Lapthe Flora

Aug, 2018
Hometown Hero Lapthe Flora

The Inspiring Journey of Lapthe Flora: From Refugee to U.S. Army General

Lapthe Flora, a courageous native of Saigon, Vietnam, faced unimaginable challenges at a young age. After the Communist forces captured his city, he and his brothers had to flee to avoid conscription into the North Vietnamese military. They endured more than three years in the harsh jungle, surviving without electricity or running water. In their desperate bid for freedom, they escaped by boat to Indonesia, where they spent another year in refugee camps.

Determination in the Face of Adversity

“My unyielding resolve to survive motivated me to endure three and a half years of hardship in Vietnam,” says Lapthe Flora. “We lived without electricity or running water, growing and hunting our own food. Through it all, I survived, driven by my desire to escape the tyranny that ruled our lives.”

In 1980, Flora moved to the United States under the sponsorship of the Raleigh Court United Methodist and Greene Memorial United Methodist Churches of Roanoke, Virginia. He attended the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in Lexington, VA, where he earned a bachelor’s degree and a commission in the U.S. Army Reserve in 1987. Flora later transferred to the Virginia Guard, where he served in numerous positions within the 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He eventually became the battalion commander.

A Historic Military Career

Flora made history as the first Vietnamese boat person promoted to general officer in the U.S. Army and the second officer of Vietnamese descent to achieve this rank. “I had a strong desire to serve my country and community,” Flora says. “America gave me a priceless gift of life, and I believe a lifelong commitment to service is the best way to repay it.”

In his military career, Flora held critical positions, including Executive Officer of the 116th IBCT, G3 of the 29th Infantry Division, and Director of the Afghan National Army Ground Forces Command in Afghanistan. He also led NATO peacekeeping operations in Kosovo and deployed to Bosnia in 2001. Today, Flora serves as the Assistant Adjutant General for Strategic Initiatives in the Virginia National Guard.

Awards and Recognition

Brigadier General Flora’s exemplary service earned him numerous accolades, including the General MacArthur Leadership Award, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. His dedication to his nation and its values continues to inspire others.

A Committed Civilian Leader

In his civilian role, Flora works as a Senior Applications Engineer at Harris Corporation in Roanoke, VA, where he holds six patents related to night vision goggles. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Flora dedicates much of his time to serving the community. He helped establish the Virginia Veterans Day Parade and volunteers with the VA Care Center, the American Red Cross, and the Rescue Mission. Flora also regularly speaks at local churches and middle schools, sharing life lessons on resilience, public service, and overcoming adversity.

The American Dream: A Story of Opportunity

Reflecting on his incredible journey, Flora emphasizes the transformative power of opportunity. “In America, someone like me—homeless and destitute but determined to survive—can thrive. America may not be perfect, but it remains the land of endless opportunity. With self-determination and the desire to serve, anything is possible.”

Branch Manager Jamie Bailey from our Roanoke Branch proudly presented Lapthe Flora with the Hometown Hero award.

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