Vietnamese-American Forum H.S. Outreach

Supported by the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunity, Cadets from Vietnamese-American Cadet Association traveled to Westminster and Garden Grove in California recently to engage in outreach to high schools and to conduct oral history interviews with Vietnamese Veterans. They visited four high schools, speaking with over 500 students about the opportunities offered by the United States Military Academy. Cadets spoke to both large groups of students, where they presented information provided by the West Point Admissions Office, and to interested individuals. Conversations ranged from academics to Cadet daily schedules, athletics, and opportunities for service in the military. We also talked with teachers, administrators, and guidance counselors. We then visited the Museum of the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces and talked with one of the directors about the history of the South Vietnamese Military. Finally, each cadet had the opportunity to interview a Vietnamese Veteran about his childhood in Vietnam, service in the military, journey to America, and acceptance into a new country and community. One cadet interviewed a Vietnamese-American immigrant who graduated from West Point in 1986 and was the first Vietnamese-born U.S. Army Officer to serve in Hanoi as the Senior Defense Official. These interviews gave cadets the opportunity to develop a better understanding of the immigrant community, and a cultural and societal view of the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective. This trip was a success, increasing awareness about West Point and educating cadets about a little-known aspect of their own heritage.