[pfflier]

In the late 70's and early 80's the Vietnamese boat people were processed at Camp Pendleton. At the time,I had been out of the military for about a year and a half and culturally, I was separated but I resented them.

Over time, 12 years later, I became a teacher and got to know Vietnamese and oriental families. My respect for them was deep and immediate. Their family unity, work ethic and social ethics are, I learned, everything that I value as the 'American Dream". Almost every valedictorian for a decade in my schools had Vietnamese immigrant origins.

We could do well to re-learn our "American" values from them.

[A'elian' nation]

“My respect for them was deep and immediate.”

I know I became a better person and American as a result of my friendship with a Filipino family. Seeing how they valued their opportunities here through their eyes opened mine.

I taught one of them to drive and one of them to read. It just humbles you to feel their gratitude and see how hard they work. As a naturalized citizen myself, I’ve always felt how fortunate I am to live in this country. My Filipino friends have made me appreciate it all the more.