It's worth noting that when he says "what we call the Vietnam war", he's referring to the American perspective since the Vietnamese referred to it as the American War. My dad was also born in Saigon, came over here right after he was born, learned English watching Sesame Street, served in the Army, and retired from a large police department.
No Vietnamese call the Vietnam war the American war, except for the dirty propagandist "communists" who took everything from their own people to enrich themselves.
I enjoyed this interview about his family history and service to this country. I too am from a 1st generation Asian Family, I’m Filipino, and had my military service based off my 2 older brothers, the oldest served 27 years in the Army and rose from an E1 Private and retired as a Major, my other brother served 4 years in the Marines and I did 7 in the Army. What we learned coming to America is that nothing is given to you and it’s our responsibility to grab and go with it. Many years later we all are older and achieved in our different areas but this all stemmed from being in the military. I wouldn’t change a thing nor would I forget about the opportunity given to us!
I always had such massive respect for folks like you and your family when i served. Coming to America as immigrants or being 1st generation and serving with such dedication and pride. I knew guys from Guam, Saipan, Dubai, Mexico all serving as non citizens hoping to gain it, and those guys worked their asses off, no complaints, no whining, just duty. Mad respect.
Amazing! I did two tours in Vietnam as an 11 Bravo grunt with the 327th Inf , 101st Abn Div. I picked up Vietnamese and served with a Radio Research Company at Camp Eagle. I sponsored a very large family of Chinese merchants from Siagon. I ended up breaking ALL the rules and married the most beautiful Angel from that family, 33 years of bliss. We Have a daughter who is a Medical Doctor and our son is a staff attorney with the internal revenue service .
Scott Adkins Ethnicity doesn’t matter. For most 1st generation Asians, parents would often encourage their children to pursue careers in the medical, law, or engineering field. Military service is hardly mentioned or encouraged. In my IBOLC class (90’s) I was the only Asian Lt. Same for SFAS and the Q course. So for me, I am glad to hear the stories of bright Asians not only attend USMA but choose Infantry as their branch when they could have chosen another. I have 2 daughters that are in the Army. One is a SIGO and the other is a Yuk at USMA. Both had other opportunities to attend other Universities. But similar to these men, they both felt a sense of duty and selfless service.
Jeremiah Carlos yes. Having thick skin was a must. I used to be called Ponch from the tv show CHIPS to Bruce Lee. All made for good times and endless laughter from the brotherhood.
A real good smart man I really enjoyed the interview and for him to say to make his mother proud bring the memories my father used to tell me growing up always make me proud never make me ashamed of you that was my driving force for 83 years
MOST OF THE VIETNAMESE THAT IMMIGRATED SERVED IN THE SOUTH VIETNAMESE MILITARY AFTER THE VIETNAM WAR AND MOST OF THE KOREAN THAT IMMIGRATED WERE FROM THE SOUTH KOREAN MILITARY WHO SERVED IN THE KOREAN WAR
Great videos.... it is so great to know about ours soldier’s life... their origin, personal and professional life!! Thank you for a wonderful videos !!👍🏼🇺🇸🇨🇱🇪🇸
Nice interview of a successful and inspirational American story. This guy, Coung (Tommy) Nguyen, being interviewed was transformed by his West Point experience which developed him into a principled and respectable man despite growing up in a single parent home. His family typifies an Asian family values and traditions. I have great respect for West Point graduates, especially General of the Army Douglas MacArthur. “Duty, Honor, Country” is West Point’s Motto that develops the cadet’s character to the ideals of the Army’s values of “loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage”.
I can't deny that older Asian people especially in Western countries are probably racist. Asians are generally racist towards other Asians lol. But that's an old way of thinking. Almost every 1st Generation Asian American I know is very socially aware and progressive. Older Asians tend to be ignorant of other ethnicities and cultures since they came from homogeneous societies. But that mindset is shifting as more and more adult Asians in this country are born and raised with an American culture on top of the Asian one
LibertyWay Ranch ....Well... he may have gone to Ranger School during his Senior year at The Military Academy and then into SF. Listen to his story.....
Damn acadamies, use the, Branch of service-- for it's designator. Never US! It must be, by Branch. You violated, airspace again. No acronyms-- for units-- commands-- no SEAL TEAMs.
