Immigrants realize American dream

Cach Ngo, Phung La and their seven children, left Cambodia following the United State’s withdrawal from Vietnam. The couple wanted their children to have the opportunity to prosper in the West.

“My parents were fighting for freedom and to have a bright future for their children,” said their son, Michael Ngo, who was 9 at the time.

The family now owns two Jade East restaurants (1336 N. Glenstone, 2435 S. Campbell), Jade Dynasty restaurant (300 E. Battlefield), Traffic Club (220 W. Walnut) and Endless Time and Jewelry Inc. (2902 S. Campbell).

The Ngos didn’t start as local business tycoons.

From 1975 to 1981, they traveled a convoluted route to America with very few possessions – just a couple of bags and the clothes they wore. Their journeys took them through Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines before finally landing in the United States.

While moving from Vietnam to Thailand, the Ngos traveled with 150 people on a boat just 13-yards long, surviving a raid by five boats of pirates.

“Everybody started to pray, ‘God, help us,’ ” said Michael Ngo of the harrowing attack.

The family lived in refugee camps and did what they could to survive over a six-year span.

Then, America came calling.

For more about the Ngo family, and others who have come to the United States to pursue their dreams, see the Aug. 29 issue of SBJ.