Loc Vu, IRCC and Viet Museum Founder, Passed Away at 92

 

Over the past week, the Vietnamese community in San Jose, and across the United States, has come together in writing and reflection to mourn the passing of  Vũ Văn Lộc (Former Colonel of Republic of South Vietnam), a man whose quiet resolve and lifelong dedication helped shape the Vietnamese community in San Jose, and whose influence continues to be felt across generations and across the Vietnamese diaspora.

For more than five decades, Vũ Văn Lộc committed himself to a singular purpose: to help a displaced people rebuild their lives with dignity, and to ensure that their history would not be forgotten.  The institutions he envisioned and founded—most notably the Immigrant Resettlement and Cultural Center (IRCC) and the Viet Museum—stand today as enduring pillars of San Jose community.  At a time when refugees arrived with little more than memory and hope, these institutions provided not only material assistance, but also something far less tangible and far more enduring: a sense of belonging, and the assurance that their experiences mattered.

Shaped by two wars that defined the fate of the nation, he carried within him a quiet yet profound anguish over the human condition and the fractured fate of the Viet people divided by civil conflict. Vũ understood that survival alone was not enough. A community, he believed, must also remember. Through his writings—marked by human compassion and historical witness—he recorded the painful refugee journey,  the struggle of rebuilding in exile, and the determined emergencof a diasporic identity. In doing so, he gave voice to stories that might otherwise have been silent, stories of loss and perseverance, of assimilation and resilience, and of lives shaped by the long aftermath of war

Many regard the Viet Museum in San Jose as Vũ Văn Lộc’s most impactful legacy. Built nearly from nothing but humility, sustained by conviction rather than resources, it stands today not merely as a collection of artifacts and documents, but as a living space of collective memory.  It is also a bridge between past and future shaping identity and historical awareness of the diaspora journey.

The Legacy of Viet Museum Is Under Threat

In recent online discussions, some opinions have suggested that the disputes surrounding the Viet Museum, which began during Advent of 2024 (Christmas 2024), caused profound emotional distress to Vũ during the final months of his life.

During the Advent season of 2024, the community was deeply shocked when Nguyễn Đức Cường and Phan Quang Tuệ publicly made accusations against Vũ, alleging “impropriety” and the theft of IRCC funds, while simultaneously calling for his expulsion from IRCC and the Viet Museum.  So far Nguyễn and Phan offered no proof of such accusations.   The conflict started when Vũfound out that Cao Hồng who was hired by him to help manage Viet Museum had tried to undermine his authority and wanted to take over IRCC. 

Subsequently, Nguyễn Đức Cường, Phan Quang Tuệ, Phạm Mỹ Linh, and Hồ Quang Nhựt , acting in the name of the Board of Directors, assumed control over the administration of the Viet Museum and IRCC. These developments caused Vũ great sorrow and adversely affected his health; not long afterward, he suffered a cerebrovascular stroke.  Within 8 months, he passed away from complications.

During this same period, Bill Schroh, Director of History Park San Jose—the entity contracted by the City of San Jose to manage History Park—issued a decision, at the request of the board, prohibiting Vũ  from continuing to access the Viet Museum premises, while granting access and operational authority to Cao Hồng.

Vũ sent a letter to Schroh protesting the unlawful denial of his right to access the Viet Museum, and asserting that the IRCC Board of Directors led by Nguyễn Đức Cường lacked legitimacy.  In light of the ongoing dispute, Schroh decided to temporarily close the Viet Museum until the conflict could be resolved.

According to the IRCC Bylaws, IRCC is the legal entity that owns the Viet Museum. The IRCC Board of Directors is established through annual elections conducted by its paid  members in accordance with prescribed procedures. The board represented by Nguyễn Đức Cường and Phan Quang Tuệ did not undergo this electoral process; therefore, this contested board is neither recognized nor legitimately constituted.

At present, based on public records from the California Secretary of State, IRCC has a newly elected Board of Directors chosen by the organization’s members by an election in early 2025.  It has assumed governance responsibilities since then.

The current Chair and President, Quinn Trần—elected by the IRCC Board of Directors, has repeatedly requested intervention from the San Jose City Council to facilitate the reopening of the Viet Museum.  Trần was former high-tech executive as well as former Executive Director of the Bay Area Red Cross.

However, the museum has remained closed for nearly a year, preventing it from participating in commemorative activities and from continuing to provide communal space during the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon. 

The question of when the Viet Museum can reopen remains a major concern for the community, particularly in light of a recent email from Bill Schroh to IRCC, in which he indicated that another group may be appointed to manage the museum if the current conflict is not resolved.

The Mayor and City Council have chosen to be silent instead of taking responsiblity to open Viet Museum for the public.  The staffing the museum were mostly IRCC volunteers and the political power that be has absolute influence to force History Park San Jose to open the museum.   San Jose Park & Recreational Services is the agency that holds the contract with History Park San Jose, its management said that they can review its contract with Bill Schroh to see if he has the best interest in serving the community.

Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent, 2025

During Advent, the Catholic Church invites the faithful to prepare their hearts in anticipation of Christmas, the coming of Christ, who brings salvation to humanity. The Gospel according to Matthew reminds us:

“For I am gentle and humble of heart; take my yoke upon you and learn from me, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29)

Jesus calls those who wish to follow Him into eternity to live in love, gentleness, and humility. Those who learn from Him and live according to His teachings will find peace of the soul,  a peace that transcends the trials and tribulations of our daily life.

Although not a Christian, Vũ’s humble and gentle manner earned him widespread trust, forming the foundation for his tireless efforts to build a precious legacy for the community.

That legacy is now being eroded by prolonged conflicts in the final years of his life with individuals whom he once promoted their status in the community and trusted to support his work upon retirement. Phan Quang Tuệ, Nguyễn Đức Cường, and Hồ Quang Nhựt are in their mid-80s.  Phạm Mỹ Linh, the youngest among them, is about to turn sixty years old.  Cao Hồng is in his 70s and was an employee hired by Vũ to work for IRCC.

This writing reflects the opinions and sentiments currently present within the community as they bear witness to a turbulent period of disputes surrounding a communal symbol. While these assessments must be approached with fairness and caution, they nevertheless prompt questions on moral and ethical responsibility toward those who devoted their lives to preserving the shared memory of the community.

His passing during the Advent season, therefore, is not merely a loss, but also an invitation to pause and reflect—on how we safeguard our heritage, how we treat one another, and how we continue the spirit of sacrifice.

It should be remembered that the Viet Museum, is merely a name placed on physical facility owned by the City of San Jose.  The artifacts and documents are the possessions of IRCC. What truly constitutes the Viet Museum does not lie in that physical space or the objects inside, but in the spiritual essence imparted through the quiet sacrifices and steadfast dedication of Vũ Văn Lộc to preserve the community’s heritage and carry it forward across generations.

"On Healing Land, Birds Perch" Film Screening in San Jose

The Vietnam War had produced many narratives in the forms of memoirs, historical accounts, military analyses, political assessments, and fictional novels.  One estimate suggests something like 30,000 books have been written about the topic.  From the fictional "The Quiet American" by Graham Greene, sandwich in between  by the brilliant observations of the Vietnam War from the lens of Vietnam ancient history in "Fire in The Lake" by Frances Fitzgerald, to the Vietnamese diaspora and their postwar angst and gaslighting in "The Sympathizer" by Viet Thanh Nguyen, one can peruse every genre to find whatever interpretations that help make sense of the war and its aftermath.

But there are really only a few photographs that defined the war bookend by photojournalists Eddie Adam's  " Saigon Execution"  and Hubert van Es' photograph of a helicopter on a building in Saigon evacuating people.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, IRCC / Viet Museum in support of AANF and Santa Clara County Supervisor Betty Duong is showing an award winning documentary directed by Naja Pham Lockwood about the postwar tribulations and triumphs of the victims of the iconic photo " Saigon Execution"

David Duong Dropped Defamation Lawsuit Against Hai Huynh

 David Duong, owner of California Waste Solutions, a major trash recycling company in the Bay Area, suddenly droppred his defamation lawsuit against Hai Huynh, a prominent businessman and community activitist in San Jose.

The lawsuit was prompted when in an email trail in early March of last year, Huynh mentioned that Duong is a communist lackey and a pro-communist businessman.  This was in reference to Duong and his many business ventures in Vietnam and close tie with Vietnamese government leadership.  For further reading on the lawsuit -

https://sanjosespotlight.com/san-jose-businessman-hai-huynh-says-he-didnt-defame-embattled-ceo-david-duong-cal-waste-solutions/

On July 3,  the law firm Buchalter APC sent a request for dismissal without any fanfare.  Buchalter is one of the best law firms in US with over 540 lawyers and offices in major cities.   They also represent Duong  for his recent federal criminal bribery indicment.

https://sanjosespotlight.com/san-joses-recycling-hauler-criminally-indicted-on-bribery-charges/ 

In order to save face since he publicized the lawsuit against Huynh heavily for over a year now claiming that he would sue him for every penny,  Duong went on Youtube and declared that he had second thought and did not want to further divided the community.

Huynh is currently countersueing  him for legal fee costs in a frivolous case that many people in the community considered to be an act of intimidation by Duong who has always touted his poltical connection and influence with elected officials. 

Legal Complaints Against Deacon Nhut Ho and My Linh Pham (Valley Health Plan)

The Board of IRCC, the oldest Vietnamese-American nonprofit organization in San jose established in 1976, and its subsidiaries of Viet Museum in San Jose and Dan Sinh Media, just filed a legal complaint against retired Deacon Nhut Quang Ho at the Virgin Mary of La Vang Catholic Church,  My Linh Pham, an educational specialist for Valley Health Plan and founder of a nonprofit, Asian American Community Center of Santa Clara County, for unlawful attempt to take over IRCC and trying to destroy Viet Museum by spreading misinformation that are undermining the IRCC's efforts of preserving Vietnamese refugee history of the last 50 years.   

The complaint is also against Cuong Nguyen (owner of Pho Wagon), Hong Cao and Tue Quang Phan (retired administrative immigration judge).  

Left to righ:  Cuong Nguyen, Tue Phan, Hong Cao

The legal complaint seeks permanent injunction against the "Gang of Five" as they are known in the community from claiming to be board members of IRCC because they were not legally elected by members according to IRCC Bylaws; and therefore, they should not act as representative of IRCC and conduct affairs of the IRCC.  In the court filing, the evidence showed that Nhut Ho, My Linh Pham, Tue Phan, Cuong Nguyen were not elected by members of IRCC as required on an annual basis.  

Moreover, there were attempts to remove the former CEO / President, Loc Vu by spreading misinformation to Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors including asking the county for financial fraud  investigation against Vu.  The complaint was determined to be frivolous without basis.

The legally recognized Board of IRCC as filed under Secretary of State had tried to go through mediation to settle the matter amicable.  However, the"Gang of Five" could not agreed among themselves and decided to terminate the mediation.   

Late last year,  the illegal take over attempt of IRCC by the "Gang of Five" turned ugly as they failed. In a public display of rage,  Tue Quang Phan  wrote an open letter attack Vu, accusing him of stealing money from IRCC as well as nepotism despite the fact that their financial fraud complaint against Vu was rejected.

 https://littlesaigoninside.blogspot.com/2025/01/the-ironic-and-shameful-fight-for-viet.html

Deacon Nhut Ho is a controversial figure in the community and even within his own congregration https://sanjosespotlight.com/report-san-jose-festival-was-behind-the-scenes-nightmare/

Deacon Nhut Ho  

Some supporters of IRCC were disgusted and suggested such false accusations purposedly trying to damage Loc Vu's legacy should be taken to task with a defamation lawsuit.  

The irony is Loc Vu, 92, spent more than 46 years building IRCC to support the resettlement of the Vietnamese refugees in San Jose.  Along the way, he single handedly founded Viet Museum to help preserve the legacy of the Vietnamese-American experience in California.  

Just last April 27th, in a show of community outpouring support, over 230 people gathered at Santa Clara County auditorium to honor him.   Speaking at the event were  Congressmembers Sam Liccardo and Zoe Logren, State Senator Dave Cortese,  Assemblyman Ash Kalra, SCC Supervisor Betty Duong,  Pulitzer Prize author Viet Thanh Nguyen, novelist Andrew Lam, and many other members of the community. 

Press release by IRCC on the legal complaint.

The civil lawsuit as filed on August 14, 2025.  The full document can be download from the Superior Court of Santa Clara County.

Beyond Tradition - A panel Discussion

 

50th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon, April 30 1975

Everyone who grew up in Vietnam in the last 70-80 years probably was either taught in grade school or read in books about this poem.  The words are simple, yet they elegantly capture the embodiment of the Vietnamese spirit and how they see themselves.  The poem was written during the anti-colonialism movement as the country was at war against the French. 

Giờ Quốc sử

Những buổi sáng, vừng hồng le lói chiếu

Trên non sông, làng mạc, ruộng đồng quê,

Chúng tôi ngồi yên lặng, lắng tai nghe

Tiếng thầy giảng suốt trong giờ Quốc sử.

Thầy tôi bảo: “Các em nên nhớ rõ,

Nước chúng ta là một nước vinh quang.

Bao anh hùng thưở trước của giang san,

Đã đổ máu vì lợi quyền dân tộc.

Các em phải đêm ngày chăm chỉ học,

Để sau này nối được chí tiền nhân.

Ta chắc rằng, sau một cuộc xoay vần,

Dân tộc Việt sẽ là dân hùng liệt.

Ta tin tưởng không bao giờ tiêu diệt,

Giống anh hùng trên sông núi Việt Nam.

Bên những trang lịch sử bốn ngàn năm,

Đầy chiến thắng, đầy vinh quang máu thắm.”

Đoàn Văn Cừ (1913-2004)

The History Hour

Every morning, as the rising sun glimmers

across villages, rice fields, mountains, and rivers

We sat quietly listening to our teacher's voice

lecturing about our nation's history

He said: You should keep in your heart

We are a glorious and proud nation

Many heroes of the past have shed their blood

Together to build and protect our country

You must study day and night

To fulfill your ancestor's legacy

so that their sacrifices are not in vain

I am sure that after this vicious cycle of history

The Vietnamese people will once again be mighty

I believe our indomitable spirit will never succumb

Like never-ending heroes in the lands of Viet

and in the pages of our 4000-year-old history

In martyrdom, full of victory, full of glory.

Press Conference by IRCC Demanding the Opening of the Viet Museum

 

On April 22, IRCC management (the parent entity of Viet Museum) held a press conference in front of the SJ City Rotunda to demand the opening of the Viet Museum.  Attending the press conference were members of the Vietnamese news media, IRCC supporters, IRCC President Quinn Tran, and the President of the United Vietnamese American Community of Northern California,  Ha Trieu.

Quinn Tran, IRCC President (left), Thu Mong Hoang (Community Activist),
Tanya Thai Ha, IRCC Board (right)

The Viet Museum has been closed since December 2024.  History San Jose, the organization hired by San Jose City to manage Kelley Park and the buildings in the park (including the Viet Museum), decided to close the building since they could not determine the current legal operator /owner of the museum

According to the IRCC by-laws. the board shall hold an annual election to elect the board members by IRCC members.  IRCC was established in 1976 as a membership nonprofit where members paid annual dues.  The new board was elected by IRCC members in early January 2025.  According to the  Secretary of State's records,  Quinn Tran is currently the President and Board Member.  

To satisfy History San Jose's request for clarity of legal authority over Viet Museum,  Tran submitted to History San Jose relevant official documents regarding the current governance body and legal ownership of IRCC recognized by various state's agencies.  IRCC is the sole legal entity in the affiliate agreement with History San Jose.  IRCC has been in contract with History San Jose since 2007 as the parent entity of Viet Museum.  

Apparently, this was not enough for Bill Schroh, CEO of History San Jose.  He declared that he will not open the museum until he sees either a legal judgment or a written agreement signed by the new board elected by members in January 2025 and the alleged board that was trying to illegally take over IRCC from its founder, Loc Vu.

At the press conference and the subsequent public comment segment at the SJ City Council meeting on the same day, IRCC supporters and board members demanded that the Viet Museum be open so that all can access it, especially during the 50th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon. 

In the City Council Chamber, Ha Trieu spoke about the importance of the Viet Museum to the Vietnamese community's heritage and culture.  It serves as a significant institution to preserve and showcase the history of the Vietnamese exodus seeking freedom and the diaspora experience in Santa Clara County.   He also reminded the City Council that Mayoral Chief of Staff Jim Reed promised him publicly that he would help open the museum in February this year.

Thu Mong Hoang was last to speak and she said:

"... I stand before you not just as a cancer patient, but as someone who has poured heart, time, and resources into a cause that means the world to me—and to so many others.

Since 2012, I have devoted myself to helping build the Black Wall at the Viet Museum, a solemn tribute to the heroes who gave their lives for freedom. In 2020, I contributed again to the creation of the Quảng Trị Monument—another sacred symbol of courage and sacrifice.

These landmarks are not just pieces of history; they are the soul of a resilient community, a bridge for generations, and a testament to the sacrifices made in the name of liberty. And now, as we approach the 50th anniversary of the loss of our country, such a symbolic and meaningful milestone—this museum must not be silenced.

The thought of closing it down breaks my heart. It feels less like a decision and more like a punishment to all those who have fought, who have given, and who have remembered.

I humbly ask you: Please, keep the Viet Museum open. Let it continue to stand as a place of honor, of memory, and of hope."

In response to the lobbying and pressure from IRCC and community leaders, the City Council took a temporary measure allowing the museum to be open from April 30 to May 10.

In the meantime, an affiliate renewal with IRCC is due by July 1, 2025.  History San Jose already asked IRCC in an email: " If a legally validated governing organization is not established by that time, IRCC risks losing its affiliate status and occupancy of the Greenwalt House where the Viet Museum is located."

The issue facing IRCC is that the illegitimate board consisting of Nhut Quang Ho, Tue Quang Phan, Cuong Duc Nguyen, My Linh Pham, still claims that they are in possession of IRCC despite the fact that they were never voted in to be board members.  So far, they have refused to provide documents to prove their legitimacy and are unwilling to go through arbitration.   

To better understand why Viet Museum is closed, see the following link -

https://littlesaigoninside.blogspot.com/2025/01/the-ironic-and-shameful-fight-for-viet.html

 

Letter to Bishop Oscar Cantu about Viet Museum, Deacon Ho Quang Nhut, Reverend Khoa Vu

 On Fri, Apr 18, 2025 at 2:08 PM Quinn Tran <quinntran8@gmail.com> wrote:

Dear Bishop Cantu,

It came to our (Immigrant Resettlement & Cultural Center/Viet Museum) attention that Our Lady of La Vang Catholic Church under the name of Reverend Giuse Vu Khoa and deacon Nhut Ho  will be hosting a Black April 50th Anniversary Commemoration event to be held on April 27th, 2025 at the Viet Museum, on the grounds of History Park in San Jose.  This is shocking and surprising to the members and the board of IRCC since it was previously explained to us by History San Jose that the event would be hosted by the Catholic Association, independently of IRCC but the public announcement stated otherwise.  

While we applaud the fact that the Vietnamese Catholic Church will be holding a solemn commemoration event, we object to the church’s claim that the Viet Museum is a co-organizer of the event.  IRCC is holding a separate event at the Santa Clara County Building on the same day. This causes confusion and anguish among the large Vietnamese community, especially for those that plan to independently visit the Viet Museum and the sacred monuments in front of the museum on April 27th.   None of the museum's displays or monuments should be used as the backdrop for the Catholic Association commemoration event as that will block public access for the citizens.

As a legally members-elected board of IRCC, we respectfully request that his Excellency clarifies and corrects the public claim that involves IRCC/Viet Museum in any organizational role with the leadership of the La Vang Catholic Church and/or Catholic Association.  Additionally we would refer to the attached letter from the founder of IRCC to the CEO of History San Jose for further clarification.  We request that the correction is made immediately as April 27th is only a week away.

We appreciate your understanding and thank you for your immediate resolution of this serious matter.

Respectfully yours,

Quinn Tran

Board member, President and Executive Director

IRCC – Immigrant Resettlement and Cultural Center

650 219 5659 

IRCCVietMuseum2025@gmail.com  or quinntran8@gmail.com

 Website:https://VietIRCC.org

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Giao Chi <giaochi12@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Apr 13, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Subject: Formal Protest Against History San José’s Complicity in the Turmoil and Seizure of the Viet Museum
To: Bill Schroh <bschroh@historysanjose.org>
Cc: <matt.mahan@sanjoseca.gov>, Reed, Jim <jim.reed@sanjoseca.gov>, Maguire, Jennifer <jennifer.maguire@sanjoseca.gov>, <leland.wilcox@sanjoseca.gov>, Rios, Angel <angel.rios@sanjoseca.gov>, Thai Ha <thaiha168@yahoo.com>, Frank Nguyen <franktnguyen@gmail.com>, Quinn Tran <quinntran8@gmail.com>, Nhu-Hanh Tonnu <nhuhanh.tn@gmail.com>, Phi Ha <khanhphi.ha@gmail.com>

From: Lộc Vũ

Founding President Emeritus
Immigrant Resettlement & Cultural Center, Inc.
(The Legal Entity Responsible for the Viet Museum)

To: Mr. Bill Schroh, Jr.

President & CEO
History San José
1650 Senter Road
San José, CA 95112

Dear Mr. Schroh,

I address you not from a position of authority, but from a profound sense of moral duty. Now residing in a nursing home and near the end of my life, I have relinquished any formal responsibilities with IRCC, Inc. and the Viet Museum; my title of Founding President Emeritus remains purely honorary. Yet the legacy I have devoted my life to—and the truth I must now proclaim—remain matters of utmost importance.

The Viet Museum is far more than a mere structure; it is a sanctuary of memory, history, and heritage for 180,000 Vietnamese Americans in Santa Clara County and for millions more both nationally and globally. It stands as a testament to the heroism of our soldiers, the enduring hope of the boat people, the resilience of re-education camp survivors, and the indomitable spirit of our community.

For 45 years, I labored to build the IRCC, and for 30 years I dedicated myself to the creation of the Viet Museum. I executed the original affiliate agreement with History San José, orchestrated campaigns, amassed invaluable artifacts, mobilized volunteers, and shared the narratives that define our collective heritage. The existence of the Museum today is the culmination of our community’s devotion and my life’s work - a legacy that no one can deny or distort.

Regrettably, this cherished institution is now being held hostage.

On December 23, 2024, you altered the locks and obstructed access to the Museum under the pretext of a governance dispute - a dispute that was amicably resolved on January 11, 2025, through a duly convened Membership meeting, wherein a new board was duly elected, my resignation accepted, and the requisite legal filings completed with the State. This transition was reaffirmed at the annual meeting of the Membership on February 26, 2025, and all pertinent documentation was furnished to you.

Yet, despite this lawful transition, you have continued to deny the Museum to its rightful leadership. While invoking the notion of “neutrality,” you have failed to compel those responsible for the sabotage—a faction lacking legal standing—to desist. In the sacred month marking the 50th anniversary of the Vietnamese exodus and the commemoration of Black April, you have allowed these very individuals, who endeavored to unlawfully seize control, to orchestrate a major public event at the Viet Museum on April 27, 2025.

 In February, you stated that this April 27 event was organized by the Catholic Association and bore no affiliation with IRCC. Yet the above flyer now circulating among our community unmistakably confirms that the event is being led by the same self-declared “board” members who were not lawfully elected/reelected, who lack registration with the appropriate authorities, and who have failed to produce any governing credentials. 

Your continued claim of neutrality is, therefore, entirely indefensible.

Moreover, your inaction has precipitated widespread chaos and outrage. On the very same day that the legitimate and duly elected leadership of IRCC is hosting the 50th anniversary commemoration at the Santa Clara County Government Center—a solemn event planned in the true spirit of remembrance and community unity—an unauthorized group is staging a parallel event at the Museum itself, masquerading under the titles “IRCC” and “Viet Museum.” Here is the flyer of the real Viet Museum organization.

IRCC New Board Members and the Temporarilty Reopening of the Viet Museum

On January 11, 2025,  members of Immigrant Resettlement & Cultural Center (IRCC) voted for a new board for the 2025 term as required by the nonprofit organization's bylaws. 

One of the action items of the board was to elect a new president and executive director to replace Loc Vu, who officially resigned after 48 years at the helm.  ED Quinn Tran then met with San Jose Mayor and his Chief of Staff Jim Reed to reopen the Viet Museum after it was shut down by History San Jose at the request Hong Cao (the former ED of Viet Museum who was let go by Loc Vu due to insubordination detrimental to the operations of IRCC).  

In December 2024, Tara Dang (community represenative for the Mayor's office) communicated with Michelle Duncan of History San Jose to only allow Hong Cao to access Viet Museum and not Loc Vu and his staff. 

Loc Vu informed History of Museum (Bill Stroh and Michelle Duncan) that the contract is with IRCC and Hong Cao was only an employee of IRCC.  

History San Jose decided then to close public access to Viet Museum due to conflicting information. 

Worrying the dispute would become a political liability especially during upcoming 50th anniversity of Fall of Saigon,  Mayor Matt Mahan stepped in and opened the museum during the Lunar New Year celebration per the request by the new management and board of IRCC.  But after one week, the museum was closed again.

Tet Fairs in San Jose 2025 Starting Jan. 25th

 

The Ironic and Shameful Fight For The Viet Museum

The Vietnamese American community in San Jose was taken by surprise during the holiday season by some disturbing public announcements about IRCC and the Viet Museum.  

Dec 12, 2024 -  A terse letter by the IRCC Board of Directors announcing the retirement of Loc Vu as  ED of IRCC effective January 2025.  The letter was without signature and sent through a surrogate by Hong Cao, an ED of the Viet Museum

In response, Loc Vu sent a letter terminating Hong Cao as ED of Viet Museum and dissolving the current board due to violations of IRCC bylaws.

Dec. 18, 2024 - The IRCC Board sent a letter to the public claiming that Vu had mishandled IRCC funding for his benefit and committed nepotism by suggesting his son-in-law be the ED of IRCC.   This time, it was signed by Cuong Nguyen.

Dec. 20, 2024 - Vu’s lawyer sent a cease-and-desist letter to five people on the board stating that they were in violation of IRCC bylaws and that their actions were illegitimate.

Dec. 23, 2024 - Loc Vu held an IRCC public forum with an open invitation.  None of his accusers were present.

Dec. 28, 2024 - Tue Phan, an alleged board member, wrote an Op-ed piece doubling down on the accusations.

Jan. 6, 2025 - Vu’s lawyer sent a cease-and-desist letter to Tue Phan demanding public apologies for making false accusations and public statements of libel and defamation.

Meanwhile, Bill Schroh, CEO of History San Jose, closed the museum at the suggestion of Tara Dang, an aide to the Mayor Matt Mahan.  History San Jose is the operator of Kelley Park and all of its buildings.

90th Birthday with Pattie Cortese and Hoang Mong Thu (Cortese's Facebook)

A Brief History of IRCC

To have a better understanding of the public dispute and what the few members of the IRCC Board are fighting for, let us turn back the pages.

 Upon arriving in 1976, Loc Vu, 92, founded the Immigration Resettlement and Cultural Center (IRCC) to provide educational and social services to the thousands of Vietnamese refugees coming to the Bay Area.

IRCC was established as a membership nonprofit organization where members pay dues and participate in board member selection and other activities.

 The Viet Museum also known as the Museum of the Boat People and the Republic of Viet Nam was established by Loc Vu in 1990 as part of the IRCC.   He sought to build a collection dedicated to the experiences of the Vietnamese community in the US.  He sold his house and moved to a trailer so that he could provide $150k in seed money to start the museum. 

The local Vietnamese community soon became involved with many donating items relevant to the experiences of refugees and the war itself.

In March 2006, the city entered an agreement with IRCC to convert the Greenwalt House in Kelley Park to become the Viet Museum housing and exhibiting his collections.   The museum is now one of the main attractions in the park with thousands of visitors annually.  

Blood Money and A Smearing Campaign

In August 2024, rumors were heard in the community about the removal of Hong Cao as head of the Viet Museum.  About three years ago, he was hired by Loc Vu to help run the Viet Museum. 

In early 2024, Loc Vu applied for and received a grant of $55,000 from the county.  Before the grant was distributed, he was informed by the county that they received complaints about his mismanagement of funds.  It was filed by Hong Cao and Nhut Quang Ho

A few board members wanted the $55,000 grant that Loc Vu received from the county to be under a new bank account under the control of Hong Cao.  An email was sent by a few board members to IRCC members worrying about the mental health of Vu and whether he is fit to run IRCC.

In July, without Vu’s knowledge, Hong Cao had his name added to the California Secretary of State's Statement of Information.  Hong Cao is now on file as the director and officer of IRCC. 

Vu called a meeting and expressed his dismay at the treatment of the people he had trusted.  He felt that Hong Cao and a few board members betrayed him and wanted to take over IRCC behind his back.  He wanted to put Hong Cao on a 2-month suspension until the false information was clarified. According to an insider, a few board members headed by My Linh Pham and Tue Phan took the side of Hong Cao and told him that he had no authority.   

A Summer of Heartbreak / Conflict Resolution Attempt

Vu had to deal with the county about the financial mismanagement charge.  There was no proof of funding mismanagement.  He had put his family's money as a loan to IRCC to keep it afloat during the lean times. He had not received a salary for decades, as confirmed by annual tax records audited by a local accounting firm.  The county investigated and concluded that the criminal complaint was a nuisance complaint.

The nepotism charge was purposedly misconstrued since he only suggested his son-in-law, Minh Le, temporarily replace him as head of IRCC during this time of conflict while the board was looking for a replacement.

Minh Le, 72, is well known in the hi-tech industry as a corporate management consultant and educator.   As a senior fellow of the American Leadership Forum (ALF), he received the 2024 John Gardner Award for his work to bring diversity, inclusiveness, engagement, and respect to the community.  Senior Fellows of ALF are who’s who of the Silicon Valley corporate world and political arena like Sam Liccardo, Cindy Chavez, etc.

The $55k grant was finally released with the approval of Supervisor Cindy Chavez.   Minh Le then suggested a face-to-face meeting with all concerned members for conflict resolution.  A few board members agreed but when it came time to meet, Hong Cao, Tue Phan, and My Linh Pham refused to attend.

Secrets meetings were held since July without Loc Vu's knowledge and plans of how to remove him were discussed.   A few members of the board expressed their frustration on the the disrespectful treatment of Vu, they had stopped attending the secret meetings and worried openly about the board's scheming way.   

Common sense of decency and respect for an old man spending his life bringing the community up would suggest an open discussion and heart-to-heart talk.  But instead, holding secret meetings, behind the back actions trying to divide,  and refusing communication with Vu by a few board members aiming to remove him at all costs have built a deep moat filled with pride and ego.

 Who are the Board Members of IRCC

It has been difficult to determine who are the current board members of IRCC.    Emails and phone calls went unanswered.  Only a few board members are now involved in the dispute.  To further obscure the matter, letters sent to the public were without signatures or names until being questioned by the community.

Information gathered from the board members who are disgusted with the actions of the other board members in their treatment of Loc Vu have shed some light on the causes behind the conflict.  Here are brief backgrounds of the board members.

Philip Nguyen is the ED of the Vietnamese American Roundtable.  He has not been active since February 2024 and resigned in September 2024.  He did not know about the conflict since nobody included him in the communication.

Hong Cao (left) and Nhut Quang Ho 

Nhut Quang Ho is a retired insurance agent in San Jose and a long-time board member. He told everyone he is uncomfortable with the whole episode and that he is staying out. He told Vu that since you did not bend your knee to them, he would suffer the consequences, for they are determined.  Behind the scenes, he was the one along with Hong Cao who filed a criminal complaint of financial fraud to the county. 

Tanya Thai Ha is a well-known community activist who in the past, has been a reliable fundraiser for IRCC.  She could not stand the “That duc” actions a few board members were doing.   “That duc” in Vietnamese means a lack of morality and unethical.

Cuong Nguyen, 83, owner of Pho Wagon Restaurant in Sunnyvale.  He is trying his best to resolve the conflict but feels powerless.  He and Nhut Ho tried unsuccessfully to get the other board members to resolve the conflict peacefully. 

Cuong Nguyen (left) and Tue Phan (Right)

Tue Phan, 82, a retired administrative immigration judge, living in Danville.  He is distant in the community but always reminds people that he was the first Vietnamese American federal judge.  

Mentally not as sharp as he used to be,  his recent Op-ed letter to the community accusing Vu of mismanaging money while committing all kinds of misconduct showed his confusion of facts.    

Vu’s lawyer sent a letter requesting him to stop the public libel and pointed out the false accusations.   See the attached document.

Hong Cao was hired by Vu to help with maintaining the Viet Museum.  He has a knack for controversy. In the summer of 2024, he openly accused the head of the United Vietnamese American Community of Northern California of laundering money.  In response, the head of UVAC of Northern Cal sent a public statement asking Hong Cao to either provide proof or he should resign from being the head of the Viet Museum.   Hong Cao did not respond.

My Linh Pham is currently a Santa Clara County employee in one of their healthcare divisions.  She and her husband, Sam Ho, have a nonprofit organization called the Asian American Center of Santa Clara County.   She also claimed that UVAC of Northern Cal mismanaged funding.  My Linh was invited to be on the board.

Hong Cao and My Linh were members of the UVAC of Northern California.  They both resigned after getting tangled in a power struggle with other members of UVAC. But not to be forgotten, their departing gift was the accusation of money laundering and financial mismanagement by the head of UVAC of Northern Cal.

Money Laundering and Fund Mismanagement?   

The money laundering and fund misuse accusation is a familiar story in the community -

 Phuong (Peter) Nguyen, an aide to State Senator Dave Cortese, in the past, had told people in the community that My Linh Pham had mismanaged COVID-19 funding given to her nonprofit from Destination Home.  The truth is probably a vengeful action by Peter Nguyen as he felt he did not get what he wanted in his dealing with her. 

The controversial accusation by My Linh Pham and Hong Cao against UVAC when they resigned from the group.  The truth is probably hurt ego and damaged pride for they were on the short end of a power struggle.

The public accusation of Loc Vu by a few members of the IRCC board on the mismanagement of funding and IRCC itself.  The truth is yet to be fully revealed but the conventional wisdom is probably a smearing campaign to take over IRCC by hook or by crook.

Community Reactions

Most people are puzzled why the dispute between a few board members and Loc Vu had to be dragged out in public.   Loc Vu has helped build the community in the last 45 years.  He plays an important role in putting the Vietnamese American community on the map in San Jose.  

A few board members mentioned are his junior, and some are his children’s age.   Their public smearing campaign against an old man has caused anger in the community.  The disrespectful treatment of somebody older than your father and unwillingness to sit down for a conflict resolution is what people are questioning.

Instead of de-escalating, Tue Phan is escalating and doubling down on false accusations in the name of the IRCC Board.  A board that nobody knows for sure who they are and working under a cloak of secrecy with an agenda that is so far not in the best interest of the community.   

On December 23, 2024, an IRCC held a public forum with an open invitation to all.  Leaders of the community including Hoang Co Dinh, the lawyer Bich Nguyen, Trieu Ha, Hoang Mong Thu, and Van Lan Truong, spoke in support of Loc Vu.   None of his accusers showed up to help the community better understand their sides of the conflict.

One of the lingering questions in their minds is why such a divisive and scorched earth donnybrook by the few members of the boards who have not contributed anything significant to IRCC but were using IRCC and Loc Vu’s name to gain their 15 minutes of fame.

Loc Vu said at the end: " I would like to apologize for everything, it is all my fault for building something to preserve our history and trusting people to be decent and do the right thing for the benefit of all..."

What's next?

With the alleged board with few members left refusing to have any communication with Loc Vu for conflict resolution and the recent defamation letter by Tue Phan with the intention to hurt Vu's reputation, it is difficult to know where this conflict will be heading.  

The community is afraid whatever happens, the damage already has been done by the few members of the board with their egoistic determination to shamefully destroy an honorable old man who has dedicated his life to serving the community proudly and generously. 

As the Vietnamese diasporic community in San Jose prepares for the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon for being on the losing side of a bitter and divisive war among brothers, it is ironic that the Vietnam Museum and its collections of Vietnam War history and refugee experiences is now a battleground to the death among brothers.