Meet Of Good Courage
TRONG’S STORY
Of Good Courage is the sweeping story of Trong Van Cao, born into poverty in war-torn Vietnam, abused because of his small stature, and eventually becoming homeless. A still small voice inside him gave him a miraculous escape by boat, alone, in South China Sea during Operation Frequent Wind. This nudge is the thread of God’s hand upon him.
NEW WORLD
April 30, 1975, marked the end of the Vietnam War and the fall of Saigon. Trong fled the occupying North Vietnamese army in a boat, alone, in the South China Sea. Rescued along with thousands of other refugee, he arrived in a new and different world. Though excited to experience this change, he was shuttled between the Philippines, Gua
April 30, 1975, marked the end of the Vietnam War and the fall of Saigon. Trong fled the occupying North Vietnamese army in a boat, alone, in the South China Sea. Rescued along with thousands of other refugee, he arrived in a new and different world. Though excited to experience this change, he was shuttled between the Philippines, Guam, Camp Pendleton, back to Guam to his new Foster Home, then to Hawaii.
CULTURE SHOCK
When Trong eventually found a foster home, his culture shock was overwhelming. He’d lied about his age, a deception accepted because of his small size, he became trapped by this lie. Approaching 18 with only an 8th grade education, he was now treated like a child.
BROTHERHOOD
During this time in Guam, Trong met the Gorans family. Trong and Gary Gorans, the second son of a former Naval Officer formed a bond of loyalty and friendship that would endure their separation of more than 46 years. Trong also had a chance to experience the childhood he‘d been denied in his former harsh existence.
DOUBLE LIFE
Trong lied about his age twice, a deception accepted because of his small size, he became trapped by these lies. Approaching with only an 8th grade education, he was treated as a child, unable to speak the language, and struggling to keep up his studies.
FOSTER PARENT
Trong had met Heidi Iverson when Heidi was a volunteer at the orphanage located inside Camp Orote Point in Guam. Heidi’s kindness during this dark time in Trong’s life remained with him for the next few months. He was finally able to find a foster home with the Iverson family.
FAMILY LEFT BEHIND
The Iversons moved to Oahu in early 1976 when Trong started 8th grade. Trong lie about his age became even more of a problem. He finally lied again about his age in order to get a driver’s license in 1997. He wrote to Vietnam and asked for a fake birth certificate. It wouldn’t be until years later that he learned that his action resu
The Iversons moved to Oahu in early 1976 when Trong started 8th grade. Trong lie about his age became even more of a problem. He finally lied again about his age in order to get a driver’s license in 1997. He wrote to Vietnam and asked for a fake birth certificate. It wouldn’t be until years later that he learned that his action resulted in his entire family to be forced into reeducation / hard labor camp for 7 years.
BATTLE OF THE BEACH
Over the next few years, he became involved in a series violent events dubbed ”The Battle of the Beach.” Control for the beach at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki Brought warring factions together. Trong earned the nicknames “Kung Fu Nun Chuck Man” by his enemies and ”Sargent” by his workers.
NEW CHALLENGES
After achieving financial security, stability and respect, Trong faced some of the hardest challenges when his health failed. Emotionally he had battled with PTSD for year. Now at times on the brink of death, Trong lost most of his fortune. He reached his lowest point and suicide seemed more attractive.
NEW FRIENDSHIP
Many people entered into Trong‘s life and their friendship would be some of his greatest treasures. One such treasure was the highly respected J.C. Watts, a former football player, minister, and U.S. Congressman from 1994-2003.
FAITH
Throughout his life, Trong had believed in God, but God wasn’t a large part of his day-to-day existence. Now finally, Trong became aware of God’s gentle hand throughout his life. He joined Saint Columban church, became a knight of Columbus, and found the soft whispers of the peace that only following Jesus Christ can bring.
COMING HOME
After 46 years, Gary Gorans, Trong‘s friend in Guam, finally located Trong and they were reunited. Together the two friends, along with Gary’s wife, Julie traveled to Vietnam. Gary saw the world Trong had grown up in and Trong was able to reconnect with various members of his family.
