Major Khampheng Moses Saynyarack was born on July 26, 1946, in Ban Namone, Xiengkhouang Province, Laos, to loving parents who raised eight children. Moses was the second-born child. His older sister, Boun, still lives in Laos. On July 31, 2026, just five days after celebrating his 80th birthday, Major Khampheng peacefully passed away, leaving behind a lifetime of service, sacrifice, and love.

His family experienced both joy and heartbreaking sorrow. Three younger sisters died shortly after birth, and another sister passed away at the age of eleven. These early losses taught Moses the preciousness of life, strengthened his compassion, and shaped the quiet resilience that defined his character throughout his life.

As a young boy, Moses attended a Catholic school in Xiengkhouang, where he received a strong academic and moral foundation. His intelligence and discipline earned him admission to a Catholic seminary, where he prepared for a life of religious service. Yet history would call him to serve his country in another way.

In the early 1960s, during one of the most difficult periods in Laos’ history, Moses answered the call to serve by joining the revolutionary forces under Captain Kong Le. He quickly distinguished himself through his intelligence, dedication, and exceptional military abilities.

He was trained as a military radio telegraph operator, mastering one of the military’s most demanding communications specialties. He also participated in the remarkable and highly specialized training of monkeys for intelligence-gathering missions during the war. His talents and leadership potential did not go unnoticed.

Major Khampheng became the first Kmhmu accepted into the National Official Military Academy of Laos. His exceptional performance earned him another historic distinction—he became the first Kmhmu selected to study military science in the United States. His achievements brought honor not only to himself and his family but also to the entire Kmhmu community.

After completing his military education, Major Khampheng faithfully served the Kingdom of Laos. Rising to the rank of Major, he was entrusted with directing and managing the military training school in Vang Vieng, where he trained both soldiers and future military officers. Those who served under him remembered him as a leader of discipline, integrity, wisdom, fairness, and compassion. He believed that leadership was measured not merely by authority, but by responsibility, service, and personal example.

Then came 1975.

With the fall of the Kingdom of Laos, Major Khampheng, like thousands of loyal military officers and government officials, faced unimaginable hardship. Because of his faithful service to his country, he was imprisoned in a communist re-education camp for four long years.

Those were years of hunger, forced labor, uncertainty, and suffering. Yet even in those darkest days, he never surrendered his dignity, his courage, or his hope. His faith and determination sustained him, and he emerged from captivity with an unbroken spirit.

After his release, he made one of the most courageous decisions of his life. Together with his beloved wife, Thong, and their three young children, he escaped Laos in search of freedom. The journey was dangerous, but they persevered and safely reached a refugee camp in Thailand.

In 1981, the Saynyarack family was blessed with the opportunity to begin a new life in the United States. Like countless refugee families, they arrived with few possessions, but they carried with them something far more valuable: faith, resilience, determination, and the hope of building a brighter future for their children.

America became their new home.

Although he no longer wore the uniform of a military officer, Major Khampheng never stopped serving. He worked diligently to provide for his family, embraced the opportunities of his adopted country, and remained an active and respected member of the Kmhmu community. Through humility, honesty, and hard work, he demonstrated that true leadership is shown not only on the battlefield but also in everyday life.

His greatest pride was not found in his military rank but in his family. He was a devoted husband to Thong, a loving father to Prakhoun, Athithy, Manirath, Jackson, and Saladsaleo, and a proud grandfather to Anayza. He loved his family deeply and sacrificed much so that future generations could live in freedom, receive an education, and pursue opportunities he himself had fought to protect.

Major Khampheng’s life reflects the story of so many Kmhmu refugees—a story of sacrifice, perseverance, faith, and hope. He survived war, imprisonment, displacement, and the challenge of beginning again in a foreign land. Yet through every trial, he remained steadfast in his love for God, his family, and his people.

His accomplishments inspired generations of Kmhmu youth. By becoming the first Kmhmu graduate of the National Official Military Academy of Laos and the first Kmhmu selected for military study in the United States, he proved that determination, discipline, and excellence could overcome every barrier. He opened doors that others would later walk through. His success became a source of pride for our entire community.

Today, we remember not only what he achieved but who he was.

We remember a man of unwavering integrity.

A man of courage.

A man of humility.

A man of honor.

A man whose quiet strength spoke louder than words.

His life reminds us that greatness is measured not merely by titles or accomplishments, but by the lives we touch through love, sacrifice, service, and compassion.

Although we grieve today, we also rejoice because his life was rich with purpose. His legacy will continue through his family, through the many soldiers he trained, through the Kmhmu community he inspired, and through everyone whose life was touched by his kindness and example.

To the Saynyarack family, may you find comfort in knowing that Major Khampheng’s life made a lasting difference. His name will forever hold a place of honor in the history of the Kmhmu people.

As the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Those words describe Major Khampheng Moses Saynyarack well.

May God grant him eternal rest.

May God comfort all who mourn.

May God bless his family with strength, peace, and hope in the days ahead.

May the legacy of Major Khampheng Moses Saynyarack continue to inspire future generations of the Kmhmu people.

Rest in peace, Major Khampheng Moses Saynyarack.

Your service, your sacrifice, and your legacy will never be forgotten.