Category: News

June 9, 2013

Orphanage Update: Letter from Uu Dam regarding our gift on International Children Day

Dear ATG family,

Two days ago, PT and the children of Uu Dam went shopping for food and supplies with your volunteer using the $10 million VND that ATG sent to support Uu Dam. All members of Uu Dam truly appreciate ATG very much.

Three children of Uu Dam have finished the high school graduation exams. They did very well on the exams and hope to earn high marks. They are now focusing on studying for the University entrance exam. All the ATG’s love given to these children for all these years will motivate them to study harder on the next University entrance exam.

On the International Children Day, which is also the eighth Anniversary of the day Uu Dam was formed, Uu Dam joined forces with the local college students to organize a celebration. PT would like to send some pictures to the ATG family with all of our love and deep gratitude. We pray that God, Buddha will grant blessing to all ATG members and your loved ones with much health and peace.

June 7, 2013

Passing 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.

I 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 4^th last year; many crash survivors consider April 4^th 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 3^rd 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 5^th, 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/

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.

June 7, 2013

“We All Have a Story…” Recapping the 2nd Annual Groundbreakers Speak

DALLAS, TX – In honor of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, seven trailblazing Asian Americans told their personal stories about their paths to success at Against The Grain Productions’ 2nd Annual Groundbreakers Speak event on Saturday May 11, 2013. Surrounded by the beautiful pieces at The Crow Collection of Asian Art in Downtown Dallas, more than 100 guests packed into the museum’s main gallery to enjoy champagne, hors d’oeuvres and art before settling in to listen to each speaker’s TED-inspired personal presentation. After sharing their diverse perspectives, speakers joined together as a panel to answer questions and cover hard-hitting issues about identity, cultural barriers, motivation and solutions to nurture leadership in the community. Imparting their insight, there were moments both humorous and poignant. The event concluded with a unique half hour where guests got to interact with speakers one-on-one.

The goal of the afternoon was to give people of all ages a chance to hear and meet influential leaders. It was also about empowering individuals to realize their potential. President/Founder and event moderator Tammy Nguyen Lee said, “Groundbreakers Speak was created to fulfill a need and is unlike most any other event that ATG does. It’s meant to be more intimate and engage with people on a personal level, to create meaningful conversation, provoke deep thought and spark serious leadership. We’re trying to give people a glimpse into who they can be and what we are capable of becoming as a community.”

It was a rewarding and memorable day for our speakers as well. Here’s what they are saying, as they continue to motivate and inspire others to go Against The Grain:

Former Dallas Cowboy and the first Vietnamese player in the NFL, Dat Nguyen: “There’s nothing wrong with dreaming big, But you have to put time and effort in order to gain an edge. It’s all about attitude.”

Director of Education at The Crow Collection of Asian Art, Dr. Karin Oen: “Maybe part of our goals in our generation is to contribute and build to create visibility across the new border whether you choose to be in the arts or entertainment.”

Vice President of Programming, Brand Integration at HGTV and DIY Network, Kent Takano: “Be prepared for the opportunity… find something you really want to do, because if you didn’t enjoy doing whatever, you’re not going to be good at it.”

Founder and CEO of Fur Face Boy, Hai Mai: “I hope my words, thoughts and passions could make the slightest difference in someone’s life. I know that the words that everyone spoke of their life definitely sparked emotions for me.”

Emmy-nominated journalist, host and KHOU news anchor, Lily Jang: “What a wonderful experience to share, learn and inspire all at the same time. We all have a story.. and ATG Productions allowed me to tell mine. I’m grateful for this experience to be among some amazing trailblazers. Can’t wait to come back!”

Lawyer, advocate and politician, Richard Jung: “Instead of being afraid to lose face, be courageous enough to make a face and make face in the direction that you want.. because you have qualities and characteristics that are going to help you succeed.”

Founder of Baal Dan Charities, Tanya Pinto: “It was an honor to be part of this event as a panelist. The sheer talent and tenacity of the speakers featured is a testament to the achievements of the Asian American citizens of Texas!”

Video clips of each speaker will be available on ATG’s YouTube Page.

ATG Against The Grain Productions, a Dallas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, promotes Asian American cultural awareness through compelling media projects and raises funds for international orphanages. In addition to hosting outreach events, it also awards an annual scholarship to exemplary Asian American student artists and leaders. ATG produced the feature documentary, Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam, which has screened at over a dozen film festivals nationwide and received the Audience Choice Award for Best Feature Film at the Vietnamese International Film Festival and the Documentary Audience Choice Award from the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival. For more information, visit www.AgainstTheGrainProductions.com or www.TheBabylift.com.

Words of Praise

“In a few words; it was one of the best speaking engagements I’ve attended; ‘Great life stories on self motivation and powerful accomplishments.’ – David Rico of BB&T Bank

“Uber Dallas wants to thank ATG for allowing us to be apart of this wonderful event. The Groundbreakers Speak event was truly an enlightening experience. From the beautiful setting itself to the panel discussion, all were able to get a deeper understanding of the issues past and present facing the Asian American community and the path to future growth. We look forward to future partnerships with Tammy and the ATG team!” – Leandre of Uber Dallas

May 16, 2013

Dallas Morning News: Asian pioneers’ stories worth sharing

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/columnists/deborah-fleck/20130515-asian-pioneers-stories-worth-sharing.ece?ssimg=1017081#ssStory1017082

l to r, Dat Nguyen, Karin Oen, Kent Takano, Ha Mai, Lily Jang, Richard Jung and Tanya Pintoat the Groundbreakers Speak event at the Crow Collection.

Deborah Fleck

dfleck@dallasnews.com

Published: 15 May 2013 11:12 PM

Updated: 16 May 2013 11:25 AM

Dat Nguyen was often told he was too small to play football. Yet he was the first Vietnamese-American in the NFL. He was drafted by the Cowboys and said he couldn’t believe he was playing with Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin.

“There’s nothing wrong with dreaming big,” said the ESPN sportscaster. “But you have to put time and effort in order to gain an edge. It’s all about attitude.”

Nguyen was one of seven panelists who shared their journeys at Groundbreakers Speak: A Conversation With Asian American Movers and Shakers. Saturday’s event was sponsored by Against The Grain Productions and held at the Crow Collection in Dallas. Tammy Nguyen Lee, founder of ATG, moderated the discussion.

Kent Takano, a vice president for HGTV and DIY Network, said he never expected to watch television for a living. In an acting class, he met someone in television who helped him land an internship. Takano’s been in television ever since.

Karin Oen, director of education at the Crow Collection, is passionate about building community through art institutions. UT Arlington graduate Ha Mai carved a path from design studio work to Fur Face Boy, his independent apparel line. Lily Jang said she loves what she does as a television journalist in Houston. Lawyer, advocate and politician Richard Jung joked that he wanted to be Nguyen, but admitted he found his calling in immigration law and helping others.

Tanya Pinto left a large advertising agency to start Baal Dan Charities, a nonprofit helping children around the world. She also runs her own firm, Shakti Consulting.

Nguyen Lee said each of the panelists “put fear aside to follow their passion.” This is her second Groundbreakers event, which she holds in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Visit againstthegrainproductions.com.

May 13, 2013

Asia World Media: Asian Celebrity Groundbreakers Speak 2013, Featuring Dat Nguyen, Kent Takano, Lily Jang And More

http://www.asiaworldmedia.com/main/archives/5211

Asian Celebrity Groundbreakers Speak 2013, Featuring Dat Nguyen, Kent Takano, Lily Jang And More

By Asia World Media

Left to Right: Kent Takano, Tanya Pinto, Karin Oen, Dat Nguyen, Tammy Nguyen Lee, Lily Jang, Ha Mai, Richard Jung

In honor of Asian American Heritage Month, Tammy Nguyen Lee of Against The Grain Productions (ATG) and Amy Lewis Hofland of the Crow Collection of Asian Art Museum partnered up to host the 2nd Annual Groundbreakers Speak: A Conversation with Movers and Shakers in Dallas, TX. The family-friendly event brought together an amazing and diverse panel of Asian American professionals and celebrities, including Dat Nguyen (ESPN Radio Host & Former NFL/Dallas Cowboy Linebacker), Kent Takano (Executive Producer of Branded Entertainment for HGTV), Richard Jung (Attorney/Advocate/Politician), Tanya Pinto (Founder of Baal Dan Charity), Karin Oen (Director of Education at the Crow Collection of Asian Art), Ha Mai (Founder/CEO of Fur Face Boy) and Lily Jang (TV Host and News Anchor at KHOU). Each speaker has a unique experience to share his/her inspiring, personal and success story.

Over 100 guests crowded into the Crow’s Bronze Circle Room surrounded by exquisite works of art from China, Japan, and India. While enjoying champagne and dessert, guests have the special opportunity to engage with Asian American movers and shakers on important issues affecting the Asian American community.

“Being a groundbreaker has to do with pushing asides fears and embracing new challenges, ” said Richard Jung, managing partner of Jung Ko, PLLC. A passionate advocate for the Asian American community, Richard Jung believed, “As Asian Americans, we must overcome the cultural inhibitions about standing out and standing our ground. Our elders, our children, our communities need leaders who willing to stand out and stand up for their interests.”

Elsewhere Dat Nguyen’s speech at NFL and Dallas Cowboy’s Day was pretty legendary, giving the other amazing speech a run for its money. An inspiration to many Asian NFL enthusiast, Dat Nguyen is the first Vietnamese American to play in the NFL as a Dallas Cowboy linebacker during the late 1990s. After a successful career in the NFL, Dat Nguyen is currently with Sports talk Radio at ESPN San Antonio. Dat Nguyen articulate, “I would like [for you] to walk away from the event knowing don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. There’s nothing wrong with dreaming big, but you have to put time and effort in order to gain an edge. It’s all about attitude!”

“Everyone can be a groundbreaker – they simply have to figure out what their unique talent is and then follow that passion to create something, … Then watch the magic unfold, ” said Tanya Pinto, Founder of Baal Dan Charity.

May 6, 2013

Going Against The Grain: Sylvia Komatsu

Sylvia Komatsu is executive vice president and chief content officer for KERA/KXT. She started her career as a reporter and documentary producer covering a wide range of social, political and cultural issues. She now oversees a content division that includes radio, television, digital media and educational services. Sylvia conceived and developed the national Emmy Award-winning series, The U.S.-Mexican War (1846-1848). As executive and series producer, she oversaw this multimedia project, including a companion book, classroom materials and a bilingual website, which received multiple honors. Among her many national public television credits as program executive are Sweet Tornado: Margo Jones and the American Theater, JFK: Breaking the News, Matisse & Picasso, For A Deaf Son and After Goodbye: An AIDS Story. A native of Fort Worth, Sylvia is a graduate of HarvardUniversity and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She and her husband, George, live in Dallas.

Full name:

Sylvia Lynn Komatsu

Hometown:

Fort Worth

Current city:

Dallas

Ethnicity:

Japanese American

What does it mean to you to “Go Against The Grain?”

Standing up for what you believe in. Doing the right thing and staying true to yourself, even if it goes against social conventions.

What made you decide to pursue a career in public television?

I believe passionately in public media’s mission to create content that educates, informs and inspires.

What have been some of the challenges you faced/lessons you learned as an Asian American in this field?

Diversity matters. It’s essential that our newsrooms reflect the communities we cover. And while diversity includes race, ethnicity and culture, it also includes gender, age, class, sexual orientation, life experiences, points of view and more.

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment, and why?

Helping to build a workplace with an incredibly talented team dedicated to excellence and public service.

What’s up next?

Expanding our local journalism.

Sign (Eastern Animal Sign & Western Zodiac): Sheep/Sagittarius

Passionate about: History, the arts, travel and being outdoors

Favorite food: I love so many different foods it’s hard to single out a favorite. Plus it depends on my mood!

Can’t live without: Family and friends

April 4, 2013

Groundbreaking Asian American Leaders to Speak at Crow Collection of Asian Art

DALLAS, TX – After the success of last year’s event, non-profit Against The Grain Productions has partnered with the Crow Collection of Art once again to host the 2nd Annual Groundbreakers Speak: A Conversation with Movers and Shakers, a diverse panel of remarkable Asian American industry leaders brought together to share their inspiring personal stories and paths to success. In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, the family-friendly event takes place from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm on Saturday, May 11th at the Crow Collection of Asian Art in Dallas. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a guided tour of Asian art, champagne, coffee and dessert at a reception preceding the event at 1:00 pm, then listen as the speakers share their insightful stories, engage in heavy hitting issues affecting the Asian American community and even chat with the panelists in one-on-one round table conversation. Tickets range from $10-$25 and go on sale starting April 15th at www.AgainstTheGrainProductions.com/Events.

Introducing the 2013 Groundbreakers Speak Panelists:

Dat Nguyen – Often told he was simply too small to play football, Dat Nguyen went on to be one of the most decorated college football players and the first Vietnamese American to play in the NFL as a Dallas Cowboy. The Cowboys drafted him in the third round (85th overall) of the 1999 NFL Draft. Dat made an impact with the Cowboys from the very beginning, leading the team in special-teams stops as a rookie and becoming The Cowboys’ starting middle linebacker in his second season. Dat is currently with Sports Talk Radio at ESPN San Antonio.

“I would like [for you] to walk away from the event knowing don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. There’s nothing wrong with dreaming big, but you have to put time and effort in order to gain an edge. It’s all about attitude!!”

Karin Oen – From modern works of art to the classics, Karin has studied many types and in places all around the globe. As the new Director of Education at the Crow Collection of Asian Art, Karin is an art historian, curator and museum director who has a strong commitment to building community through art institutions.

“Learn to rethink your own biases and judgments about success and accomplishment. We have all inherited traditions and legacies of family and culture, but the real value of those legacies is to feel bolstered to the point where you are confident enough to make decisions that are truly your own. The arts are fundamental to the health of any community or individual’s body, mind and heart.”

Kent Takano – More than 10 years have passed since Kent Takano was Executive Producer of a Dallas-area morning show, and since then, he’s had a hand in producing television shows for some of the largest major cable networks. He is now the Executive Producer/Vice President of Branded Entertainment for HGTV and the DIY Network.

“Talk to your peers. Encourage them. Break the stereotype that Asians are the ‘quiet minority.’ But make sure WHAT you say means something. My dad once told me that there will always be people smarter than me, but you can always out-work them. He was right! So lead by example and take chances. My favorite passage is ‘Go to the end of the limb. It’s where the fruit is.’ – unknown author”

Ha Mai – Most of his fans know him as Fur Face Boy, and with such a unique moniker, there’s no doubt he likes to pave his own path. Fur Face Boy walked away from working for design studios, agencies and in-house design groups to focus on his independent apparel line, blogging and living life on his own terms.

“I’d like [you] to walk away inspired, motivated and realizing that anything is possible as long as you are passionate, hardworking and ready to roll with the punches. [You become a groundbreaker] by not following trends, trusting your own thoughts and simply being yourself.”

Lily Jang – An Emmy nominated journalist, TV host and news anchor who broken some major barriers, including being the first Asian American in television news in Amarillo, Texas and Birmingham, Alabama. Now, Lily is back in her hometown of Houston as a morning news anchor for KHOU and was honored twice by the Huffington Post as a Twitter Powerhouse.

“It starts from within. If you THINK YOU CAN or you THINK YOU CAN’T, you’re right. I want [you] to never take no for an answer. Persevere. Believe. Achieve.”

Richard Jung – Representing his Asian American community is just one of Richard’s top priorities. After holding different positions in different parts of the country, Richard is now an advocate, politician and the managing partner of Jung Ko, PLLC, a boutique immigration firm focused primarily on business immigration matters.

“Being a groundbreaker has to do with pushing aside fears and embracing new challenges. As Asian Americans, we must overcome the cultural inhibitions about standing out and standing our ground. Our elders, our children, our communities need leaders who will stand out and stand up for their interests. Our cities, our counties and school districts need those same leadership skills to represent the interests of all residents. Just be willing to take that first step!”

Tanya Pinto – After working at one of the nation’s largest advertising agencies, Tanya’s heart took her elsewhere. She founded Baal Dan (which means “Donation to Children”), a charity that helps children around the world, and for more than six years, has run her own consulting firm, Shakti Consulting.

“Everyone can be a groundbreaker – they simply have to figure out what their unique talent is and then follow that passion to create something, help someone or just live a more fulfilling and happy life, which in turn has positive ripple effects on the lives of everyone around them. Being a groundbreaker starts with knowing yourself and then giving your time and energy to your passion. Then watch the magic unfold!”

Tammy Nguyen Lee – Tammy Nguyen Lee is a passionate producer, filmmaker and actor who founded ATG with her family as a result of her own experience as an American actor and filmmaker, fueled by the determination to give other Asian Americans a creative outlet, while raising awareness for Asian American issues and aid for worthy causes. Nguyen Lee graduated with a B.A. in Cinema from Southern Methodist University and earned a M.F.A. from the elite UCLA Producer’s Program. She produced/directed her first feature documentary, Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam, an independent passion project that took nearly 5 years to produce and won the Audience Choice Award at the 2009 Vietnamese International Film Festival and Philadelphia Asian Film Festival. She has worked extensively in film/television production and has overseen the development and marketing of a heavy slate of non-fiction television series and documentary programs for major cable networks. In 2010, she was honored with SMU’s prestigious Distinguished Alumni Emerging Leader Award. Now, as a new mom, Nguyen Lee’s focus is on her family, growing ATG and continuing to work as an actor, film/television producer and development consultant.

“Being a groundbreaker requires passion, courage, commitment, innovation, faith and knowledge. You have to take the time to learn and understand the rules of the game, and then break them…or make up an entirely new game. The ability to be a groundbreaker is in all of us, and I hope this event inspires more Asian Americans to believe in themselves and educates them with the tools they need to take action.”

ATG Against The Grain Productions, a Dallas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, promotes Asian American cultural awareness through compelling media projects and raises funds for international orphanages. In addition to hosting outreach events, it also awards an annual scholarship to exemplary Asian American student artists and leaders. ATG produced the feature documentary, Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam , which has screened at over a dozen film festivals nationwide and received the Audience Choice Award for Best Feature Film at the Vietnamese International Film Festival and the Documentary Audience Choice Award from the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival. For more information, visit www.AgainstTheGrainProductions.com or www.TheBabylift.com.

WHAT: ATG Against The Grain Productions hosts Second Annual “2013 Groundbreakers Speak: A Conversation of Movers and Shakers” panel

WHO: Dat Nguyen – 1^st Vietnamese American NFL Player/ESPN Radio San Antonio Host, Karin Oen – Director of Education at the Crow Collection of Asian Art, Kent Takano – VP Programming, Brand Integration at HGTV and DIY Network, Ha Mai – Founder/CEO of Fur Face Boy, Lily Jang – Emmy nominated Journalist, TV Host and News Anchor at KHOU, Richard Jung – Lawyer/Advocate/Politician, Tanya Pinto – Founder of Baal Dan Charities, Tammy Nguyen Lee – Film/TV Producer, Director, Actor & Philanthropist

WHERE: Crow Collection of Asian Art, 2010 Flora St. Dallas, TX 75201

WHEN: Saturday, May 11th from 2:o0 PM – 4:30 PM

April 3, 2013

Going Against The Grain: Joey Guila

“If laughter is medicine, comedian Joey Guila has your prescription. A complete entertainer on stage he takes you through a journey of Old School and New School with his act outs and accents.”

His multicultural style of comedy hits home for all audiences, whether you watched his show in Hawaii or Hong Kong you left crying and his mission was complete. In 2003 Joey won the regional “Kings Of Comedy” competition ran by Latham Entertainment who is the founder of “The Original Kings Of Comedy” which include, Bernie Mac,Cedric The Entertainer, D.L. Hughley and Steve Harvey. Joey was invited to perform with Latham Entertainment at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and the Universal Amphitheatre in Hollywood. Before Comedy he was a licensed cosmetologist working at the worlds famous Jose Eber Salon in Beverly Hills. He still laughs at the fact that he was the only straight Filipino Hairdresser on Rodeo Drive. Joey has been featured on VH1, G4 Tech TV, Showtime and on HBO with P Diddy’s comedy special.

Joey has hosted two TV shows on Myx TV called “Thats My Jam” and “Myx Rated,” which recently won a Telly Award. His past guests on his shows have been Justin Bieber, PitBull, Boyz II Men, Naughty By Nature, Jason Derulo and Amerie, to name a few. He is currently the headliner on “The Filipino Kingz” Comedy Tour and also will be on the Verizon’s APAHM tour, which will be at Club Nokia in LA, The Regency in S.F. , The Fillmore Silver Theatre in Washington D.C. and in New York at The Best Buy Theatre. Lookout for his latest project coming soon, www.gearaddix.com with cohost Keiko Alingas.

To Laugh is to Live, so Live Long and Keep Laughing….

Full Name:

Joseph Guila, Jr. or “Captain Adobo”

Hometown:

San Francisco, CA

Current City:

San Leandro, CA

Ethnicity:

Filipino, Burmese, Spanish, English, Irish and Italian

What does it mean to you to “Go Against The Grain?”

It is like driving the wrong way on a one way street and giving the peace sign at everyone that calls me crazy.

What made you decide to pursue a career as a comedian?

For the chicks..Hahaha j/k! Since I was a kid, I always loved to entertain my family and friends. The thought of spreading healing laughter to strangers and possibly getting paid to do so brought me excitement.

What have been some of the challenges you faced/lessons you learned as an Asian American in this field?

I learned that my material must be universal and to being able to adapt to all audiences. The biggest challenge with standup is finding your own voice, it took years to finally find out to just be me.

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment, and why?

Seeing my parents in the audience of a comedy show I headlined laughing hard and having their support. Catholic school definitely paid off.

What’s up next?

I’ll be on The Filipino Kingz Of Comedy Tour and Hosting a Tech Show called “Gear Addix.”

Quote to live by: Love Thy Neighbor but turn your alarm on

Sign (Eastern Animal Sign & Western Zodiac):

My Eastern Animal Sign is the Pig…I’m on the cusp Libra/Scorpio

Passionate about: My Facebook status updates and trimming my goatee

Favorite food: Anything with “Chow” in the name

Can’t live without: Baby Wipes and Pho

April 1, 2013

2013 Operation Babylift Reflections by Jared Rehberg

Every 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/

OPERATION 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.

March 12, 2013

Dine for a Cause: California Pizza Kitchen – March 28th-March 29th