SGU Veterans’ Oral History Project
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Collect, Document, and Record SGU Veterans’ Oral History Project
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A grant to collect, document, archive, preserve, and make available to the public the oral histories/stories of the Hmong Special Guerrilla Units veterans and their wives/widows.
In 2023, SGU received a state grant to document these oral stories. Final programming for this project will be released in Summer of 2025 as a part of the commemoration for the Hmong Minnesotans’ 50th Anniversary in America (since migrating to the US in 1975).
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The purpose of this SGU Veterans’ Oral Story Project is to archive, collect, document, and record oral stories of the Hmong Special Guerrilla Units (SGU) veterans. To this day their oral stories still remain largely undocumented. Without any real effort in this humanitarian work, the Hmong of Minnesota is at risk of losing an important generation that has contributed to the vibrant culture, history, and story that partially defined today’s Minnesota. Moreover, there is a sense of urgency for this Project due to the Hmong veterans’ health and aging population. Plus, the Covid pandemic has taken a toll on this veteran’s group.
This SGU Veterans’ Oral History Project exhibit will be on display on May 14 as the SGU Organization commemorates its “SGU Remembrance Day” at the MN State Capitol Grounds and at the MN Historical Society during the “Hmong 50 Commemoration” that will take place on May 16, 2025. This exhibit is a part of the larger framework as the community and state commemorates the 50th Anniversary — marking the end of the Secret War / Vietnam War in 1975. Stay tuned for future exhibition of these 50 stories, which time, location, and date will be posted here.
Mr. Wangmeng Lee, Major, Retired
Mr. Xai Vang, Lt., Retired
Mr. Xai Nou Vang, Captain, Retired
Mr. Wang Lee Xiong, Lt., Retired
Mr. Youa True Yang, Captain, Retired
Mrs. Yorani Youa Heu, Nurse, Retired
Mr. Xai Chou Xiong, Lt., Retired
Mrs. Mxho Xiaaj, Wife, Entrepreneur
Mr. Xong Pao Hang, Boy Soldier, Retired
Mr. Lee P. Ya, T-28 Pilot, Lt., Retired
Ms. Ka Lee Moua, Widow
Ms. Ka Ying Vang, Widow, Retired
Mr. Cha Ger Moua, M/Sgt., Retired
Mr. Tong Wa Vang, Lt., Retired
Mr. Hang True, Major, Retired
Pastor Sai S. Lee, Captain, Retired
Pastor Sia Ge Kong, Lt., Retired
Mr. Chertoua Yang, Lt., Retired
Mr. Yang Fang, Captain, Retired
Mrs. Der Yang Kong, Wife, Retired
Mr. Nao Tong "Tony" Yang, Lt., Retired
Mr. Yee R. Xiong, Lt., Retired
Neng "Nhia Cha" Xiong, Lt., Retired
Ms. May Lee Soung, Nurse, Retired
Mr. Chong Neng Lor, 1st Lt., Retired
Mr. Nhia Tou Pha, Lt., Retired
Mr. Wang Ma Yang, Retired, Captain
Mr. Sao Ger Xiong, Retired, Sgt.
Mr. Yer "Yangshao" Vue, SGU Veteran, Retired
Mrs. Mai Vue, Mother, Retired
Mr. Youa Ge Vang, Lt., Entrepreneur
Mr. Wang Kai Yang, Major, Retired
Mr. Blia Ya Lor, Captain, Retired
Mr. Tong Chang Lee, Captain, Retired
Dr. Tong Kou Vang, Lt. Colonel/Entrepreneur
Mrs. Song Ly, Wife, Entrepreneur
Mr. Wa Chong Vang, Soldier, Retired / Community Leader
Mr. Vang Xiong, Captain, Retired
Mr. Chong Neng Vue, Pvt., Retired
Lee Ge, 1st Lt., Retired
Mr. Paul Vang (Sue), Captain, Retired
Mr. Xaiwa Xiong, Sgt., Retired
Mrs. Youa Vue, War Survivor
Mrs. Mao X. Yang, Widow/Wife, Retired
Mr. Nhia Pao Vue, 2nd Lt., Retired
Mr. Ma Thao, Lt., Retired
Mr. Nhia Ge "Charles" Vang, Captain, Retired
Mr. Boua Vang Xiong, Lt., Retired
Mr. Xang X. Vang, Lt., Retired
Mr. Xia Ying Her, Captain, Retired
This work is funded by the Cultural Heritage Grants and is administered by the Minnesota Historical Society. This grant was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.
Production for this project was done at 3HmongTV Studio.
