Base celebrates Asian-Pacific Islander Heritage

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Melanie Holochwost
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  More than 150 Luke members attended the Asian Pacific American Heritage Luncheon May 13 at Club Five Six where they were entertained by cultural song, dance and a true story from Maj. Quy Nguyen, 56th Comptroller Squadron commander.

Major Nguyen said he and his family immigrated to the United States in 1980 after years of unsuccessful attempts to escape the political persecution and tyranny of communist rule in Vietnam.

"Even though I was only four-years-old, the fall of Saigon is still embedded in my memory," he said. "I can still feel the ground rumbling from the columns of tanks rolling through the city as total chaos took over. We endured the battle in our homes, hiding under our beds with pillows over our heads as the earth trembled and houses shook violently from the bombs exploding around us."

On the sixth and successful attempt, Major Nguyen said his family found themselves crowded together on a riverboat that carried 64 people.

"Almost immediately the boat's engine went down during a tropical storm," he said. "We floated aimlessly at sea without food or water for about seven days enduring bitter cold nights and stinging hot days. I thought I was going to die."

Luckily, they were rescued by a Hong Kong fishing vessel, Major Nguyen said.

"My father told me it was all thanks to the captain's wife," he said. "She convinced him to save us. If she hadn't been on board, we most likely would have perished along with hundreds of thousands of others who were attempting the same feat."

Later in life, Major Nguyen said his father, who was previously an enlisted member of the South Vietnamese Army, told him that he decided to flee the country he fought for and risk their lives for freedom.

"My father told me it was all for my future," he said. "His future was taken from him and he wanted me to have mine."

Although his father was an ordinary man, Major Nguyen said he is here because of his father's courage, audacity and sacrifice.

"Because of one ordinary man's vision and desire for freedom, I am able to stand before you today as the commander of the 56th Comptroller Squadron," he said. "This man reassured me during those unyielding times in Saigon as well as the Mekong Delta. He shaped me into the person I am today."

Major Nguyen said Asian and Pacific Islanders have been an integral part of making this country strong and great.

"My father was just one of millions of other ordinary Asian Americans who have contributed to the evolving American story," he said.