Why Clovis is seeking ‘Secret War Veterans’

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The Clovis Cemetery District wants to honor a segment of the veteran community that has gone largely unrecognized.

A blue star is used to signify service in the United States Military: Hmong, Lao, Thai and other ethnic groups, who helped U.S. military forces during the Vietnam War.

Chairman for the District’s Board of Trustees Jim Linenbach says these vets deserve the same respect as their American-born counterparts.

“Make sure that they’re properly recognized during the ceremonies during the year,” he said.

They’re appealing to the community to ensure they get the recognition they deserve.

“Families and anyone who knows where one of the veterans have been interred so that we can take care of that, get their blue star on, on their headstone,” Linenbach said.

Clovis Mayor Vong Mouanoutoua is Hmong and says “Secret War Veterans” are overlooked far too often.

He says that they have fallen victim to fighting one of the most controversial wars in United States history.

“Because it was ‘secret,’ not, no one can talk about it. No one knew that we were fighting there,” Mouanoutoua said.

The mayor says these foreign-born veterans were vital to the U.S. war effort.

“We will honor them in equal footing like all of the American veterans. That’s huge for us, for the Hmong veterans, for the Secret War veterans, because no one has ever given that,” Mouanoutoua said.

If you know a Secret War Veteran who should be recognized for their service, you can contact Boua Cher Vang at 559-250-9761.