Part 1 – Early Life and Military Police Service
Captain Sou Thao (L.V.A. I.D. 9502826) was born on September 8, 1950, in Nam Seng Village, Phokongkhao District, Xiengkhouang Province, Laos. He was the son of Blia Shoua Thao and Va Yang. He grew up in a large family with six brothers and five sisters, making a total of eleven children.
Because of the circumstances in rural Laos during that period, Captain Thao began his formal education later than most children. In 1962, at the age of twelve, he entered the first grade in Nong Oung Village. Two years later, in 1964, he continued his education by entering the third grade in Hindtaan Village, also located in Phokongkhao District.
On February 14, 1965, at just 14 years old, Captain Thao began serving as a Military Police Officer in Long Tieng (Long Cheng), the headquarters of General Vang Pao’s forces during the Secret War in Laos. His primary responsibility was maintaining security and ensuring the safe movement of passengers traveling through Long Tieng Airport.
His dedication and leadership quickly earned him promotions. In 1966, he advanced from Second-Class Private Military Police Officer to First-Class Private Military Police Officer. That same year, he was appointed commander responsible for supervising prisoners of war at the Phakhao Center in Phakhao Village.
In 1967, Captain Thao received another assignment, overseeing passenger security and aircraft operations at Som Thong Airfield (L.S. 20). Shortly afterward, the Lao government expanded its National Police force and selected qualified Military Police officers for promotion. Captain Thao was among those chosen and was promoted from First-Class Private Military Police Officer to Corporal Police Officer.
Between October 1, 1967, and March 30, 1968, Captain Thao attended an intensive six-month International Police Officer Training Program held in Donteo, Vientiane Province. The program selected one hundred officers from sixteen provinces throughout Laos. Captain Thao was one of only fifty officers representing Xiengkhouang Province.
After successfully completing the training, he returned to Xiengkhouang Province and resumed his service. He was assigned two important responsibilities:
- Serving as Vice Chief of the Claims Control Office.
- Supervising passenger security and airport operations at Som Thong Airfield (L.S. 20).
In 1969, Captain Thao was promoted to Sergeant Police Officer.
That same year, Major General Vang Pao requested the recruitment of 200 new police officers to support the ongoing war effort. Captain Thao was tasked with recruiting and training these officers through a four-month accelerated program. Upon completion, the newly trained officers were assigned to serve in the villages of Lac Sieng, Khansy, and Meunephane.
Unfortunately, only a few months later, Communist forces captured many of these areas, including Lac Sieng, Khansy, Meunephane, and Som Thong (L.S. 20). Approximately half of the newly trained officers were captured, and civilians living in Som Thong were forced to evacuate to Meune Phone in Van Vieng Province.
Part 2 – Military Leadership During the Secret War
As Communist forces steadily advanced throughout Xiengkhouang Province, the Royal Lao Government and its allies required additional military units to defend key strategic positions.
In 1969, Major General Vang Pao, Commander of Military Region II, together with CIA advisors, ordered Lieutenant Colonel Hang Sao to organize a new battalion. Lieutenant Colonel Hang Sao then instructed Captain Sou Thao and his cousin, Captain Neng Yia Thao, to recruit a military company that would become part of Battalion 206, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Vang Thai.
At the same time, Captain Thao was promoted from Sergeant Police Officer to Second Lieutenant, marking his transition from police service into military command.
Recruitment for Battalion 206 took place at the Nam Phone CIA Training Center in Sakon Nakhon Province, Thailand. Following three months of military training, Battalion 206 returned to Long Tieng and immediately entered combat operations. Their missions included defending and operating in the areas of Kankhor, Lac Sieng, and Kham Khai.
As the war intensified, the commander of Military Region II ordered the battalions of Group Mobile 21 (G.M. 21) to reposition toward Padon L.S. 5. Battalion 206 was assigned to Boumlong (L.S. 32) before advancing through Ban Bang, crossing Route No. 6, and returning toward Boon Long L.S. 32.
Eventually, Battalion 206 received orders to return to Long Tieng, where they were tasked with defending the city and driving Communist forces away from the strategic headquarters.
Their operations continued as they advanced from the King’s House toward Keothio Village and Meungpeend Village.
Military Region II then directed Battalion 206 to board Air America Bell helicopters, which transported them from Meungpeend to Heangtaan Airfield before continuing toward Phou Ku Mountain and the lower slopes of Phou Phasy Mountain. These missions were part of the continuing effort to prevent Communist forces from gaining control of central Laos.
Leadership Training
Recognizing his leadership potential, Captain Thao was selected to attend an advanced Leadership Training Program in Thailand.
From May 24 through August 28, 1971, he attended the Leadership Training Center in Srisaina, Phitsanulok Province, Thailand. During this intensive three-month course, he received advanced military leadership instruction alongside officers from other units.
Upon graduating, Captain Thao returned to Battalion 206, which was then stationed near Khankhai.
Shortly afterward, he was promoted from Second Lieutenant to First Lieutenant.
The War Intensifies
By early 1972, Communist offensives forced the government forces of Groups Mobile 21, 22, 23, and 28 to retreat toward Long Tieng. The fighting became increasingly fierce, and many experienced soldiers were either killed or captured.
To rebuild military strength, Captain Thao received new orders to assist with recruiting replacements for Battalion 206 and Group Mobile 22 (G.M. 22).
On June 1, 1972, recruitment for all six battalions of Groups Mobile 21 and 22 began at another CIA-operated training center in Srisaina, Phitsanulok Province, Thailand.
Medical Officer Training
Because of his strong leadership abilities and reliability, Captain Thao was selected for specialized medical training.
He attended the Army Medical Field Training School at Nakhouanesing Training Center in Military Region IV, Pasai Province, Thailand. Over the course of three months, he completed extensive instruction in battlefield medicine and military medical operations.
Following graduation, Military Region II promoted Captain Thao to become the Medical Leader for all three battalions assigned to Group Mobile 22.
In this role, he was responsible for organizing and supervising medical personnel, coordinating treatment for wounded soldiers, and ensuring medical readiness during combat operations.
His appointment reflected not only his experience as a military leader but also the trust placed in him by his commanders during one of the most difficult periods of the Secret War in Laos.
Part 3 – Company Command, the Fall of Laos, and Escape to Thailand
Following his completion of medical training, Captain Sou Thao and the units of Group Mobile 22 (G.M. 22) were assigned to defend several strategic positions in Military Region II. Their mission was to secure the areas stretching from Tham Muen Village to Ban Khoong Village on the northern side of Meunephane, while maintaining defensive positions at Phouthamnoi Mountain, Phou Oun Mountain, and the old Banna Airfield.
The soldiers remained at these positions until 1973, when the Royal Lao Government and the Communist forces signed a ceasefire agreement. Although open fighting temporarily subsided, military units remained on alert because the political situation remained unstable.
Transfer to Group Mobile 131
After the ceasefire, Group Mobile 22 was reassigned to Group Mobile 131 (G.M. 131) under Battalion 313. Captain Thao continued serving as the battalion’s Medical Leader, supervising medical personnel and ensuring the health and readiness of the troops.
During this period, Group Mobile 131 was sent to the Phou Khao Khoi Training Center in Military Region V near Vientiane to conduct a three-month recruitment campaign for new soldiers.
While serving with Group Mobile 131, Captain Thao earned another promotion—from First Lieutenant to Captain.
Command of Military Company 204/2
After completing the recruitment mission, Group Mobile 131 was transferred into Battalion 204.
Military Region II assigned Captain Thao two major responsibilities:
- Commander of Military Company 204/2
- Medical Leader for Battalion 204
As company commander, he led approximately 100 soldiers. The company was organized into four platoons, each containing twenty-five soldiers. Each platoon was further divided into smaller squads to improve mobility and command effectiveness during combat.
As Battalion Medical Leader, Captain Thao supervised the medical personnel assigned throughout the battalion. Each platoon maintained at least one trained medic responsible for treating wounded soldiers in the field.
Battalion 204 defended a number of important military positions, including:
- Phounamkok Mountain
- Phouphasy Mountain
- Padon L.S. 5
The battalion remained responsible for these defensive positions through the early months of 1975.
The Collapse of the Royal Lao Government
By May 1975, it became increasingly clear that Communist forces were gaining complete control of Laos.
International radio broadcasts announced major changes in military leadership, including the appointment of General Tiao Minivong to replace the commander of Military Region II.
As the military situation deteriorated, Captain Thao realized that the Royal Lao Government could no longer defend the country.
Wanting to learn what was happening, he requested permission from his battalion’s executive officer to travel with two soldiers back to Long Tieng.
When they arrived, they found thousands of civilians gathered around the airfields, desperately hoping to board evacuation flights.
The following morning, Captain Thao visited the homes of several senior Hmong military leaders, including:
- Major General Vang Pao
- Colonel Ly Tou Pao
- Colonel Shoua Yang
- Colonel Tou Lue Moua
- Lieutenant Colonel Hang Sao
There he learned devastating news.
The officers informed him that they and their families were evacuating Laos. They would first depart for U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield in Thailand before eventually resettling in the United States.
Captain Thao was told that they would not be returning.
Returning to His Family
Heartbroken, Captain Thao began the long journey home.
He walked for nearly six hours before finally reaching his family.
Approximately two weeks later, word spread throughout the Hmong community that General Vang Pao and many senior military officers had safely reached Thailand.
Thousands of Hmong families immediately began fleeing toward the Thai border.
Captain Thao and his family joined the massive refugee movement traveling from Bansoun Naso toward the Him Hued Bridge, hoping to cross into safety.
When they arrived, however, they encountered a platoon of Communist soldiers guarding the bridge.
The Communist commanders announced that anyone attempting to cross without permission would be shot.
The refugees had no choice but to retreat and wait for another opportunity.
Eventually, Captain Thao learned that border guards occasionally allowed people with Lao government identification to cross after inspecting their paperwork.
To improve his family’s chances of escape, he obtained travel documents using a Lao name, enabling them to pass through the checkpoint legally when the next opportunity arose.
Part 4 – Refugee, New Life in America, and Legacy
After securing travel documents under a Lao name, Captain Sou Thao successfully brought his family out of Laos.
On June 26, 1975, they traveled to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, before boarding a small motorboat that carried them across the Mekong River into Nong Khai Province, Thailand. Although they had escaped the Communist takeover, their journey was far from over.
Life in the Refugee Camps
Like thousands of other Hmong refugees, Captain Thao and his family began a new chapter in Thailand.
Rather than remaining idle, he volunteered to serve as a nurse in the Hmong and Lao refugee camps. From 1975 until September 12, 1978, he dedicated himself to caring for fellow refugees who had fled the war.
During those three years, Captain Thao also completed paramedic training through the International Rescue Committee (IRC). He became one of only eight volunteer nurses, divided into two teams of four, providing medical care around the clock in rotating twenty-four-hour shifts.
His years in the refugee camps reflected the same commitment to service that had defined his military career—continuing to care for others even after losing his homeland.
Immigration to the United States
On September 14, 1978, Captain Thao and his family were admitted to the United States, arriving through Seattle–Tacoma International Airport.
They initially settled in Portland, Oregon, where Captain Thao immediately sought employment to support his family.
His first job was at Merry Gun Shop, where he worked for approximately two months. He later accepted employment with William Electric Company, followed by six months working for a plaster company.
Seeking better opportunities for his growing family, Captain Thao relocated to Stockton, California, on February 5, 1980, where he would establish permanent roots.
Education and Healthcare Career
Although he had spent much of his youth serving in the military rather than attending school, Captain Thao remained committed to continuing his education.
In 1982, he began working at Pacific Oriental Food Store while pursuing his educational goals.
Two years later, in 1984, he enrolled in Stockton Adult School, studying alongside many other Southeast Asian refugees who were rebuilding their lives in America.
In 1987, he entered the adult high school program and successfully earned his high school diploma in 1989.
Following graduation, Captain Thao enrolled in a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program through the San Joaquin County Regional Occupational Program, completing the course after six months and becoming a certified nursing assistant.
On April 4, 1990, he began working at Wagner Heights Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, where he continued serving elderly and disabled residents with the same dedication he had shown throughout his military and refugee service.
Continuing His Service Through Veterans Organizations
Captain Thao remained deeply committed to preserving the history and honoring the sacrifices of Hmong and Lao veterans.
On June 9, 1995, he joined the Lao Veterans of America, Inc.
He actively participated in commemorative events throughout California and across the nation, including annual celebrations in Fresno and national gatherings held in Washington, D.C. during 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000.
Recognizing his leadership and lifelong commitment, the National President of the Lao Veterans of America appointed Captain Thao on January 24, 1998, as Chairman of the West Stockton Chapter.
He also served on the organization’s Advisory Committee and as a Board-at-Large member for the Lao Veterans Center Project. In addition, he maintained an association with the United States Army, continuing his lifelong commitment to military service and veterans’ advocacy.
Family
Captain Sou Thao and his wife, Ka Xiong Thao, raised five children—four sons and one daughter.
One of the proudest moments in their family’s journey came in 1998, when their eldest son, Leng J. Thao, graduated from the University of California, Davis, symbolizing the opportunities made possible through the sacrifices of the Hmong refugee generation.
A Legacy of Service
Captain Sou Thao’s life reflects an extraordinary journey across continents and through some of the most difficult chapters of twentieth-century history.
He served his country first as a Military Police officer, then as a battlefield commander, medical officer, and company commander during the Secret War in Laos. After losing his homeland, he devoted himself to caring for refugees in Thailand before beginning life again in the United States.
Rather than allowing hardship to define him, Captain Thao pursued education, built a new career in healthcare, raised a successful family, and dedicated countless hours to preserving the history and legacy of Hmong and Lao veterans.
His story stands as a testament to courage, resilience, leadership, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to serving others—whether on the battlefield, in refugee camps, in nursing homes, or within the veterans’ community.