KaLong Xiong

A Tribute to the Life and Journey of KaLong Xiong (1946–2025)

Our beloved KaLong Xiong, at the age of 79, of Maplewood, formerly of Laos, passed away peacefully while holding his daughter’s hand on November 5, 2025. He went to meet his Savior, Jesus Christ, and to be reunited with his soulmate, Yeu H. Xiong.

KaLong Xiong was born on April 5, 1946, in Phangoun (Mouang Meo), Xieng Khouang Province, Laos, to Mr. Youa Lor Xiong and Mrs. Lee Yang. He grew up alongside his brother, Chue Ge Xiong, and two sisters, Mi Xiong Yang and Ia Xiong Yang. On January 15, 1963, he married Yeu Hang, the youngest daughter of Phoutong Youa Ya Hang and La Chang, in Namtao-Viengfa, Xieng Khouang Province. Together, they welcomed two cherished daughters, Maly Xiong and Panggna Xiong.

Education and Service in the Secret War

KaLong attended Lahoua elementary school in Xieng Khouang Province, but his formal education was curtailed after the 5th grade when the escalating conflict of the Laotian Civil War, part of the wider Vietnam War era, demanded his service.

The critical turning point came on August 9, 1960, when Kong Le, commander of the elite 2nd Parachute Battalion (BP2) of the Royal Lao Army, used his paratroopers to seize control of Vientiane, overthrowing the Somsanith Vongkotrattana government and bringing the neutralist Prince Souvanna Phouma back to power. With this revolutionary group—backed by the Pathet Laos—setting their sights on Xieng Khouang Province, the Hmong people faced an immediate and existential threat. General Vang Pao (then a Colonel) responded by drafting all Hmong males between the ages of 14 and 45 to protect the province.

On October 5, 1960, KaLong reported to Thong Ha Hien to receive his military assignment and uniforms. He underwent specialized training in the Special Guerrilla Unit (SGU), a U.S. Central Intelligence Agency-backed paramilitary program in Laos. The SGU’s main purpose was to fight the North Vietnamese-backed Pathet Lao communist insurgents and protect the Ho Chi Minh Trail—a crucial part of the "Secret War" in Laos.

A Dedicated Military Career

After two years as a soldier, KaLong recognized a deeper calling and pursued a medical path, training as a Medical Officer (MO). On May 1, 1962, he began nursing training at the OB Hospital in Vientiane. Upon completion, he was assigned to Somthong Hospital in Sam Thong, where he served for two years.

His military career subsequently demonstrated his leadership and administrative capabilities:

• April 15, 1964: Transferred to Division 1011, Region 1A, under the command of Mr. Youa Tong Yang.
• May 5, 1966: Promoted to supervise the Army Warehouse in Long Cheng, reporting to Lt. Col. Hang Sao.
• October 5, 1968: Promoted to Chief of S2 (Second Office), supervising Division 6A, B, and C.
• April 10, 1970: Promoted to Chief of S2 GM25.
• October 6, 1974: Transferred to Group 210, Division 2103, under the command structure of Mr. Zang Teng Yang, Boua Kong, and Col. Moua Sue.

KaLong earned the rank of Captain in early 1975, completing 15 years of distinguished service in the army. Unfortunately, due to the fall of the Vietnam War, his rank and service were never formally recognized.

New Beginnings in the United States

The war ended abruptly with the fall of Vietnam, forcing KaLong Xiong to make the perilous decision to flee. On June 3, 1975, he led his family on an arduous journey to Thailand to escape the communist takeover. Just over a year later, on August 25, 1976, KaLong and his family arrived in the United States of America, settling in Culver City, Los Angeles.

His unwavering work ethic was immediately apparent. On September 3, 1976, he secured his first job as a janitor for Jack-in-the-Box, quickly earning a promotion to cook. He later transitioned to assembly work for a welding manufacturer company.

During the early parts of 1978, KaLong dedicated his efforts to community support, working as an interpreter for the Indochinese Program in Santa Barbara, California, where he assisted countless newly arrived refugees. By the end of 1980, he was employed by Santa Barbara Savings and Loans in the Credit Card Department, marking a shift into the financial sector.

A Spirit of Entrepreneurship and Retirement

In 1984, KaLong achieved the American dream of homeownership, purchasing his first house in Oxnard, California, while working for an electronics company. He soon began a new, demanding chapter defined by entrepreneurship.

In 1990, he purchased his first mini-market, Food King I, in Fresno, California. Owning and operating the store demanded immense dedication, with KaLong routinely working 16 hours a day, he sold the business in November 1993, moving on to his next venture. On August 1, 1994, he built a brand new, giant coin laundromat called Washtime II Laundromat in Clovis, California.

In the Winter of 1996, he sold the laundromat and moved to Minnesota in January 1997 to join his two daughters. He worked at Greatbatch Medical (a medical supply company) as a machine operator from February 1997 until he proudly retired in 2013 at the age of 67.

Legacy and Family

KaLong Xiong was predeceased by his beloved wife, Yeu Hang Xiong; his father, Youa Lo Xiong; his mother, Lee Yang; and his younger brother, Chue Ge Xiong.

He is survived by his two daughters, Maly Xiong and Panggna Jacobson. His two sisters, Mi Xiong Yang and Ia Xiong Yang.

Maly Xiong's lineage includes six grandchildren—Yinshaokie (Jennifer), Yinchinzhong (Jenny), Gaolunha, Gaolah, Yinwangkong, Yinkong—and a great-granddaughter, Paajlug.

Panggna Jacobson's lineage includes six grandchildren—Changsheng (Ong), Chengsheng, Miker (Mario), Maichong (Teran), Gaochali (Mua), Xiaohua (Xue)—and ten great-grandchildren—Ethan, Chance, Benji, Kaliana, TJ, Ronan, Layna, Trinity, Lorranzo, Damian, Daxton, and Remi.

The family extends a special thank you to Dr. Katie Lorenz for her compassionate care and warm friendship while treating the illnesses of both KaLong and Yeu Xiong. Her kindness and humbled care were deeply appreciated.