The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LIFE OF GE XAOCHAY THAO
______
HON. JIM COSTA
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Ge Xaochay Thao. Thao Ge passed away on June 24, 2021. He was a veteran, a father, grandfather, and husband to his wife Pa Moua.
Thao Ge was born on July 31, 1935, in a region known as Roob Tshuaj or Medicine Mountain in the Xiengkhouang Province in Laos to Phoutong Xaochay Thao and Chong Moua. Growing up, Thao Ge had five brothers and three sisters,
As Thao Ge grew older, he was part of the military and was recruited in 1953 by the French Guerilla Commando Military Army (GCMA) and trained as a Paratrooper and Radio Operator in the French Military Camp in Cap Saint Jacques in South Vietnam.
After his training, Thao Ge was one among many in 1954 to march towards Dien Bien Phu to provide military support to the French Army. He returned after learning that the French had lost the battle to the North Vietnamese Army. Thao Ge was then later commissioned as the Chief of ``Partisans Militaire'', a Military Support Unit in Xiengkhouang.
During his time as Chief, Thao Ge was best known for saving the life of the late General Vang Pao, then Major, from an assassination attempt by their military rivals. The attempt took place in the Plain of Jars in Laos. Because of his bravery and help in protecting Major Vang Pao, Thao Ge and his troop, the ``Partisans Militaire'', played a significant role in helping reinstate Major Vang Pao back into military power.
In 1961, Thao Ge continued his military services in the Royal Lao Army, holding the rank of Two-Star Lieutenant. He served in the Batallion Voluntaire 21 (BV 21) and fought side-by-side with the United States in the Secret War of Laos from 1961-1975. Thao Ge was one of the very few people who were literate, allowing him to serve as an Officer of Disbursement for BV 21.
Extending from his military contributions, Thao Ge paved the way for many Thao clan members and friends to get an education. From 1954 to 1958, Thao Ge and his wife, Pa Moua, opened their home to nearly 30 students, allowing them to attend school in the City.
In 1976, Thao Ge and his family fled Laos to come to the United States as refugees. They first came to Madison, Wisconsin and in 1983 moved to Fresno, California.
He is survived by his wife, Pa Moua, children, grandchildren, great-
grandchildren, and his brother James Koua Xaochay Thao.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Ge Xaochay. His service and contributions to the nations and the State of California will be missed. I join his family and friends in celebration of Thao Ge's life.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 132
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