1.1A Senate resolution
1.2in memory of Seng Wang Herr (Vaam Xeeb Hawj).
1.3WHEREAS, Seng Wang Herr (Vaam Xeeb Hawj) was born in Xiangkhouang Province,
1.4Laos on May 13, 1950, to GaChue (Nkag Tswb) Herr and Mai Chang; and
1.5WHEREAS, Seng obtained his education in Phonsavan, Pangxang, and Vientiane, Laos,
1.6one of few who received this opportunity; and
1.7WHEREAS, after he completed his education in 1967, Seng served in the military during
1.8the Secret War in Laos from 1968 to 1975; and
1.9WHEREAS, from 1968 to 1971, Seng worked with Lao ethnic groups to bring peace, justice,
1.10and relocation to displaced civilians affected by the war by surveying their conditions, and received
1.11a "#1 Star" medal; and
1.12WHEREAS, from 1971 to 1975, Seng worked with USAID, overseeing important documents
1.13and food for refugees; and
1.14WHEREAS, during his military service, Seng married Chua Yang in 1970 in Long Cheng,
1.15Laos; and
1.16WHEREAS, on February 1, 1976, Seng and Chua immigrated to the United States and
1.17resettled in Kansas City, Missouri, after the war and became the first Hmong family to arrive in
1.18Kansas City; and
1.19WHEREAS, Seng cofounded First Hmong Baptist Church (the first one in the nation) in
1.20Kansas City, Kansas, under the Southern Baptist Convention in 1977, and its 40th anniversary is
1.21being celebrated this year; and
1.22WHEREAS, Seng had a heart full of service, serving in numerous leadership roles within
1.23the congregation; and
2.1WHEREAS, at the age of 49, his passion for missions led him back to the country of Thailand,
2.2where he spent 18 years living and teaching among the Hmong about the Gospel until his death on
2.3March 16, 2017, in Pua, Nan, Thailand; and
2.4NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the State of Minnesota that it
2.5celebrates the life story and legacy of faith, leadership, generosity, and love of Seng Wang Herr
2.6(Vaam Xeeb Hawj).
2.7BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is directed to prepare an
2.8enrolled copy of this resolution, to be authenticated by the Secretary's signature and that of the
2.9Chair of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, and transmit it to the family of Seng
2.10Wang Herr (Vaam Xeeb Hawj).

Cal R. LudemanSecretary of the Senate

Paul E. GazelkaChair, Senate Committee onRules and Administration

Foung HawjState Senator, District 67