Chue Houa Xiong

We are deeply saddened to share this message with the families and descendants of those who may have crossed paths with our father. If you, or a family member, experienced the exodus from Laos during the Secret War of the Vietnam War, this message is for you. Our father, who dedicated his life to the safety and security of those fleeing the devastation of the Secret War in Laos, has passed away. We invite you and your loved ones to join us in celebrating his life one final time. The program details are listed in his obituary. For those unable to attend but who wish to honor his legacy, we have created a Sunshine Go Fund in his memory.

https://gofund.me/af72d638

Everyone holds special memories of their loved ones. It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved father on July 8, 2024, at the age of 93. Though people often wonder about the cause, we prefer to remember how he lived. Our father lived a full and fulfilling life. He did not succumb to an incurable disease or a tragic accident. He passed away peacefully, with a smile on his face, knowing that he had truly lived each day to its fullest, from his first breath to his last. He was deeply loved, he loved deeply, and he touched countless lives, making a difference to all who crossed his path. As his surviving descendants, we humbly wish to honor his life journey.

Our father, Nai Koo Chue Houa Xiong, was born on October 30, 1930, in the small village of Phousan, Xieng Khouang Laos. He was welcomed into a large, loving family as the sixth son of Pa Kao Xiong, with one uncle, Zang Ying Xiong, and a grandfather, Cha Chue Xiong. He was blessed with two mothers, seven brothers, and one sister. Though his childhood was filled with love and acceptance, there was little to share. Like many children of that time, he had to work hard to contribute to his family. To fulfil his love for his mother, and to help his brothers, he worked even harder. Faith did not give him an easy start in life. Everything he had was earned through relentless effort and sacrifice.

He performed the daily chores of any young boy of his time: chopping firewood, carrying water, clearing fields, farming, feeding hogs, swine, and chickens, cooking, and attending school when possible. Despite his heavy responsibilities, he made time for education, knowing even then how important it was. Though his formal education was limited, he remained determined and persevered through hardship, eventually becoming fluent in speaking and writing Lao and proficient with mathematical concepts.

During his younger years, he married his first wife, True Lee (1955-1965). Together, they had three daughters (May, Mee, and Yia) and two sons (Chong Pao and Non Lee), who are all present today. Sadly, she passed away in 1965 due to illness. Life would have been peaceful, but fate had other plans.

Our father began his military career at a young age, participating in the French Indo-China conflict, which ended in 1954. The following year, civil war broke out in Vietnam between the Communist North and the American-allied South, known globally as the Vietnam War, which lasted from November 1, 1955, to April 30, 1975. The secret CIA operation in Laos began in 1959, marking the beginning of our father's journey. He was among those recruited to join the Special Guerrilla Unit to preserve freedom from communism-a mission he took great pride in.

He and a few others were selected for military basic training in Saigon, Vietnam, where he received weapons and classroom instruction in warfare tactics. He often described his first parachute jump as both terrifying and exhilarating: "I was shaken, and my heart pounded, but I would not let it stop me. At times, I wondered if I would still be alive when I landed."

After his training, he was stationed at a military camp in Phu Vien, near his hometown. During this time, he gained military recognition and was promoted to Lieutenant, overseeing a battalion responsible for the safety of Phuvia village. He was also appointed "Nai Kong" by General Vang Pao and the Lao Royalist to manage civilian social orders. He maintained data, collected census information, and processed settlement claims for widows and parents who lost husbands or sons in the war. He often traveled between Phuvia, Long Cheng, and other military camps, including the tragic mountain of Boua Long. His role was rare but necessary, as Phuvia village was in a war zone. He had many brothers who supported him during his leadership, and though he stood as one, he had many standing behind him. His home was always open, welcoming guests from all walks of life-from those seeking alms to military leaders like colonels, majors, and Lao representatives.

Around this time, he remarried Dee Lor (1966-1969), who tragically passed away during childbirth. Our father had two children with Dee Lor, but neither survived.

Phu Vien was attacked on a fateful night during New Year in 1969. "The children had just returned from the New Year festivities. They still had their new clothes laid out. Everyone was tired. We had dinner and went to bed. We knew an attack could come at any time, but it had been quiet, and we all felt safe celebrating New Year. Then, sometime after midnight, there were sounds like thunder flashing through the sky. The noise pierced through our ears and into our hearts. We crawled out of bed and stumbled our way to safety, seeing rays of light from machine guns cutting through the night. Families were separated, and everyone was on their own." Our father was hunted and escaped with scratch marks all over.

That night, Phu Vien was overrun. Our father guided the survivors to a neighboring village, walking through the night until morning when families could finally reunite. Many were displaced, and many others perished. Reinforcements were called in, and the SGU bombers dropped bombs throughout the day. "There was dark smoke rising from the area all day." The bombing stopped the next day, and the enemies retreated. The villagers returned to their shattered homes to salvage what they could carry, knowing they could no longer stay.

Our father led an exodus of over ten thousand refugees from Phu Vien and surrounding villages out of the war zone. The journey was slow and arduous, with women and children traveling by foot. It took over three months to resettle the refugees into safer villages and towns. During this time, our father coordinated the shipments of food and medical supplies and kept a meticulous census of the people in the group. Food supplies were airdropped to prevent starvation. Sadly, along this journey, our father lost his second wife and newborn baby. Many others also lost loved ones due to illness. Some of the towns affected during this evacuation were (Phuj Koob, Huab Cab, Xa Xiam, Phab Kheb etc). After the refugees were resettled, our father moved to Pha Keb. He remarried a third time to Chue Yang, who also passed away the same year, leaving no children. Shortly after, he married his fourth wife, See Moua Xiong, who survives him along with four daughters (Chue, Jade, Mia, Pahnna) and four sons (Lee, Vong, Kham, Kong). He also cared for his nephews and nieces as his own children.

As the war intensified, our father was asked to relocate refugees to a rural village named Toob Miab. He brought his brothers and their families along. Initially, there were fewer than ten families in Toob Mia. Our father coordinated for aid and food to be dropped in the area, attracting many refugees. At the peak of resettlement, over 12,000 people lived in the area. He helped establish a school and a small medical clinic. No matter where he lived, his home was always a place of hospitality, where people from all walks of life were welcomed. Whether offering a cup of water, a bowl of rice, or hosting a grand feast, he never turned anyone away. This town remained until the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. Today, the town is located near Xay Suborn area.

During this time, our father traveled to assist his associates with the last airlift out of Long Cheng in May 1975. He heard that General Vang Pao flew over and around Moos Caab to take one last look at the area before leaving the country. Those who had sacrificed so much were heartbroken. Many shed tears without crying, and many silently mourned. Our father witnessed the chaos as people clamored for survival. He saw the old currency scattered across the field, people scrambling over each other for a spot on the plane, and families abandoning their homes and wealth for a chance to survive. He returned to his family in Nasu, disheartened by the knowledge that his closest associates, many of whom had fought and worked with him side by side, were either dead or had left the country. He remained somber and silent for days, and when asked, he would simply say, "Everyone has left." About 3,500 SGU family members participated in this final airlift out of Long Cheng. Our parents did not take part in this evacuation. Many people who did not make it on the plane or those who were unable to leave the country suffered from persecution or died trying.

After the Americans left, aid stopped, and the people dispersed, seeking ways to survive. Our parents resettled in Nasu, where they engaged in business and waited for news. There were talks of peace, but also whispers among the local people: "A new government is coming to kill the Hmong people." As communist soldiers began patrolling the streets, the city became increasingly locked down. There was much confusion, propaganda, and misinformation. Families who were well informed quietly began leaving for Lav 52 to cross into Thailand. Around this time, our parents discreetly and safely ferried their children across the Mekong River into Thailand, bringing four daughters (May, Mee, Yia, Chue) and two sons (Chong Pao, Non Lee) to safety.

Our father is survived by his wife, See Moua Xiong, thirteen children, thirty-six grandchildren, thirty-nine great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Peb txiv tus zoo nraug, siab zoo. Koj yog ib tus neeg muaj koob muaj tsim, siab loj thiab siab ntev. Koj lub neej yav dhau los, koj muaj noj muaj haus, ua nom ua tswv, hlub kwv hlub tij, hlub tau pej xeem, hlub tus hlob mus rau tus yaus, coj tau tus quas, coj tau ib pab los ua ib pawg. Thaum koj sawv ntshug tsees, koj lub ntsej muag sawv muaj hwjchim. Thaum luag hais koj lub npe, lwm tus twb paub koj lawm. Peb zoo siab, peb tau yug los ua koj cov menyuam. Ua lub ntuj lub teb tsaug, kom koj cov xeeb ntswv thaug tau koj txoj hauv kev mus deb tshaj no. Mus zoo koj mog. Peb hlub koj tsis txawj tag

Celebrating the Life of

Nai Koo Chue Houa Xiong

House Night Watch/ Vigil:

August 30, 2024 to September 05, 2024

Location: For Address call Kham Xiong (559) 785-7308

Memorial Service Agenda

September 07, 2024 to September 09, 2024

Location:

Sunnyside Hall

5707 East Balch Avenue

Fresno, CA 93727

September 07, 2024: Saturday

- Morning Ritual: Tshuab qeej tu siab, taw kev, nce nees

- Lunch

- Rites and Ritual Continue

- ***Dinner 6:00 p.m. {Daughters and Son-In-Laws' Memorial Dinner}

September 08, 2024: Sunday

- 7:00 am: Guest Procession Ritual (Ua Hauv Qhua)

- ***Lunch {Grand Children's Memorial Luncheon)

- 2:00: Afternoon Program {Active or Retired service guests are welcome to wear military attire to honor our father and to those who have passed on}

Program Service:

Opening remark: Welcome Cher Kue Xiong, Thawj Xyom Cuab

Guest Speakers:

I. Xiong Phouvieng (XPV)

II. Lao Veteran

III. Xiong Family of California

IV. Xiong United Representative

V. SGU (Special Guerilla Unit)

VI. Mr. Xiong's Obituary, Cher Kue Xiong, Thawj Xyom Cuab

VII. Farewell Song by Tom Toucher, Sounders

VIII. Final farewell: Nyiaj Tsheej Thoj, Executive Director Lao Family Santa Ana, President Hmong International New Year

IX. Family Slide show.

***Dinner: {Mother, Sons and Daughter-In-Laws' Memorial Dinner}

- Evening Blessing: Hais Xim

September 09, 2024: Monday

- Morning Closing Ritual

- 10:00- On board to Three Rivers Public Cemetery

- 12:00- Final Resting Place:

Three Rivers Public Cemetery

41841 Sierra Drive

Three Rivers, CA 93271

Contact for more information:

Pao Xiong (608) 799-8686

Non Lee Xiong (559) 313-7487