Vietnamese Refugee Gets Dream Job: Serving U.S. Troops
MCCONNELL AFB, Kan. – Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes presents his coin to Exchange cashier Nghi Le, who worked for the Army & Air Force Exchange Service in Vietnam during the war.
MCCONNELL AFB, Kan. – One of Nghi Le top goals he wanted to accomplish, when he landed on U.S. shores from his native Vietnam, was find a job that would serve the American military.
He was well familiar with American GIs, having served them in the post exchanges in Vietnam during the war from 1970-73.
“The American military tried to help my homeland and people,” said Le, who escaped from his native Vietnam via boat in the early 1980s after being imprisoned and tortured for a year in a Vietnamese prison with 58 others.
“I’ve always been grateful to them. When I was in Vietnam, I spoke with lots of GIs, and I knew they were good people.”
In 1998, Le’s wish to serve the American military came true when he became an Exchange cashier at McConnell AFB, Kan., where he still works today.
I was truly impressed with his dedication to find a better life for himself and his family by overcoming the dangers he experienced.
–Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, Exchange senior enlisted advisor
Escaping Vietnam
In mid-1975, the last AAFES associates, thousands of Americans and some Vietnamese were airlifted by Marine choppers to safety before the fall of Saigon into the enemy’s hands. Unfortunately, Le, his wife and their three boys were among the thousands left behind, only to become part of the beleaguered “boat people” fleeing the country via sea.
The Vietnamese captured Le, but his family got away. Although enduring torture while in prison, Le never confessed to working for the Americans during the Vietnam War. A year later, the Vietnamese released Le, who then successfully escaped the country via boat.
Rescued at sea
Le doesn’t remember how long he and his fellow escapees drifted at sea. They were eventually rescued by ship and taken to Singapore, where he contacted his wife in the Philippines.
A brother sponsored Le’s trip to the U.S. in 1984, where Le received medical attention for injuries and health problems he suffered in Vietnam.
He now lives in Kansas with his wife, and five sons.
Exchange Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes recently presented the former Vietnamese refugee with a coin for Le’s exemplary work as cashier, his longevity as an Exchange associate and his devotion to serving the troops.
“I was truly impressed with his dedication to find a better life for himself and his family by overcoming the dangers he experienced,” Reyes said. “Making it to America, especially as a refugee, is no easy task.”
Check out the history of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service in the Vietnam War.
