of the community.
____________________