Lt. General Thao Passes 1959-2015

Lieutenant General (LTG) Zong Vang Thao, United States National Defense Force Support Command Civil Military Support Reserve Operation, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 3:18 p.m., at Appleton Medical Center. LTG. Thao was born on May 4, 1959 in North Central Region 2 of Laos, Province of Xiengkhouang to Mr. Va Chou Thao and Mrs. Vang Yang. LTG Thao was 55.

He was one of the hmong highest rank general in the hmong community's.

Thao did not have the opportunity to attend school, but when he immigrated to the United States, he was fortunate to attend Fox Valley Technical College to earn his High School Equivalency Degree and earned three college degrees in addition to numerous leadership certificates. LTG. Thao valued education and leadership. He believed education was the bridge to a successful future. He worked for StoraEnso Paper Mill for over 20 years when he retired early. LTG. Thao was a respected, well-spoken man. His voice was strong yet calming to the ears. He was a generous, kind, fair, and faithful man of God. He was a member of Living Stone Alliance Church in Appleton, WI for 34 years.

LTG. Thao was the first Hmong General in the United States, 21st century. He dedicated his whole life to serve his country and people. His work consisted of three visions: 1) For the Hmong people to love and respect one another, 2) For the Hmong people to stand United, and 3) For the Hmong people to love and help all people no matter which country or community they live in because that is our Home!

He is survived by his wife, See Thao; two sons Daniel Thao and Thunder Thao; and three daughters Mai Chong Thao, COL. Coua Thao, and Kaofoua Thao of Appleton, WI. He was preceded in death by his father Va Chou Thao and mother Vang Yang. Final Honors were held at Valley Funeral Home in Appleton, WI on April 4-6, 2015.