MANITOWOC, Wis. — Before Nelson Hang moved to the United States in the late 1980s, he served in the Special Guerrilla Unit, the CIA’s largest military covert mission that was conducted during the Vietnam War in Laos.

What You Need To Know

  • Before Nelson Hang moved to the United States in the late 1980s, he served in the Special Guerrilla Unit

  • SGU was the CIA’s largest military covert mission that was conducted during the Vietnam War in Laos

  • He helped organize the Hmong and Lao American Day celebration in Manitowoc

  • The celebration honored the 35,000 Hmong troops who made sacrifices for the U.S. during the war

“For me I was the youngest generation to enter the Vietnam War,” said Hang. “I served from 1972 until the Americans pulled out of Laos.”

Sharing this piece of history, he said, is important to him. That’s why he helped organize the Hmong and Lao American Day celebration in Manitowoc. The celebration honored the 35,000 Hmong troops who made sacrifices for the U.S. during the war.

“It’s important that we share with the community and public to know that what reason caused the Hmong to come here and why,” said Hang.

It’s something he’s proud to share. He’s traveled across the state for the past 15 years sharing the history.

“I just want to follow the legacy of service in the past and the share it with the community today,” said Hang.

Hang said in years past, there’s been a small celebration at the local library, but this is the first year for a large celebration with guest speakers and booths.

He said he’s hoping to continue the celebration for years to come.

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