When he began his training. he was only 14. Although his military service ended in 1975. he stayed in Laos to defend his family and his village until 1979. It was in 1979 that his family made the voyage to Thailand. where they were sent to a "reeducation" camp. There they were reportedly physically abused. and coerced to give up everything they had. They were later moved to Ban Vanai Refugee camp. Seng Thao came to the United States in 1980. and now works at Riverview Packaging in Minneapolis. He is a productive member of society. and has earned the right to be called a U.S. citizen.