A couple of weeks ago I met a gentleman who just opened a business in Kasson. In talking to him at length I think that most of us American born citizens take a great deal for granted.
Vu 'Johnny' Huynh was born in South Vietnam and his father was a Navy captain for the South Vietnamese Navy. For those of you not familiar with the Vietnam War, South Vietnam was our ally.
This was a messy war that started in the 60's. I would have to say it was the most controversial fight ever for freedom that involved the United States. Iraq and Afghanistan don't come close for two reasons. For many years there were no plans to end the war in Vietnam. Two, support for the American soldier was not what we see today for those serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.
In 1975 came the fall of Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam taken by the North Vietnamese. For the United States this war was all about stopping the expansion of communism into South Vietnam.
After the fall of Saigon Johnny's father was placed in what the North Vietnamese called a "re-education camp". This was a kind term for prison, where Johnny's father spent the next 11 years.
After graduating from high school Johnny's goal was to become a barber. He eventually did open his own shop. The only problem was the police would come around and check on his business, demanding money, depending upon how much he made for the week. In other words police protection money had to be paid on the spot based on how good a week he had.
Senator John McCain, a war veteran who spent time in a Vietnam prison of war camp, was instrumental in the release of the South Vietnamese soldiers, including Johnny's father. The family was also given the opportunity to obtain visas and move to the United States, which they did.
Call it an opportunity of a lifetime, when Johnny and his parents, along with two sisters and a brother, moved to Rochester to start a new life. They took advantage of that opportunity for freedom, not expecting any handouts.
From South Vietnam, to Rochester and now Kasson, where Johnny opened his own barber shop two weeks ago. Johnny's English is good and after a short conversation it's apparent he is an intelligent individual who appreciates many of the opportunities we take for granted. Hopefully there will be enough business for all the shops in town, including Johnny's. It would be great to see people support a man who has come so far, working to create a successful business in Kasson.
Wouldn't it be great to see his business success grow to the point where he could move his wife and two children here and
send them through our school system? I think Johnny would like that because he does favor the small town.
Once you meet Vu 'Johnny' Huynh I know you will be impressed with his personality and determination to succeed as a businessman and United States citizen.
Vu 'Johnny' Huynh was born in South Vietnam and his father was a Navy captain for the South Vietnamese Navy. For those of you not familiar with the Vietnam War, South Vietnam was our ally.
This was a messy war that started in the 60's. I would have to say it was the most controversial fight ever for freedom that involved the United States. Iraq and Afghanistan don't come close for two reasons. For many years there were no plans to end the war in Vietnam. Two, support for the American soldier was not what we see today for those serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.
In 1975 came the fall of Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam taken by the North Vietnamese. For the United States this war was all about stopping the expansion of communism into South Vietnam.
After the fall of Saigon Johnny's father was placed in what the North Vietnamese called a "re-education camp". This was a kind term for prison, where Johnny's father spent the next 11 years.
After graduating from high school Johnny's goal was to become a barber. He eventually did open his own shop. The only problem was the police would come around and check on his business, demanding money, depending upon how much he made for the week. In other words police protection money had to be paid on the spot based on how good a week he had.
Senator John McCain, a war veteran who spent time in a Vietnam prison of war camp, was instrumental in the release of the South Vietnamese soldiers, including Johnny's father. The family was also given the opportunity to obtain visas and move to the United States, which they did.
Call it an opportunity of a lifetime, when Johnny and his parents, along with two sisters and a brother, moved to Rochester to start a new life. They took advantage of that opportunity for freedom, not expecting any handouts.
From South Vietnam, to Rochester and now Kasson, where Johnny opened his own barber shop two weeks ago. Johnny's English is good and after a short conversation it's apparent he is an intelligent individual who appreciates many of the opportunities we take for granted. Hopefully there will be enough business for all the shops in town, including Johnny's. It would be great to see people support a man who has come so far, working to create a successful business in Kasson.
Wouldn't it be great to see his business success grow to the point where he could move his wife and two children here and
send them through our school system? I think Johnny would like that because he does favor the small town.
Once you meet Vu 'Johnny' Huynh I know you will be impressed with his personality and determination to succeed as a businessman and United States citizen.
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