A Senate resolution honoring the life and legacy of Za Xiong John Thao

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Foung Hawj

Senate Resolution SR 91 formally honors Za Xiong John Thao’s life, service, resilience, and community impact without creating regulatory or fiscal changes.

Referred to Rules and Administration

Summary of SR 91 (2025-2026) — Senate Resolution honoring Za Xiong John Thao

Purpose and intent

SR 91 is a non-binding ceremonial resolution in the Minnesota Senate honoring the life, legacy, and contributions of Za Xiong John Thao.

The resolution aims to recognize his personal history, military service, educational achievements, family leadership, and community impact, and to inspire others through his example.

Key provisions and changes

Official recognition: The resolution formally "honors the life and legacy" of Za Xiong John Thao, detailing the breadth of his experiences and values.

Biographical acknowledgment: The resolution provides a concise biography, including:

Birth: August 25, 1951, in Houei Keui, Laos.
Early life: Eldest of ten siblings; role as protector and guide.
Military service: Volunteer fighter in the Secret War in Laos from age 14; trained with Thai Special Operations; missions with Team Kick and Drop; later roles as radar operator and logistics officer with Air America and the CIA (code name "Penguin").
Family: Marriage to Ger Mary Thao in 1970; nine children; 23 grandchildren.
Education and career: Pursued education despite wartime challenges; earned a GED, multiple degrees (including a bachelor of science, two associate degrees, and a master's in administrative leadership); worked as a teacher, entrepreneur, and community advocate.
Media recognition: Featured in the Secret War documentary as an interpreter for a Hmong child soldier.

Symbolic language: Emphasizes values such as sacrifice, resilience, education, courage, service, humility, and community uplift.

Administrative actions:

Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare an enrolled copy of the resolution.
Requires authentication by the Secretary’s signature and the Chair of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee.
Specifies transmission of the enrolled copy to Za Xiong John Thao’s family.

Who or what would be affected

Acknowledgment only; no regulatory or fiscal changes.

The resolution honors Za Xiong John Thao and provides a formal recognition that can be used by the family and community for commemorative purposes.

The Secretary of the Senate and the Senate Rules and Administration Committee have procedural duties to finalize and transmit the enrolled copy.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referral: Introduced and referred to the Rules and Administration Committee on May 16, 2026.

Status: Pending action by the Rules and Administration Committee.

Nature of action: Non-binding, ceremonial gesture typical of senatorial resolutions recognizing individuals’ contributions.

Notable details

Co-sponsor: Foung Hawj (additional formal support).

Additional sponsor information includes several state senators representing diverse districts, reflecting cross-district acknowledgment.

Overall, SR 91 serves as a formal tribute in the Minnesota Senate to Za Xiong John Thao, highlighting his life story, service, resilience, and impact on his family and community, while outlining the administrative steps to finalize and transmit the enrolled copy.