Background and Personal Journey

Hung Cao, a Vietnamese refugee who fled communism, shares his compelling family story that shaped his identity and values. After his father's position as a deputy minister made their family a target, they risked everything to escape to the U.S., enduring hardships in countries like Niger before settling in Northern Virginia. He emphasizes the sacrifices made by his parents for their children’s education, which ultimately led him to prestigious institutions such as the United States Naval Academy and MIT. With 25 years of service as a Navy captain, Cao has a unique perspective on freedom and what it means to be American.