Nais koo Nhia Pao
Naiskoo Nhia Pao was a gifted and remarkable man who had a way of touching and inspiring each individual he interacted with throughout his life. Whether it was with his family, relatives, fellow soldiers, villagers, clan leaders or political leaders, in each interaction he displayed love, humbleness and sincerity for the well-being of everyone around him.
Naiskoo Nhia Pao was born on June 10, 1915 and grew up in Havtais, Xeev Khuam, Laos. At a young age, Nhia Pao was thrusted into war by patrolling the northern Plain of Jars region alongside General Vang Pao. In 1952, he was elected and served as Phubtoom of Havtias. He eventually was elected and served as a Toj Xeem Phuv Xam between 1960-64. In 1962, he and his family moved to live in Bouam Long. In 1964, Nhia Pov was elected Naiskoo of Bouam Long, a position he held until the end of the war in 1975.
In 1960, Naiskoo Nhia Pao was one of a few men who strategically selected Bouam Long, a massif, and fortified it as a safe haven for surrounding small villages like Havtias. The goal was to secure a safe sanctuary for relocating Hmong villagers during the war. Bouam Long, also known as Lima Site 32, became an important stronghold base camp during the “Secret War” where some of the most epic battles took place-preventing the domino theory fall of Laos where the North Vietnamese needed to seize and secure Bouam Long first, in order to advance to Long Cheng, Vientiane, and eventually Thailand. Under siege, Bouam Long was lit up as aircraft dropped night flares to prevent night attacks from the North Vietnamese. Naiskoo Nhia Pao’s aircraft was once shot down, but he was rescued before being captured. Under Naiskoo Nhia Pao’s leadership, Bouam Long became a fortress for the US and allies from 1960-1975 as it consistently prevailed in every attack staged by the North Vietnamese and only fell when the US pulled out of the war. Despite his fearless leadership, Naiskoo Nhia Pao often credited his survival and successes as “muaj moo” and praised his soldiers for their bravery and unrelenting commitment to
ensuring his safety and the safety of the Hmong villagers and other soldiers.
In 1975, Naiskoo Nhia Pao sought refuge in Thailand and eventually resettled in Kaukauna, Wisconsin in1980 as a political refugee. In the United States, he continued to lead through serving as an advisor and board member to the Hmong American Partnership and participated frequently in community dialogue, cultural practices, and mediation to address external and internal challenges within the Hmong community. Naiskoo Nhia Pao became a US citizen in 1989.
Naiskoo Nhia Pao played a very significant role in stopping and containing the communist movement in Laos. His intellect and actions saved countless lives and gave many hope and safety in the darkest hours of the war. He often engaged in servant leadership and shared his perspective that leaders must “Hlub txhua leej txhua tus sib npaug. Yuav tsum hlub tus hlob tus yau, tus tub tus ntxhais, tus muaj tus pluag, tus ntse tus ruam”. He believed that “Ib leeg txawj ib yam ces peb sawvdaws muaj nuj nqi ib yam,” Naiskoo Nhia Pao Vue.
Naiskoo Nhia Pao breathed experiences, wisdom, love & perseverance. His stories, his calm, his laughter reminded us that the measurement of life is the strength of family. He truly was a KEEPER OF VISIONS, A GUARDIAN OF HOPE.
