Sometimes, the hardest hits in life don’t come from an opponent’s punch—they come from our own self-doubts. Haidon Allen was climbing the ranks in amateur boxing when he stepped into the ring with one of the world’s top 25 fighters. He left that match humbled, questioning everything, and ready to throw in the towel.

From youth baseball to high school football, Division 1 wrestling to MMA, he had always been chasing the best version of himself. Haidon had once before almost allowed his athletic journey to be defined by giving up and it wasn’t going to happen again. So what made him step back into the ring after that crushing defeat? The unwavering support of his biggest fans, his family. Haidon Vongsarvanhlao is a professional boxer from St, Helens, Oregon.

https://www.laoamericansports.com/haidon-allen

https://www.instagram.com/official_haidonallen/

https://www.facebook.com/haidon.allen

Music: summer of 1984 by RKVC

Mason Bannavong seemed to have it all — a college degree, peak physical fitness, and a dream job in the bustling city of Dallas. But life took a sudden turn, leaving him broke, unemployed, and back in his hometown of Amarillo, Texas. Hitting rock bottom might have seemed like the end but for Mason, it became the solid foundation he needed to rebuild upon. With the support of his family, newfound confidence, and an enduring passion for fitness, he carved out a name for himself in the fitness and powerlifting communities. Now, as a personal trainer, Mason empowers others to strengthen not just their bodies, but their minds and spirits.

www.instagram.com/teamso1training/

open.spotify.com/show/1moR4n7yVyVZB22xemY0Zn?si=e2934be2e52d49d5

www.facebook.com/mbannavong28/

Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC

The cornfields of Iowa and the lush tropics of Southeast Asia may seem worlds apart, but when Shamik Hayes first set foot in Laos, he felt an undeniable sense of home. Rediscovering the culture rooted deep in his family’s history ignited a passion that would propel him to become one of America’s top Muay Thai fighters. For some, fighting is about glory; for others, it’s the thrill of competition. But for Shamik, every punch and kick is a tribute to his heritage. His ultimate dream? To represent his Lao roots on the international stage.

https://www.instagram.com/blasian_one712/

Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC

Cherish the past, dream of the future but live, today… Time waits for no one and when Tee Insixiengmay needed a fresh start after a tough break up, he bought a one-way ticket to the adventure of a lifetime. From his ancestral homeland in Laos, to the mountains of South America, Tee has been back packing his way around the globe with the goal of visiting to thirty-five countries, by his thirty-fifth birthday. While he loves the beaches, the majestic views and the amazing foods, it’s the connections with locals and his fellow travelers that leave the biggest impression.

https://www.instagram.com/thirstee4adventure/

https://www.youtube.com/@thirstee4adventure

Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC

Sambo Kim, born in Cambodia, found his connection to an ancient Khmer tradition not in his homeland but 8,000 miles away in America. It was there that he discovered Bokator, a martial art with deep roots in his heritage. Like many young people, Sambo’s initial exposure to martial arts came through Hollywood films, but what began as a childhood fascination quickly grew into a lifelong passion. Returning to Cambodia to train and being mentored under the guidance of Master Kenya Prach, Sambo has been entrusted with the responsibility of preserving and promoting a tradition that spans over 2,000 years. His mission now is twofold: to pass Bokator on to a new generation and to bring it to the Hollywood screens that first sparked his journey.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClueQz3Xaxcvw-Pvy3Lq82A

Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC

At the bottom, there's only one direction to go: up. When Matthew Nola left the Nong Khai refugee camp and boarded a one-way flight to America with his family, he could only have imagined that his return ticket would come in the form of an unexpected game: pickleball. Now recognized as the fastest-growing sport in the world, pickleball has transformed Matt into one of its most passionate advocates. From playing in tournaments, developing future stars to building a brand that would help put his ancestral homeland of Laos on the map, Matt has become a key figure in the sport's rise. When we spoke with him in 2022, pickleball was barely known in Southeast Asia. Today, courts are springing up across the region and Matt is leaving a lasting impact by spreading America's latest sports craze and changing lives along the way. Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC Nong Khai refugee camp photo by John Burgess

Life is a journey filled with highs, lows, joy and pain and no one knows this better than Anna Ounoutha. Raised by refugee parents from Laos, she experienced the devastating loss of her brother to gang violence and became a mother during her teenage years. Instead of succumbing to these challenges, Anna transformed adversity into motivation. She pursued higher education, established a successful career in criminal justice, raised a family, and even excelled as a drag racer. Her resilience and determination not only shaped her personal achievements but also inspired her to give back to the community. Through our interview with Anna, one profound lesson emerges: despite life's hardships, every day is a precious gift meant to be cherished.

Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC

For most of us help is only a phone call away but we often forget that those responding in our time of need are fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters… everyday people. At no time was that more evident than on September 11th, 2001 when 343 firefighters lost their lives. From routine fire inspections to one of the darkest days in our nation’s history, Andy Rasavongseuk served the people of New York for over 25 years. This selfless father of three and his colleagues put their lives on the line to protect others all while quietly fighting their own internal battles. As a nation, we made a solemn vow to never forget those who perished on 9/11. Equally important is our remembrance of the survivors, for whom that tragic day will never end.

Andy Rasavongseuk retired form the New York Fire department after serving over 25 years including during September 11th, 2001