military service Archives - Viet Bao Louisville KY

At the recent Rotary Club of Louisville meeting, members and guests were treated to a remarkable presentation by Angela Billings, a U.S. Air Force veteran, public relations expert, and author of Command the Crisis: Navigate Chaos with Battle-Tested Public Relations and Communication Strategies. Among the captivated attendees was Di Tran, a Vietnamese immigrant, entrepreneur, and community leader who has frequently expressed his deep admiration for America, referring to the country as “heaven on earth.”

Angela Billings is a true embodiment of resilience and dedication, having served in high-profile positions during her military career, including as a spokesperson for the U.S. Air Force in Washington, D.C., and international posts in Germany, Korea, and Afghanistan. On September 11, 2001, she was in the Pentagon when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the building. Angela’s harrowing experience that day gave her unique insight into managing crises, not just in theory, but under unimaginable circumstances. Her talk, “Under Attack,” conveyed her hard-earned lessons in crisis management and offered valuable insights into navigating communication during critical moments. As she shared her story, Di Tran listened in awe, deeply moved by her courage and the pivotal role she continues to play in public service.

For Di Tran, meeting Angela was a profound experience. As they shook hands, he expressed his admiration, sharing, “I only watch people like you in movies. You’re the first person I’ve met who lived through the 9/11 attack at the Pentagon, and now you’re a communications professional who is still serving, making an impact in the Kentucky Senate.” Di Tran’s respect was evident as he recognized Angela not only as a veteran of military service but also as a mentor to many, a crisis expert, and a key player in Kentucky’s political landscape. Her current role as director of communications for the Kentucky Senate Majority allows her to continue her legacy of service, this time on behalf of the Commonwealth.

The significance of their meeting was heightened by their shared commitment to recent legislative progress. Di Tran, an advocate for inclusivity and workforce development, has been an enthusiastic supporter of Senate Bill 14. This landmark bill, passed earlier this year, expands the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology to include diverse representation, promotes multilingual testing, and underscores the importance of inclusivity within the state’s beauty industry. For Di Tran, who has been deeply involved in this advocacy, Angela’s presence underscored the power of determined individuals working within government to effect change.

Angela Billings’s strength and composure, qualities honed through years of experience and tested under unimaginable circumstances, are a source of inspiration for leaders like Di Tran. Her willingness to share her story and her insights into crisis communication serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by public servants. In Angela, Di sees a reflection of his own values—a commitment to service, the courage to face adversity, and the passion to improve the world around them. Both Angela and Di Tran share a profound belief in the promise of America, each working in their way to uphold its ideals and elevate those around them.

This powerful connection at the Rotary Club serves as a testament to the enduring strength of service and resilience. As Di Tran often says, “America is heaven on earth.” Meeting Angela Billings, a hero in her own right, only deepened his belief, reminding everyone present of the extraordinary individuals who stand ready to serve and protect, in times of peace and crisis alike.

Louisville Beauty Academy: A Beacon of Inclusivity and Excellence, Celebrating Spectrum News Coverage and the Unanimous Passage of Senate Bill 14

On the serene grounds of Veterans Memorial Park, Jeffersontown, KY, stands the newly inaugurated Tri Ân Monument — a symbolic, steadfast marker, paying tribute to not only the undaunted veterans of the Vietnam War but also casting a light on the ceaseless vitality of the Vietnamese-American community. The tales of valor from both USA veterans and South Vietnamese allies have forever inscribed a saga of sacrifice and brotherhood, spanning continents and echoing through history.

In the harrowing aftermath of the Vietnam War, the narrative progressed, bringing forth another chapter: the exodus of Vietnamese refugees. Individuals like Di Tran, now a serial small business owner and author in Louisville, Kentucky, began a quest, fleeing the only home they knew, to seek refuge in a promising land across the vast ocean. The tales of Vietnamese refugees like Tran aren’t merely stories of survival but epitomize an indomitable spirit to create, to build, and to weave into the fabric of American society.

Yet, within these stories of past pain and triumphant survival, lies a pivotal narrative – one that evolves from the remnants of bygone struggles into a vibrant tapestry, defining not only where we come from but, significantly, where we stand now, and the direction in which we are headed. The Vietnamese immigrants and their ensuing generations, setting deep roots across the expansive United States, have come to symbolize a profound truth: The value of our shared humanity is engraved not in our past or our origins but in our daily deeds and our shared future.

Take, for instance, the burgeoning Nail Industry in the USA, a sector that has blossomed into a staggering $10 billion+ annual industry. The Vietnamese-American community has played a pivotal role in transforming this industry, demystifying the luxury of nail care from an exclusive privilege of Hollywood celebrities to an accessible indulgence for the common citizen. Through endeavors in such industries, the Vietnamese community has not merely constructed businesses; they’ve established vital connections, fostering a symbiotic growth that enriches both the individual and the society in which they’ve nested.

Moreover, a powerful testament to the allegiance and dedication of Vietnamese-Americans towards their adopted homeland is visibly apparent in the military. Thousands of individuals of Vietnamese origin, spanning 1.5, 2nd, and now 3rd generations, are serving with utmost pride and dedication in the USA military, embodying the virtues of loyalty, bravery, and unyielding commitment to safeguarding the land that has become home.

Monuments like Tri Ân stand not merely as remnants of a tumultuous past but as an eternal flame, illuminating the path of unity, resilience, and collective prosperity. This is not merely a symbol for Vietnamese-Americans but is a beacon for all, conveying a message that our shared histories, while sometimes scarred by wars and displacement, bind us together in a shared future that we are collaboratively creating.

The Vietnamese community, much like all immigrant communities, illustrates a quintessential American tale: one where our origins, fraught with their unique challenges and triumphs, contribute to a greater American narrative. We rise, not as disparate stories, but intertwine as a collective saga, continuing to weave a future that honors our past, celebrates our present, and lights a torch for the generations yet to come.

The Vietnamese in America stand proud, not merely as contributors but as invaluable chapters in the magnificent American story. It’s in every enterprise embarked upon, every military uniform adorned, and every future dream nurtured where we affirm our unwavering commitment: To build, to honor, and to perpetually contribute towards a future where every story is cherished, every sacrifice acknowledged, and every contribution fuels our shared American dream.

With Di Tran, this is Hoàng Đức Nhã was a notable figure in South Vietnam during the era of the Vietnam War, holding a significant position as an advisor to President Nguyễn Văn Thiệu. President Thiệu was the head of state in South Vietnam from 1965 to 1975, and Hoàng Đức Nhã was known to be one of his closest and most influential advisors.

Nhã held numerous roles during Thiệu’s presidency, including being involved in the realm of media relations and psychological warfare. He is often associated with managing and controlling the media and information dissemination in South Vietnam during the Thiệu administration, crafting the government’s narrative and managing its image during a particularly tumultuous and polarizing period in Vietnam’s history.

As an advisor to President Thiệu, Nhã was involved in various aspects of governance and policy-making and was often seen as a controversial figure due to his influence and the various strategies implemented, especially regarding media censorship and control.

It’s noteworthy that the history and the characters from the Vietnam War era are complex and multi-faceted, with diverse narratives stemming from the different perspectives and sides of the conflict. While some see figures like Nhã and Thiệu in a particular light due to their actions and policies during the war, others may have contrasting views based on their experiences, loyalties, and interpretations of the historical events.

References

https://openvault.wgbh.org/catalog/V_9C17ECD0FF9B45D7BDE1A4730F2E0988