John Gong

Brigadier General John Gong, of Atascadero, was born in 1947 in Canton, China, and passed away unexpectedly Sunday, July 29, 2012. During his early years in China, he lived in a two-room dirt floor house with his family. One of John''s favorite stories of when he was young was the tale of the Monkey King from the Chinese folklore, "Journey to the West." At age eight, John took his own journey to the west when he immigrated to the United States to reside in Dos Palos, Calif. He excelled in academics and was a graduate from Pacific Christian College (BS), University of San Francisco (MA), California Military Academy, Command and General Staff College and the Army''s Senior Service College. In 1971, John began a 38-year military career when he was accepted into the California Military Academy. Over the years, he moved through the ranks and in 2001, became the first American-Chinese General officer of the Line in the California Army National Guard. Throughout his career, John held a variety of assignments, including Supply Management Officer, Transportation Officer, Chief Contracting Officer, Commander of the 240th Infantry Division in Long Beach, Calif., as well as Brigade Commander of the 40th Infantry Division. His service took him far beyond the U.S., where he also served as Deputy Commanding General for Intelligence and Detainee Operations in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in the global war on terrorism in 2005. During his military career, he was recipient of the Legion of Merit Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, numerous state decorations and the Order of Saint Martin, presented to him by the Quartermasters Association of the United States. After 38 years of meritorious service to his state and nation, John retired in 2006. Outside of his career, John also served as President of the Central Coast Chinese Professional Association, Ironroad Pioneers SLO railroad project, Central Coast chapter of the Military Officers Association of America and the local chapter of the Military Order of World Wars. John enjoyed working in his garden, on his home and spending time with his wife of nearly 40 years, Betty, daughters Kristie and Harmony, and their spouses Scott and Henry. Besides a brilliant and respected career, he said his greatest achievement was the 25-year endeavor in completing his dream home with own bare hands. In a newspaper article which reflected on his beginnings, he said "This is what a little, short guy can do. You can do it too." Viewing will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2, 2012, at the Los Osos Valley Mortuary in Los Osos. A service for General Gong will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 3, 2012, at the Chapel at Camp San Luis Obispo, with graveside honors immediately following at the Los Osos Valley Memorial Park. Los Osos Valley Mortuary 528-1500 Los Osos