One outstanding member of the Seadrift community is Tran Trong An. Tran is now 89 years old. I was fascinated when I heard his story!
Tran grew up in Vietnam. His family were fishermen. In 1965 Tran went into the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (otherwise known as ARVN). Tran was trained in the Army as an undercover agent. For ten years Tran did undercover work. In 1975 he was captured by the Viet Cong and was their prisoner for seven years. Not only did Tran suffer under cruel conditions, but his family suffered as well. When Tran was released he found odd jobs. In 1994 Tran, his wife, and three of his children came to America. Seadrift became Tran’s new home. For over twenty years Tran has assisted in setting up for the Catholic Mass in Seadrift. For over ten years he has given rides for people needing assistance to Port Lavaca, Victoria, and even Houston.

Tran wants the younger generation to go to school, study, become good citizens, and help the country where they live. He wants one day for Vietnam to have the same freedom as America.

This is the 3rd in the Seadrift Legacy series.