The Vietnamese American Association of Michigan (VAAM) was established in 2008, through a public election by Vietnamese Americans in Michigan. VAAM’s mission is to preserve the Vietnamese culture and heritage, to assist underprivileged Vietnamese Americans with healthcare, social and civic issues, and to accelerate the integration process into the mainstream American society while empowering community through cultural preservation, community support, Integrate and empowerment, and youth engagement.
Guided by our values of community, respect, and inclusivity, we strive to create a supportive and vibrant environment where the Vietnamese cultural heritage can flourish and enrich the lives of all community members. We are dedicated to making a lasting impact, not only by preserving our traditions but by empowering future generations to carry forward our rich legacy.
LCDR (ret.) TRUONG, THINH
Military Biography: Thinh was born in Duc-Hoa, Long An, Vietnam. He immigrated with his family of six to Lansing, Michigan on the 5th of July 1994 at the age of twelve. His father – Truong Cong Giao – an ARVN Marines Captain veteran who not only survived the adversities of the Vietnam War but also endured 7.5 years of Concentration Camp. His leadership and honorable service inspired Thinh to join the US Military to honor and to follow his father’s legacy as a military serviceman who bravely fought for a united and free Republic of Vietnam against the Communist expansion from the North.
Thinh enlisted in the US Coast Guard Reserve in June 2003 as a Fireman Apprentice (E3) and completed several tours around the Great Lakes, Ohio, and Illinois until he achieved a Direct Commission as an Officer in 2012 at the US Coast Guard Academy. Enduring three deployments in support of Deep-Water Horizon and Operations Enduring Freedom and numerous challenges throughout his military career, he served his final tour deploying with US Coast Guard Port Security 307 as an Engineering Department Head in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He then retired after 20 years of faithful and honorable service in 2023 as Lieutenant Commander.
Military Awards & Insignias:
CG Commendation Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal; CG Achievement Medal; CG Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon; AF RSV Medal w/ Mobilization; CG Meritorious Team Commendation Ribbons; National Defense Service Medal; CG Special Ops Service Ribbon; CG Presidential Unit Citation; CG Reserve Good Conduct Medal; Global War Terror Service Medal; Global War Terror Expeditionary; CG Overseas Service Ribbon; MIL Outstanding Volunteer Svc; CG Reserve Good Conduct Medal; CG Rifle Expert Medal; CG Pistol Sharp Shooter Ribbon.
Defense Readiness Specialty; CG Port Security Insignia; CG Boat Forces Operation Insignia; Waterways Management Representative
Civilian Biography: He graduated from Lansing Everett High School in 2001, Kettering University (GMI) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2009 and enrolled in National University pursuing a graduate degree in Engineering Management. LCDR Truong had the fortune to be married to his high school sweetheart Dao Tran in 2008 and now have three wonderful sons Jake, Zac, and Luke Truong. He worked at General Motors (GM) for two years as a Production Foreman before transitioning to working for Army in 2007. After various engineering rotations, he found his love in armor development & ballistically test armored materials and has been working as a Ballistic Testing Engineer at the U.S. Army Detroit Arsenal – Ground Vehicle Systems Center. His hobbies include golfing, diving, canoeing, camping, pickleball, spending time at a shooting range.
“It is my tremendous honor and privileged to be where I am today. To be able to serve in Uniform along the finest military in the world and to be able to serve this great nation that took my family in along with millions of other Vietnamese immigrants after the Vietnam War. The very opportunities and liberties that changed myself and my family’s lives forever are true testaments of a real American dream for me.”