About
Ly Vang
Ly Vang was only 9 when she was recruited to become a nurse. Many young Hmong girls left their families to play their role in the Secret War that took place in Laos.
SECRET WAR NURSE
About
Former Special Guerrilla Unit Nurse
Her incredible journey began with leaving from father’s home to the hard training and work as a Special Guerrilla Unit nurse. Ly recalls being asked if she was scared, she responded, “we do not have time to be scared, there is not enough hands to care for the wounded. We were determined to save lives, so people can live, carrying haunting memories in our mind and hearts.” The nursing training afforded Ly the opportunity to learn English.
After The War
Ly’s Story
Ly continued to be a Hmong women pioneer in the United States. She came in 1976 and within a year, served as the first Hmong interpreter for the Minnesota public health department serving key roles in the resettlement of the Hmong community that followed. Helping with adjusting to the new country, teaching on applying for public assistance, healthy eating, job training, and managing the educational system for their children.
During her year’s working with the Hmong refugee communities, she witnessed hardships endured by Hmong women and this inspired Ly to form a non-profit, the Association for Advancement of Hmong Women in Minnesota, a mutual aid organization, to promote gender equality. The mission of AAHWM is “to strengthen Hmong families through education and leadership development for women, girls, and families,” according to Ly Vang.
To achieve this mission, AAHWM over the years adopted three major programs: a health program, a youth and culture program, and a community development program. She was invited by President Reagan to Washington D.C. to represent Asian Americans where she advocated for the poor. Ly has received several medals and awards for her work and achievements. Even in retirement, Ly devoted her life to fight for Hmong women’s equality and rights.