Our History
Exploring the milestones that shaped the Taidam spirit, from our ancestral homelands to the resilient new beginnings established by our families across generations.
1975
May
In the Nongkhai refugee camp, Tai leaders advocated for the Tai Dam and looked for a new home for the families.
Arthur Crisfield, a U.S. government worker, helped translate letters and sent them to leaders across the world. President Gerald Ford reached out to U.S. Governors and Iowa Governor Robert Ray responded to their plea.
Governor Ray and President Ford made policy changes to help the Tai Dam stay together as a group in Iowa. Sponsors are recruited through a public relations media blitz, while employers are
canvassed for job openings.
October
• Tai Dam families approved to travel to Iowa.
• The first group of Tai Dam arrive at Camp Pendleton, California, from a B-52 U.S. Military Airbase in U-Tapao, Thailand.
• After being processed at Camp Pendleton, 300 Tai Dam found their new home in Des Moines, Iowa.
• The second group of Tai Dam arrived in Fort Chaffee, Arkansas.
November
• After being processed at Fort Chaffee, another 320 Tai Dam found their new home in Des Moines, Iowa.
• Governor Ray’s taskforce and many sponsors met three plane
loads of Tai Dam.
December
Dec 1975 The Royal Lao govt falls to Communist-backed Pathet Lao.
Share Your Story
We invite our elders to share memories and our youth to capture photos. Whether it's a family recipe, a story of resilience, or a precious photograph, help us grow the community archive for generations to come.