In Honor of Kham Xiong November 13, 2009
The great nation of America is protected by brave individuals, that, by their commitment to ensure the safety of its citizens, constitution, and way of life, give their own lives in hopes that others may live and experience the American dream. For many, the names and faces of those soldiers are unknown.
On November 5th, 2009, thirteen brave men and women lost their lives while in military service to the United States. On behalf of HCSM, our sincere condolences go out to each family that was adversely affected by this tragic event. Among the victims of this horrendous crime was a local Minnesotan. His name was Kham Xiong and he was from Saint Paul.
At HCSM, our mission is a combination of three areas: advocacy of higher education; serving as a bridge for the Hmong and non Hmong population for mutual understanding; and bringing attention to issues that are of importance to the Hmong community.
Today HCSM is bringing attention to a tragic event that affects the Hmong community in Saint Paul. HCSM is making a statement in honor of our fallen soldier, a lost Xiong clan member, and fellow Hmong brother, Kham Xiong. Our belief is that as Hmong-Americans, we have the freedom to choose our life’s direction. Service to the United States military is part of our freedom as Americans, and the path of military service is one of honor.
In such an unfortunate situation for Xiong’s family, HCSM would like to acknowledge the service and dedication that Xiong gave in as an Army Private 1st Class. We only hope that through his family he will continue to be remembered as a brave and courageous solider. We write this tribute in hopes of attaching a name to the men and women that serve in the line of duty, so that their efforts to protect this nation and our freedom do not go unnoticed.
The events at Fort Hood touched very close to home. These type of tragic events strike at the heart of our foundations as a free and democratic country. It is never justifiable that one’s own son, daughter, or family member is taken away from them. The only sensible response that would deter further acts of violence is to not let those we lost pass away in vain. It is only appropriate that Xiong is remembered for who he was, and for the service he provided to this nation.
Xiong attended Community of Peace in Saint Paul MN. He is survived by his wife Shoua and their three children.
On behalf of HCSM, our wishes and thoughts go out to the Xiong family, and to the other twelve families.
Hmong College
Students of Minnesota
(signatures of all board members)
Kim Chang
Bill Vang
Hnuchee Vang
May Nhia Yang
Bee Vang
- Posted in : In the Media
- Author : Tou B Moua
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