Rep. Costa Reacts to Denial of Arlington Burial Waiver for Hmong General Vang Pao

February 28, 2011

Fresno,CA –Upon learning of today's decision by the Department of the Army, the NationalCemetery Administration, and the Veterans Administration to deny a waiverrequest for Hmong General Vang Pao to be interred in Arlington NationalCemetery, Congressman Jim Costa issued the following statement:

"GeneralVang Pao and our Hmong Veterans fought shoulder to shoulder with Americansoldiers during the Vietnam war,""Many paid the ultimatesacrifice, and our nation owes a debt of gratitude to General Vang Pao andthese patriotic individuals. Their service should be honored," said Costa.

"Iam very disappointed that the Administration has seen fit to be so insensitiveto General Vang Pao's widow, family, and our community on the first day of hisfuneral service by denying him burial in Arlington National Cemetery. There isa precedent for the approval of these waivers for non-US militarypersonnel. General Vang Pao clearly meets the tests required of time,service, and loyalty to our country. He should have been granted this waiver."

MajorGeneral Vang Pao led the Royal Lao Army during the Secret War in Laos, fightingagainst the People's Army of Vietnam in cooperation with the CIA and UnitedStates military forces. These forces numbered in the tens of thousandsand conducted direct missions against Communist forces and North Vietnamesesupporters. Bravely leading thousands of soldiers in a guerilla war, VangPao became a hero due to his leadership and dedication.

Immigratingto the United States in May of 1975, Major General Vang Pao was instrumental innegotiating the resettlement of thousands of his fellow Hmong. Vang Paocontinued his leadership after his exit from military service. He wasactive in fostering US-Lao relations, and combating human rights abusesabroad. The General passed away Thursday January 6th after abattle with pneumonia.