Author: Jrehberg

Passing the Torch: President Ford Centennial Birthday and Operation Babylift Reunion Celebration

Torch1975Passing the Torch: President Ford Centennial Birthday and  Operation Babylift Reunion Celebration

By Jared Rehberg, Director of Community Outreach (National)

It’s been 38 years since I was adopted from Vietnam during Operation Babylift and began my journey in the United States. During the years I often stopped to think about the other adoptees, the other Vietnamese families that left Vietnam and the volunteers from Operation Babylift. In 2000, I had the pleasure to attend two reunions and catch up with fellow adoptees and learn more about our special history together. As the years went by I lost contact with many of the adoptees. In 2009 I joined forces with ATG founder, Tammy Nguyen Lee to produce a documentary film called Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam. It was an honor to meet many of the heroes of the babylift and make new Vietnamese adoptee friends. Facebook groups have slowly reconnected me with adoptees from around the world, pre and post Operation Babylift.

This summer, Vietnamese American and founder of non-profit organization Torch 1975 Inc. has planned a special gathering to bring our special community together once again to reconnect and honor our past.

Torch 1975 Inc. (www.torch1975.org) a non-profit and non-partisan organization has announced the President Ford Centennial Birthday and Operation Babylift Reunion Celebration. The gathering will be held in Dana Point, Calif. July 12-15, 2013. Torch 1975 will bring together Original Flight Crew, Veterans and War Orphans to Celebrate and Honor Former President’s Efforts. This reunion will feature a panel of Operation Babylift participants and War Orphans.

“This year’s Operation Babylift reunion will have an additional impact because of the Centennial birthday of Gerald R. Ford,” says Torch1975 founder Jessica Nguyen. “We are honored to host such an amazing group of people. We have a fantastic gala planned for attendees around the Centennial birthday on Saturday evening, July 13th. We are already expecting International guests and members of the original crew of Operation Babylift (OBL).  We are looking forward to reuniting people that haven’t seen each other since 1975.  It will be an amazing event to remember!”

Keynote Speakers of the event include:

•      Ross Meador:  Attorney, OBL Coordinator in Saigon in 1975

•      LeAnn Thieman: National Hall of Fame public speaker, OBL author – book “This Must Be My Brother”, OBL adoptive parent

The event will be kicked off on Saturday, July 13th at 10:00 am with a tribute to President Ford and reenactment of the events that took place on April 5, 1975. All events are open to the public and include a panel discussion from reunited veterans and refugees from Operation Babylift on Sunday, July 14 at the OC Sailing & Events Center.

Panel presentations include:

•      The C-5A Galaxy Incident: Discussion & Aftermath

•      The Journey to America & Beyond

•      Adoptee Babies & Parents: Challenges & Victories

The event will commence on Monday, July 15th, celebrating Gerald Ford’s favorite pastime: Golf. The Gerald R. Ford Memorial Golf Tournament will take place from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm at San Juan Hills Golf Club in San Juan Capistrano. Calif.

Torch 1975 is actively accepting corporate sponsorship for this year’s event. To get involved please contact Jessica Nguyen at TorchLady1975@gmail.com

You can learn more about event schedule and details here: http://torch1975.org/events/operation-babylift-reunion/event-details/

Guests can register for Gerald Ford Centennial Gala and Operation Babylift Reunion event by visiting www.Torch1975.org.

jessicajoehomepageI recently had the chance to ask Torch 1975 founder, Jessica Nguyen a few questions. Check out the interview below.

1. What inspired you to bring this event together?

As you see in my Epilogue, 1975 is a key element in my entire life.  I have researched many areas of the 1975 era:  refugees, immigrations, children, families, generations, Fall of Saigon, New Economic Zones, Children of Vietnam War, Soldiers, Communists, death, America and the freedom world, adoption, survivors, military, etc…  One of the areas that attracted my concentration the most was how other children were affected by the war?  And of course, Operation Babylift (OBL) with the stories of some 3000 babies and their lives airlifted out of Vietnam in the closing days of Vietnam War, being adopted and living overseas always comes up on the top of the list of any on-line search return.  I first found out about OBL in late 2011.

OBL is so fascinating, I am not the only one who knows about OBL; cannot leave it alone without further researching.  Being aided by Social Media, I was able to connect at first with your group via Mr. Phil Wise – a C-5A Galaxy crash survivor and a Vietnam Veteran – right on April 4th last year; many crash survivors consider April 4th 1975 as their second birthday.

I invested more and more time to learn and understand about the nature of the story.  I see President Ford as a hero, a Father of all these OBL children.  I was so touched and came to tears when I read the article http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=4812 about April 3rd 1975 – the date he encountered hostility from major broadcasting companies about his decision to evacuate War Orphans from Vietnam.  Many of his staff members were also against this move.  Despite the red-tape and bureaucracy in Washington DC, he stood firm in his decision; and the result is our Children of Vietnam War can be rescued, survive, and grow up peacefully in this freedom land – America!  He even went the extra mile to personally greet the babies arriving in San Francisco Int’l airport on April 5th, 1975.

As a child who grew up with only one parent – my mother, I often question how other children grew up with the lack of a parent like myself?  I am so amazed how you guys grew up as family adoptees to be fine people like we see in this group. The OBL community is indeed quite wonderful.  Looking deeper I can see Chris Colan, Mindy Kelpe, Tim Holtan, Kate Bukart, Jim Zimmerly, Jared Rehberg, Gregory Hodges, each and every one of you, a portrait exactly like your family’s last name.  I sometime wonder why not Jared Colan or vice versa?   God really arranged everything?  There must be a special power, besides the help of President Ford, to place each of you in the right family.  Adoption is great!

President Ford, my hero, author of OBL, and his birthday is coming up this July.  We are so thankful and forever indebted to him for Operation Babylift  – one of the greatest humanitarian efforts of the 20th century.  There is no better time for Children of Vietnam War like us to express our gratitude and appreciation to him by gathering together to commemorate him and his legacy to America with Torch 1975 Inc’s event “PRESIDENT FORD CENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY AND OPERATION BABYLIFT REUNION CELEBRATION.”

2. Is there a particular highlight of the weekend you are excited about?

Beside the Tribute/Reenactment on Saturday morning 07.13.13 and the 100th Birthday cake cutting, sharing, and Birthday song Tribute during President Ford Centennial Gala on Saturday evening 07.13.13, the PANEL/PRESENTATIONS & VENDORS on Sunday afternoon 07.14.13 is very revealing.  It consists of history direct with panelists, strong Vietnamese cultural roots with authentic food, Vietnamese Ao Dai fashion show modeling by OBL babies and their offspring, Vietnamese songs, etc…

3 significant Panels with first-hand experience Panelists:

v  The C-5A Galaxy Incident: Discussion & Aftermath

v  The Journey to America & Beyond

v  Adoptee Babies & Parents: Challenges & Victories

  • Book Signing opportunities by many OBL book authors
  • Authentic Vietnamese foods:  Filet Mignon Pho, egg rolls, spring rolls, chow-mein, etc…
  • Fashion Show (Vietnamese Ao Dai)

  3. For all the adoptees around the world who can’t make it, is there anything you’d like to say or share with them?

As Children born during the War time and growing up in hardship, we have a common bond.  We should keep in touch, support each other as much as we can, stay in the loop and network by all possible means.  Join the group, share your stories, pass the word about our EVENT for your friends/adoptees to come and meet one another, buy our Event DVD, etc…  We would love to see and hear from all OBL members and adoptees out there worldwide.  ‘Hi & Hugs’ are sending your way from us!

For more about Jessica, visit:

http://torch1975.org/home/about-jessica-nguyen/

http://torch1975.org/home/founders-epilogue/

copy-Torch-Logo-tiny

 

About Torch 1975 Inc.

Torch 1975 Inc. (www.Torch1975.org) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization working to support and serve America’s Veterans.  Based in Dana Point, Calif. – The mission of the organization is ‘ECHO’:  Educate; Connect; Heal; and Optimize situations for Veterans dealing with Readjustment issues, Employment, Educational Assistance, Scholarships, and Family Planning.  The organization was founded by Jessica Nguyen, a POW’s daughter, and was later joined by Colonel Joe Snyder – a retired Marine and former Mayor of Dana Point, Calif.

Torch 1975, Incorporated is a non-profit, non-partisan 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to supporting America’s Veterans. Torch 1975’s California entity license is C3399380, Federal EIN number is 45-4324829. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

 

2013 Operation Babylift Reflections by Jared Rehberg

PageImage-497879-2533595-Operation_BabyliftEvery year during this week, I take a moment to reflect on my past. Life gets hectic with work, hobbies, friends and family. Thirty-eight years ago this week, I left the An Lac orphanage and South Vietnam on an airplane to begin my new life in America. This historic week would soon be call Operation Babylift. It would take 25 years before I would be reunited with other Vietnamese adoptees and begin to understand what happened so many years ago. After all the talk about politics and opinions, there was still over 3,000 children who were relocated around the world. Through the years, I’ve enjoyed connecting with Vietnamese adoptees around the world. I found comfort sharing familiar experiences and knowing that there was someone out there to talk to when I was in need of a shoulder or ear. Thanks to Facebook, we have groups and a mini address book of connections. After the reunion in Baltimore in 2000, I began writing and performing songs about my adoption experience. My life’s work led me to meeting Tammy Nguyen Lee and helping to produce her documentary film Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam. I will never forget our time together traveling, filming and screening our film. I learned so much more about my past and met so many wonderful people who share a common history. Today, I’m proud to be on the ATG Board for my 4th year servicing as Outreach Director. Weeks like this remind me of our ATG mission and my personal inspiration to give back to the Asian American community and continue to produce music and tell stories from my journey.

I wrote a special song for my Vietnamese adoptee brothers and sisters called Something to Save. You’re not alone. Our stories will be shared from generation to generation. Listen here: http://jaredrehberg.virb.com/music

Check out the film and learn more about Babylift: http://www.thebabylift.com/

PageImage-497879-2532745-13551_180274528873_112545978873_2778860_7654472_nOPERATION BABYLIFT: THE LOST CHILDREN OF VIETNAM tells the significant, yet untold story of the $2 million U.S. initiative that airlifted over 2,500 Vietnamese orphans out of a war-torn country from the impending threat of the Communist regime. These adoptees grew up facing unique challenges in America, including prejudice overshadowed by a controversial war and cultural identity crisis. Featuring compelling and insightful interviews of the volunteers, parents, and organizations directly involved, the documentary takes a contemporary look at Operation Babylift and its relevance to international adoption today.

2013 ATG Vietnamese Heritage/Culture Camp Scholarship Contest!

Win $100 for Vietnamese Heritage/Culture Camp! Enter today!

Against The Grain Productions is proud to announce the 2013 ATG Vietnamese Heritage/Culture Camp Scholarship Contest! ATG is giving away camp scholarships to 10 lucky campers to help pay for the camp of their choice. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Register for Camp:
Catalyst Foundation www.catalystfoundation.org
Heritage Camps For Adoptive Families www.heritagecamps.org
Vietnam Heritage Weekend  www.dillionadopt.com/Vietnam_Camp.htm

Step 2: Email us with you child’s picture and your child’s answers to the following questions…
1. What does ‘Against The Grain?’ mean to you?
2. How do you go ‘Against The Grain’?

Email: outreach@againstthegrainproductions.com Attach a picture from camp to share on the contest page. 🙂
Rules: Kids must be registered for a heritage or Culture camp. Please send in your proof of registration. Only one entry per child.
Prize: 10 $100 stipends will be given away at random. The national drawing will be held July 1st.

Good luck!

Last Year’s 2012 Winners!

Click here for details

Here’s a clip of ATG’s very own Jared Rehberg performing at VHC 2012 with 8th grade camper Kali Hauck

Jared performing with 9th grade camper, Noelle Hemphill

 

 

Hurricane Sandy Relief

ATG sends our thoughts and prayers to all our friends in the Northeast who are still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. Director of Community Outreach Jared Rehberg shares his perspective while experiencing the highs and lows of Hurricane Sandy.

“Greetings from the Northeast! It’s been a crazy few weeks up here with days heading toward the Presidential election and the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. The city of New York stopped public transportation and braced itself for uncertainty and hope for the least amount of damage. Memories of last years’ hurricane kept many people in denial and at ease from the dangers of mother nature’s wrath. The storm came into town overnight, pummeling the area. NJ got hit the hardest, but many people would have to pause to remember such fury on Long Island, Rockaway Beach, flooding on the subway lines and street. They cancelled the NYC Marathon, when running by families in Staten Island without food or shelter felt so wrong. I know this was not 9/11, but as we walked home from work over the bridge, I was told of similar feelings as we left Manhattan. For many the power is still out and cable is going to take awhile to be restored. House and towns on the Jersey shore are gone or torn to shreds along with years of memories. My heart goes out to everyone who lost loved ones and the families who will have a long road to recovery to get their lives back to normal, if there is anything normal anymore.”

FFAP Designer Joanne Hong reached out and let us know that her power is up and running since last night and got her hot water running today.

“It’s been a crazy week since Hurricane Sandy came through NYC.  I lost electricity, hot water, and heat, but luckily there was no damage to my apt.  The city never seemed to lose its energy despite the storm.  Everyone was helping one another and the sense of comradely filled the air.  I have been so blessed with all my friends and family that contacted me to make sure I was doing well and friends that offered a place for me and my roommates to stay and shower.  I was very fortunate and my thoughts and prayers go out to those that lost everything in the storm.”

Show your ATG spirit. Join us at our final Dine for a Cause Fundraiser for the year at Cindi’s NY Delicatessen this weekend, drop your receipt in the box, and ATG will donate our 25% to help victims of Hurricane Sandy via the American Red Cross. If you can’t make it but would still like to donate to our cause, please visit: http://www.againstthegrainproductions.com/donate/ to help us raise the funds.

 

 

Someone Like Me | Vietnamese Heritage Camp 2012 | Colorado

Jared Rehberg and Kali Hauck

Dallas, TX – After a year of planning and the final three months of execution, ATG’s own Director of Community Outreach, Jared Rehberg, marked his first successful year as Co-Director of Vietnamese Heritage Camp, hosted in Estes Park, Colorado. ATG Secretary Hue Dao Miner joined him as a High School counselor, becoming an instant role model. ATG had a special table set up for the Saturday night show that featured performances by the children and workshop presenters.

Jared had the honor to make a dream come true by sharing the stage with two younger adoptees. He performed “Someone Like Me “with Kali Hauck from Boulder, Colorado. He also sang “Connected to You” with cellist Noelle Hemphill from Fort Collins, Colorado. The weekend went by quickly, and both Jared and Hue miss the families already. Jared is excited to start planning next year’s camp with his new Co-Director, Kristi Kremer.

Jared Rehberg and Noelle Hemphill
Jared Rehberg and Noelle Hemphill

Rehberg said, “It was an honor representing ATG with Hue Dao Miner by my side. We gave out checks for $100, personalized certificates and copies of our Operation Babylift DVDs to our Heritage Camp Scholarship winners.”

Miner, who is herself a Vietnamese adoptee, made the decision to participate this year and drove all the way from Dallas to attend. Said Miner, “Being camp counselor at Vietnamese Heritage Camp gave me a 360 degree perspective on adoption. Paired with my experience as a board member at ATG helping raise funds for orphanages and being uniquely adopted, I was equipped with more knowledge on adoption. It’s all so real and tangible to me. I had the opportunity to hear from the children, and the issues they face. Now I have a vested interest in the lives of these children and will definitely return to this camp as often as I can.”

Hue Dao Miner and the High School Group
Hue Dao Miner and the High School Group

This year’s winner were Olivia Thompson, Noelle Hemphill, Maria Kremer, Thomas Anh Huy Morton, Liz Boyle, Allison Foust, Sarah Foust, Hannah Foust and Emily Morgan-Tracy. Congratulations to all the winners!

ATG Camp Scholarship Winners

 

ATG Gives to Baan Fuengfah Orphanage in Bangkok, Thailand

ATG is proud to announce the extension of their efforts to support orphanages in Asia to Bangkok, Thailand. Last month, our ground representative, Ewe Wee, gathered a group of friends and visited Baan Fuengfah Orphanage to deliver lunch and lots of love. We served lunch, dessert and milk to 272 boys and 160 girls. We look forward to continue our support to more orphanages in Bangkok in the near future. We had a volunteer photographer capture the afternoon.

Check out our photo gallery on Facebook, click here.

Many thanks to Ewe Wee and her amazing team for making this all happen.

To support our orphanage aid efforts and make a donation, visit our Donate Page. 

Congratulations to 2012 ATG Heritage/Culture Camp Scholarship Contest Winners

ATG is proud to announce the winners of the 2012 ATG Heritage/Culture Camp Scholarship Contest. Many thanks to all of our campers who submitted this year. Check out how our winners go against the grain and what going against the grain means to them. Congratulations to our winners!

 

Olivia Thompson

How do you go ‘against the grain?’

I go against the grain by wearing different colored socks  and mixing and matching them. I am doing things in my own way by dressing differently. I also have different interests than others people. And I don’t change my interests just because other people are interested in other things. Also at school, I don’t do things and hang out with certain people because others categorize them as “cool,” I hang out with people who I think are nice and trustworthy. I believe that going against the grain is important, and it is important to learn that it isn’t bad. I believe this because later in life, it will allow you to feel more comfortable speaking out and even fighting to get your opinion heard.

What does against the grain mean to you?

“Going against the grain” means many things. I believe that going against the grain means you do things in your own way. For example, if Bob, Sally, Joe, Steve and Fred all decide that wearing green is super cool, but you hate green, you decide to wear red. This would be going against the grain. Going against the grain can be difficult, thanks to peer pressure and sometimes bullies. Thankfully, most of the time, going against the grain isn’t too hard because there are always people who follow and help you along the way. Believe it or not, the way the cool new trend got started was by somebody going against the grain! Way cool, right?

 

Noelle Hemphill

How do you go ‘against the grain?’

I go against the grain by being who I am. I am an energetic, outgoing, incredibly talkative musician who just happens to be an Asian Adoptee.

“All children have the to right be children: to be safe, to attend school, to play, to be treated with respect, to be heard, to be understood and to be loved.”

What does against the grain mean to you?

Against the grain means being who you are without people telling you you’re supposed to be, pursuing things you love like music, art, writing, sports, whatever it may be that you love, listening to the kind of music that you like, even if it’s not what all the people at school like, because so what if I like classical music or jazz more than most 14 year-olds might like.

 

 

Maria Kremer

How do you go ‘against the grain?’

Maria is a Vietnamese adoptee adopted at 14 months-old.  She was born in Hanoi, VN and now lives with her adoptive parents and sister in Colorado.  She is five years-old and getting ready for kindergarten.

Since we started the adoption process, we had heard that international adoptees have a foot in both their home country and their birth country.  However, I would argue that if that’s true, Maria seems to have a finger dipped in a lot of other cultures and countries.  That’s one way that she goes against the grain.

What does going against the grain mean to you?

Maria truly is a global citizen and what makes her really go against the grain is her ability to make friends in all of these countries and cultures while being proud of being Vietnamese.  At age five, she has the beautiful ability to notice the differences in peoples’ appearance, dress and language.  Yet, it’s not a bad difference but a fascinating, adventure-giving difference.  She is looking forward to going to the ESL so that she “can help the other kids learn some English and learn what they eat.” I believe this attitude of hers can really change the world if given the opportunity to do so!

 

Thomas Anh Huy Morton

How do you go ‘against the grain?’

Some kids are bullies, and they hurt other kids, but I don’t hurt other kids. When kids bully me, I get mad. I don’t like it. I walk away and tell my Dad.

 What does going against the grain mean to you?

Going against the grain means that I do what is right instead of doing what the other kids are doing. I don’t turn into a bully. I get help when I’m being bullied.

 

Liz Boyle

How do you ‘go against the grain?’

I go against the grain by saying words like carmel, aunt, data , etc., the other way than my parents do.

What does going against the grain mean to you?

I think of against the grain as something you do that is not very normal, but, I like doing this because it makes me feel unique.

 

 

 

 

Allison Foust

How do you go against the grain?

We are open to those around us and embrace our differences. We limit our consumption of unnecessary items, get outside and enjoy nature as a family, ride our bikes instead of taking the car when we can and encourage kindness. Our youngest daughter, Allison, is very out-going and quick to make friends wherever she goes. Like her sisters, she likes to recycle and re-use anything that seems as though it might have another purpose. Allison has a very strong opinion about what is fair and what is not fair, and she is not afraid to speak up when things just don’t seem quite right. At six, her opinions have room to develop, but her sense of fairness and outspoken nature will serve her well.

What does it mean to go against the grain? 

Going against the grain means living in a way that maintains our personal integrity, regardless of whether or not it is the “popular” thing to do. We make choices every day that require us to think about what the right thing to do is versus what we think we may want. Our choices affect the environment and the people around us and there is a great responsibility on our shoulders to make a decision that has a positive impact.

 

 

Sarah Foust

How do you go ‘against the grain?’

We are open to those around us and embrace our differences. We limit our consumption of unnecessary items, get outside and enjoy nature as a family, ride our bikes instead of taking the car when we can and encourage kindness. Our oldest daughter Sarah was just awarded the Good Citizenship Award in her 5th grade graduation for the kindness that she showed to other kids in her class, especially those kids who have trouble making friends with other members of the class and kids who were picked on by other members of the class. She went out of her way to give comfort to those kids, choosing them to help with special activities and sitting with them when no one else would. Her example inspired other kids in the class to start doing the same.

What does mean to go against the grain?

Going against the grain means living in a way that maintains our personal integrity, regardless of whether or not it is the “popular” thing to do. We make choices every day that require us to think about what the right thing to do is versus what we think we may want. Our choices affect the environment and the people around us and there is a great responsibility on our shoulders to make a decision that has a positive impact.

 

Hannah Foust

How do you go ‘against the grain?’

We are open to those around us and embrace our differences. We limit our consumption of unnecessary items, get outside and enjoy nature as a family, ride our bikes instead of taking the car when we can, and encourage kindness. Hannah is the Queen of recycling and re-using things that might otherwise be considered trash. She diligently reminds us when we are about to throw something away that might be recyclable and many times she insists that she can re-use bits of paper and wrappers, old clothes, etc. for different projects, and she then does. Hannah prefers to bike when she can, and she proudly sports any clothing that she has requested be re-made from old dresses even if her wardrobe differs greatly from her comrades.

What does it mean to go against the grain? 

Going against the grain means living in a way that maintains our personal integrity, regardless of whether or not it is the “popular” thing to do. We make choices every day that require us to think about what the right thing to do is versus what we think we may want. Our choices affect the environment and the people around us and there is a great responsibility on our shoulders to make a decision that has a positive impact.

 

Emily Morgan-Tracy

How do you go ‘against the grain?’

I stir things up by being funny and hyper.  I make up funny songs and parodies.  I make up games for my friends and me.  If I didn’t go against the grain, I wouldn’t be myself.

What does it mean to go against the grain?

Stirring things up and making them exciting and fun.

 

Vietnamese Adoptee Heritage/Culture Camp Scholarship Contest!

Win $100 for camp! Enter today!

Against the Grain Productions is proud to announce the 2012 Vietnamese Adoptee Heritage/Culture Camp Scholarship Contest! ATG is giving away camp scholarships to 15 lucky campers to help pay for the camp of their choice.
Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Register for Camp:
Catalyst Foundation www.catalystfoundation.org
Colorado heritage Camps www.heritagecamps.org
Vietnam Heritage Weekend  www.dillionadopt.com/Vietnam_Camp.htm
Step 2: Email us with you child’s picture and answer to the following…

What does ‘Against the Grain?’ mean to you?

How do you go ‘Against the Grain?’

Email: outreach@againstthegrainproductions.com Attach a picture from camp to share on the contest page. 🙂
Rules: Kids must be registered for a heritage or Culture camp. Please send in your proof of registration. Only one entry per child.
Prize: 15 $100 stipends will be given away at random. The national drawing will be held July 1st.
Good luck!

National Adoption Month by Jared Rehberg

On this month, I think about Adoptive and Foster families who offer children a safe, loving and supportive home. For all couples who are fulfilling their dreams of starting a family. I honor the personal journey of so many children and adults who share a similar story as me. This is an important time for adoption and foster care awareness.

My heart goes out to adoptees who begin their search for birth family and heritage as they balance life and their identity struggles. My heart goes out to birth mothers and communities who look out for their care and well being. My heart goes out to adoptees who planning their journey back home to their motherland. I think about my second chance and those who never got one.

To the artist and filmmakers, like Tammy Nguyen Lee, who volunteer their time and talent to help share our lost and sometimes controversial stories. Last and definitely not least, a big thank you to my parents, family and friends for their love and support through out the years. To all my adoptee friends and family around the world, you are not alone, you are not invisible.

Much Love,

Jared

 

Congratulations to our Vietnamese Adoptee Heritage/Culture Camp Scholarship Contest Winners!

Against the Grain Productions is proud to announce
the winners of the 2011 Vietnamese Adoptee Heritage/Culture
Camp Scholarship Contest!

Earlier this year, ATG offered a contest to Vietnamese adoptees planning to attend a summer culture camp.  The rules were simple. Just tell us what ‘against the grain’ means to you, and tell us how you go ‘against the grain.’ Winners were selected at random and awarded a $100 scholarship to their culture camp of choice.  Read their adorable answers below! Some were submitted by loving parents. 🙂

2011 Winners:

Gracie Linh Hoffman, John Thach Minh Wolfinger, Aiden Bao Kornas, Nicholas French, Jamison French

Gracie Linh Hoffman

What does ‘Against the Grain’ mean to you?

It means embracing our differences and being proud of what I am, and not to worry about whether I’m just like everyone else, because I’m not.  I’m Asian-American in a country where most people are not. I’m Vietnamese in a country where most Asian-Americans are not.  I’m Jewish when most Vietnamese are not.  So I have to go against the grain, whether I want to or not.  That will be hard to do sometimes, but will be rewarding in the long run because I can be a smart, creative, beautiful, and compassionate, and unique person, and don’t have to follow the pack or be like everybody else.  The fact is, I’m NOT just like everyone else, thank goodness.

How do you go ‘Against the Grain?’

I try to learn new things every day. I throw myself into lots of things: gymnastics, music, science, coloring, mathematics, swimming, school, and more. Some day, I’ll figure out what I do best, and what I love, and how I want to find my own path to a fulfilling life. Because I am different from others, I know that my path doesn’t have to come from following everyone else, but will come from learning what I can from those I love and respect, and from my own talents and interests.

John Thach Minh Wolfinger

What does ‘Against the Grain’ mean to you?

‘Against the grain’ means to me that you try things differently than everyone else.  It means you do not back off when someone tells you that you can not do something.

How do you go ‘Against the Grain?’

I am one of the shortest boys in my class.  I go ‘against the grain’ and try different sports or contest when the other boys say I am too short.

Aiden Bao Kornas

What does ‘Against The Grain‘ mean to you?

Doing what’s right for our family, even if it’s not the norm or what other families are doing.

How do you go ‘Against The Grain?’

Doing whatever I can to help Aiden feel connected to and be proud of  his Vietnamese heritage and the Vietnamese culture….even if it means missing family events to attend events with other Vietnam adoptive families; going to events at our local Buddhist temple or at our Vietnamese American Community Center where I am the minority and my son is not; making culture camp our one family vacation this summer and hopefully every summer.

Nicholas French


What does ‘Against the Grain’ mean to you?

Not conforming to everyone’s ideas and holding your own ideas and staying steadfast to them.

How do you go ‘Against the Grain?’

Not being influenced by others and doing research for myself and believing in what I do.  I like to do community service and help others.

Jamison French


What does ‘Against the Grain’ mean to you?

I think against the grain means to do the unexpected or unusual; what you feel is right.

How do you go ‘Against the Grain?’

I go against the grain by being a member of the Natural Helper program in my school.