KC Ortiz Photographer

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In the early 1960's the CIA recruited and led the Hmong people of Laos to fight the communist forces during the Vietnam War in what is known as "The Secret War". Known as some of the world's best guerilla fighters, the Hmong loyally served as an efficient counter attack to communist forces on America's behalf.All pictures © KC Ortiz . KC Ortiz is a photojournalist based in his hometown of Chicago.

Hiding in the bushes and sorrounded by LPA soldiers yet unseen, Yeah, 18, keeps his gun on a LPA soldier through the bushes. The soldiers never saw us and moved on after about 15 minutes of searching the area.

Cha Her, 56, salutes us upon our arrival to the groups hidden camp. Cha served with the CIA in its secret war against communist forces during and after the Vietnam War. "President Barack Obama, I want to remind you that after the war America is obligated to seek for the MIA. What about us who are still alive? Why didn't come in to help the situation? 


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