Thanh Van Le recounts journey from Vietnam to Wichita through war and faith
St. Margaret Mary Parishioner Thanh Van Le described on Mar. 18 his experiences surviving war, imprisonment, and eventual resettlement in the United States, crediting his faith and support from Catholic Charities for helping him rebuild his life.
Le’s story highlights the challenges faced by Vietnamese refugees who fled violence and persecution after the Vietnam War. His account sheds light on the impact of conflict, religious discrimination, and the importance of community support for those starting anew in a foreign country.
Le recounted how nights during the war were filled with fear due to Viet Cong attacks and later, in prison camps, torture that often occurred under cover of darkness. “They always tortured us at night,” Le said. He also recalled losing friends to brutal conditions in camps such as the so-called ‘Gateway to Heaven,’ where prisoners rarely survived. Despite these hardships, Le said he found moments of providence: “God has always been active in my life.”
After years spent as a soldier and then a prisoner in Nam Ha Camp, Le was released as part of efforts by Vietnam to improve relations with the United States. He escaped with his fiancé by boat—a dangerous journey many Vietnamese refugees undertook—eventually reaching safety after being rescued by a Malaysian fishing vessel. “Over six boat trips, 19 of my family members all made it here,” Le said.
Upon arriving in Wichita in 1985, Le received assistance from Catholic Charities with housing, language classes, and employment opportunities. “That’s how my whole family learned English,” he said. The organization helped him secure an apartment and work at Wichita Bindery—a job that supported his family for decades.
The Diocese of Witchita engages in charitable efforts through Catholic Charities according to its official website. The diocese operates 90 parishes and missions along with 37 schools according to its official website, serving communities across 25 counties in south-central and southeast Kansas according to its official website. Its ministries focus on marriage and family life, youth programs, social justice initiatives, fostering vocations according to its official website, and forming disciples through faith, worship, and service according to its official website.
Reflecting on his journey from hardship to stability in America—and on those who helped him along the way—Le said: “I thank God for how much so many people have helped me.” He added that gratitude defines his outlook: “People who complain about life in America don’t understand. They have never lived anywhere but paradise.”
The Diocese of Witchita functions as a religious organization overseeing Catholic activities and ministries according to its official website.
