Honoring the Legacy of Hmong Nurses in the Secret War of Laos
Secret War Nurse Exhibition
This exhibition shines a spotlight on the pioneering Hmong women who served as frontline nurses in Laos during America’s Secret War (1954–1974). It honors their sacrifices while documenting the origins and evolution of the Hmong ethnic healthcare workforce.
The Hmong Nurses of the Secret War in Laos: The Origin Story
The Hmong people have endured and overcome significant social and political oppression throughout history. Our resilience and commitment to self-preservation have empowered us to adapt to new environments, cultures, and ways of life across the globe. Similarly, the origin story of the Hmong nurses during the Secret War in Laos reflects the remarkable evolution of the Hmong woman identity.
The Mission of the Exhibition: The exhibition seeks to address the underrepresentation of Hmong nurses; sacrifices and contributions. Their service inspired the Hmong Nurses Association (HNA) to advocate for the establishment of October 8 as “Hmong Nurses Day”—a collective celebration recognizing Hmong nurses’ dedication and impact on healthcare.
The exhibition features a wall of honor listing the names of known Hmong nurses from the Secret War, and floor banners biographies for those with available information. Through this exhibition, we aim to spark meaningful conversations about gender roles, representation, identity, and power.
Hmong War Nurses:
The Origin
The development of nursing training programs for Hmong women was a transformative milestone—reshaping lives and redefining the role of Hmong women for generations to come. These young women were among the first in their communities to receive formal training in Western medicine. With courage and determination, they stepped into roles as nurses during the Secret War in Laos, providing critical care in the midst of chaos.
Humanitarian worker Edgar “Pop” Buell (IVS) and Dr. Charles Weldon, in collaboration with Air America, the CIA, and USAID, helped establish a foundational medical care system in Laos. Their efforts brought vital healthcare resources to underserved and war-impacted communities.
At the heart of this effort was Sam Thong Hospital, also known as San Sook Hospital. This fully operational medical facility became a lifeline during the war, delivering essential healthcare services to local villagers, wounded soldiers, and displaced refugees.
Equipped with an operating room and staffed by both foreign and locally trained Hmong nurses, the hospital provided everything from routine checkups to emergency surgeries for war-related injuries. Beyond direct care, its influence extended to public health outreach, preventive medicine, and the education and empowerment of a new generation of Hmong healthcare workers—laying the groundwork for a lasting legacy of resilience and service.
The first group of ethnic Laos girls to be trained were known as the Magnificent 7.
The Hmong nurse training program began modestly, with women initially preparing food and maintaining a clean, aseptic hospital environment. Over time, and with the arrival of American nurses Dianna “Dee” Dick and Brenda Peters from International Voluntary Services (IVS), the program evolved into a formal Western-style nursing education. Hmong women were soon wearing U.S.-style medical uniforms and delivering essential care to a war-torn population—treating wounded Hmong soldiers as well as civilians from surrounding villages.
During periods of intense conflict, the hospital operated far beyond its intended capacity. Though it had approximately 100 beds, it often cared for up to 140 patients daily. The overwhelming demand for medical services meant that even the hospital’s veranda was used as an overflow treatment area, underscoring the nurses’ resilience and the critical role they played on the frontlines of care.
(1965-12) Pop Buell and nurse (Choua Thao). Retrieved from the Digital Public Library of America, https://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/HN5IKNMEEF4KP9A
Edgar “Pop” Buell, USAID Area Coordinator in Xieng Khouang, worked closely with Head Nurse Choua Thao at San Sook Hospital in Sam Thong. From 1962 until its fall on March 20, 1970, Sam Thong served as the central hub for USAID’s refugee operations in northeastern Laos.
1975 – The Secret War Ends
As the Secret War came to a close, the Hmong people who had supported the United States faced persecution by the Pathet Lao. Many were forced to flee into the jungles of Laos or seek refuge in neighboring Thailand.
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Approximately 2,500 top-ranking Hmong military officers and their families were airlifted to Thailand for their safety.
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Over 50,000 gathered in Long Cheng, desperately waiting for air transport to escape.
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An estimated 30,000 to 40,000 Hmong soldiers were killed in combat, with another 50,000 to 58,000 wounded. Between 2,500 and 3,000 soldiers remain missing in action.
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Roughly 10% of the population of Laos fled the country, seeking political refuge abroad.
A New Journey
Hmong refugees began a new chapter of life in camps throughout Thailand, awaiting resettlement in the United States, France, Canada, and Australia.
Amid the uncertainty, a few of the courageous Hmong Secret War nurses continued their life-saving work. They staffed refugee health clinics, providing immigration vaccinations, health screenings, and obstetrical care—continuing to serve their community with dedication and compassion even in exile.
Biographies of the Brave Hmong Nurses from the Secret War
Want to learn more about the brave Hmong nurses of the Secret War?
Explore the biographies of these courageous women who served with dedication and resilience. Click on a name below to discover their incredible stories.
Choua Thao
Choua Thao, the first trained Hmong nurse, is often called the “Hmong Florence Nightingale” for her pioneering contributions and dedication to saving lives.
Chao Beenson
Chao is a pioneering Hmong nurse whose journey from war-torn Laos to a decades-long nursing career in the U.S. embodies resilience and dedication. As the only Hmong nurse from the Secret War era to practice extensively in America, she broke cultural barriers and inspired generations.
Chee Xiong Ngiateng
Chee is a pioneering Hmong nurse whose service during the Secret War and decades-long healthcare career in the U.S. broke cultural barriers and inspired many. Through her work and memoirs, she has preserved the history of her people while exemplifying resilience, compassion, and courage.
Chia Xiong Yang
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Chue Vue Fisher
Chue is a resilient Hmong woman who turned personal adversity into a lifelong mission of care, education, and empowerment. From nursing in war-torn Laos to serving communities in the U.S., her journey reflects strength, faith, and a deep commitment to helping others.
Ly Vang
Ly Vang began her remarkable journey at just nine years old as a nurse for the Secret War in Laos, where she served with courage and determination, saving lives amid chaos.
May Lee Soung
May Lee Soung, born into poverty and hardship in war-torn Laos, found purpose and transformation through nursing at just 11 years old, guided by the support of mentors like Choua Thao. After resettling in the U.S. in 1976, she continued her dedication to healthcare as a medical assistant, carrying with her the memories and resilience forged during the Secret War.
May Song Moua
May Song Moua (Niam Ntxhoo) was a pioneering Hmong nurse and community leader whose determination broke cultural barriers, beginning her medical journey at just 13 during the Secret War in Laos. After resettling in the U.S., she became a prominent advocate and voice for the Hmong American community, remembered for her resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to service.
Xia Vue Lor
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Yia Yang Her
Yia Yang Her was one of the first Hmong girls to join the nursing aid program in Sam Thong, Laos, where she served with deep faith and resilience amid the chaos of the Secret War. Orphaned young and working under extreme hardship, her compassion and determination left a lasting impact on her community and inspired future generations of Hmong women.
Zoua Her
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Zoua Lo Her
Zoua Lo Her was one of the first Hmong girls trained as a nurse during the Secret War in Laos, becoming head of the ICU by age 16 and later a leader in refugee advocacy across the U.S. Despite personal tragedy, she dedicated her life to community service, ultimately shaping national policies and programs for Southeast Asian refugees before her passing at just 36.
Our Sponsors and Partners
Upcoming Events
Hmong Nurses Conference
We will be honoring our Secret War Nurses at our National Conference. More information to come.
August 7-8, 2025
For More Information
Hmong Nurses Association is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and all donations and sponsorships to the Secret War Nurse Exhibition help us honor the legacy of our Hmong nurses. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
To learn more about the Secret War Nurse Exhibition or to support our mission, please contact us at hmongnursesassociation@gmail.com