This past weekend in Dallas, during the screening of our documentary Vietnam War: Untold Stories from the South — Trials, Triumphs & Tragedies, I had the honor of reconnecting with retired Major General Lương Xuân Việt — someone I have known since he was a six-year-old boy in Saigon.
Watching him in the audience with his wife and sisters was a moment to cherish. Decades ago, he was a young Vietnamese refugee child. Today, he stands in history as the first Vietnamese American general in the United States Army.
Over a remarkable military career spanning more than 30 years, General Việt commanded troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, led elements of the legendary 101st Airborne Division, and later served as Commanding General of U.S. Army Japan and I Corps (Forward). His achievements represent not only personal excellence, but also the extraordinary journey of the Vietnamese refugee community in America.
What impressed me just as much as his military accomplishments was something deeply personal: although he is, in many ways, more American than many American bluebloods, his command of the Vietnamese language and culture remains extraordinary — perhaps even better than mine. Listening to him speak Vietnamese with such clarity, depth, elegance, and cultural nuance was both inspiring and humbling. It reminded me that true identity is not erased by time, distance, or success. Somehow, he managed to fully embrace America while still preserving the soul of his Vietnamese heritage.
The evening before the screening, General Việt and his gracious wife warmly hosted my wife and me for dinner. He presented me with a special Jack Daniel’s bottle reserved for servicemen, while his wife kindly gave us some delicious homemade hot sauce. I was deeply touched by both gestures. They symbolized friendship, generosity, honor, and remembrance.
What touched me even more was that despite already knowing much of the documentary’s content and historical background, General Việt still sat through the entire screening with patience, attention, and respect. That simple act reflected the humility and character that have always defined him.
And despite all the years and all the history between then and now, the bond between us somehow remains unchanged. Whether we were swimming together as boys at Yết Kiêu Pool near Thị Nghè in Saigon decades ago, or sharing a drink together in Texas this weekend that connection is still there.
In many ways, this documentary is also my small tribute to his late father, a Major in the Vietnamese Marine Corps, and to the countless South Vietnamese soldiers whose stories and sacrifices deserve to be remembered with dignity and fairness.
People often say old soldiers fade away. But somehow, retired young generals do not. I have a feeling General Việt’s journey of service is far from over. Men like him never truly stop serving — they simply find new ways to continue serving their community, their adopted country, and the values they believe in.
Sometimes history is not only written in books or documentaries.
Sometimes history sits quietly beside you at dinner — and reminds you how far a young refugee boy can journey in one lifetime.
