Legislature(2013 - 2014)BUTROVICH 205
03/28/2013 09:00 AM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB73 | |
| HCR4 | |
| SB45 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SB 73 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HCR 4 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| = | SB 45 | ||
HCR 4-HMONG-AMERICAN VETERANS DAY
9:50:41 AM
CHAIR DYSON announced that the next order of business would be
HCR 4.
REPRESENTATIVE GABRIELLE LEDOUX, sponsor of HCR 4, introduced
the bill. She read from the following sponsor statement:
House Concurrent Resolution 4 would recognize and
honor Hmong veterans who fought in support of United
States military operations in the Kingdom of Laos
between February 28, 1961, and May 15, 1975, by
proclaiming May 15 to be Hmong-American Veterans
Memorial Day.
Hmong were called "dammed good fighters" by the CIA.
They fought bravely in what was called the U.S.
"Secret War" in Laos against some of the toughest
North Vietnamese and Lao troops for 13 years and
suffered casualty rates five times higher than the
rate experienced by U.S. Soldiers.
The most conservative estimated numbers during the
U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War are 35,000 -
40,000 brave young Hmong killed in combat; 50,000 -
58,000 wounded; and 3,000 missing in action. After the
U.S. withdrawal from Southeast Asia, thousands more
Hmong were killed during genocide carried out by
communist forces during the Hmong attempt to flee to
neighboring Thailand.
The most recent numbers set the U.S. Hmong population
between 200,000 - 300,000, with the Alaska population
at almost 4,700 and rising. Many Hmong have immigrated
here following the Vietnam conflict after persecution
for supporting the U.S.
The "Secret War" is no longer a secret and recognition
of these brave fighting men is long overdue. That is
why I urge the passage of HCR 4 and by doing so
commemorating the service of these forgotten warriors.
DIRK MOFFAT, Staff, Representative Gabrielle LeDoux, testified
on HCR 4. He noted that members of the Hmong community were
available to answer questions.
9:54:13 AM
CHARLIE MOUA, President, Special Guerilla Unit (SGU) - Veterans
and Family of USA - California, testified in favor of HCR 4. He
said there were chapters of SGU in California, Minnesota,
Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky. He related that he was
a former United States liaison official in Laos. He shared his
military history and work with the United States Special Forces.
He gave his reasons for wanting to serve with the United States
to fight against the Communists in Laos. He described the
duration of the SGU forces under five presidents and the
organization of the SGU forces in Laos during difficult and
dangerous times.
CHAIR DYSON voiced appreciation for the historic and brave role
the Hmong people played in Southeast Asia. He said that HCR 4
would set aside a time to recognize the Hmong veterans and to
inform the public about their heroic role and suffering.
10:02:47 AM
At ease
10:03:05 AM
ARTHUR YANG, Advisor, Special Guerrilla Unit Veterans and Family
of USA - Alaska, testified in support of HCR 4.
PASERT LEE, President, Hmong Alaska Community, testified in
favor of HCR 4. He thanked the bill sponsor for introducing the
bill. He noted that seven people gathered to testify in support
of HCR 4.
CHAIR DYSON said many Hmong are moving into Eagle River area. He
said he would like to meet with those testifying some time. He
said he has always felt that when the U.S. pulled out of Vietnam
in the 1970's, the Hmong were abandoned and betrayed in some
way. He wondered, if that is true, how the Hmong people got
beyond the anger and resentment and decided to move to the
country that betrayed them.
MR. YANG explained that they had to leave Laos so they would not
be executed.
CHAIR DYSON thanked Mr. Yang for choosing the U.S. He said he
wished to meet with the Hmong community.
10:06:16 AM
SENATOR GIESSEL moved to report HCR 4, labeled 28-LS0504\U, from
committee with individual recommendations and attached zero
fiscal note. There being no objection, HCR 4 was reported from
the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee.