Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

VAYA has been nominated for a "Community Service Award" as part of the 2009 6th Annual Asian Heritage Awards presented by Asia Media, Inc. The link below takes you to their current issue with background on all nominees beginning on page 4. To vote, click on any of the candidates or go to “Vote Here” on page 10. You may also vote by circling your choice – one in each category – in the May 22 edition of ASIA being distributed in San Diego, Los Angeles and Orange County. Mail or deliver to ASIA, 5857B Mission Gorge Rd., San Diego Ca. 92120.

http://www.asiamediainc.com/site/c.enJNKQNlFiG/b.5105387/k.6B31/ASIA_Facing_East_Front.htm

For more on the Asian Heritage Awards, go to www.asianheritageawards.com

For a complete view of what’s going on in the Asian Pacific Islander community, go to www.asiamediainc.com

On behalf of VAYA's Executive Board and Staff, thank you for your continual support.

About the Author: Anthony (Vinh) T. Nguyen serves as Secretary for VAYA.

Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

As the VAYA Executive Board move forward to our second year in office, we are starting a NEW Volume in our Newsletter (Volume VI: Issue 1). A reminder that the newsletter was created for your convenient access to important VAYA issues and information. If you're affiliated with another organization (VSA, etc) and would like to make an announcement on VAYA's newsletter on behalf of your organization, please send everything directly to VAYA Secretary at newsletter@vayasd.org by Saturday night (11:59 PM) of each week. VAYA will do our best to post all "approved" announcements on the next immediate newsletter.

In VAYA news, we like to recognize and congratulate Henry Tran & Calix Vu-Bui as VAYA Community Relations Coordinators (Vietnamese Community and Non-Vietnamese Community respectively). They will both work harmoniously with VAYA External Vice President - Nikki Lam in dealing with ALL the External Affairs of VAYA. Also, don't forget that VAYA is actively recruiting new general staff and Tet 2010 Committee staff to add to our team. Please visit our official website (www.vayasd.org) to download the application along with a document detailing the duties and responsibilities for each of the position. All applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

Lastly, VAYA would like to congratulate those graduating from San Diego State University this month. We wish you MUCH success in life and applaud you for your accomplishments. For a complete listing of VAYA's upcoming events/meetings, please visit our official calendar at: http://www.vayasd.org/calendar/. Please direct any questions or concerns to VAYA Secretary, Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen, at secretary@vayasd.org.

On behalf of VAYA's Executive Board and Staff, thank you for your continual support.

About the Author: Anthony (Vinh) T. Nguyen serves as Secretary for VAYA.

Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

It is unfortunate news that we have to acknowledge that Frank Vuong has stepped down from his position as the president of the Vietnamese American Youth Alliance of San Diego. His passion and drive for developing the Vietnamese community in San Diego will be sorely missed. The staff is all saddened by Frank's resignation, but we understand that it was a personal decision and we will continue to wish him the best in his future endeavors.

VAYA asks that all our members and supporters continue to place their trust in the current staff to continue the hard work needed to develop our communities and encourage the spread of our Vietnamese culture.

The current Executive Board Member of VAYA consist of the following:

• President Michael Thai
• Internal Vice President Larry Tran
• External Vice President Nikki Lam
• Secretary Anthony (Vinh) T. Nguyen
• Treasurer Cuong Pham

On behalf of VAYA's Executive Board and Staff, thank you for your continual support.

About the Author: Michael H. Thai serves as President for VAYA.

A Letter From Former VAYA President: Frank Vuong (2008-2009)

Dear VAYAnese and friends,

Please take this memo as my official resignation from the position and duties of the president of VAYA, effective immediately.

As of Friday April 10, Michael Thai has assume the role and responsibility of Acting President. Please give him the same loyalty and support that you have given me.

I am confident that even without my participation, Executive Board Members Michael Thai, Nikki Lam, Larry Tran, Vinh Nguyen, and the VAYA Staffs will carry on the VAYA Mission to Serve and Develop the San Diego Vietnamese Community into a strong and prosperous place for every one to live, work, and play.

It has been a privilege to have served with all of you. And thanks your care and support, I have learned and I have grown much in a very short time.

I leave you to find other ways to improve our community and to create a better world for everyone. May our paths cross again in the foreseeable future.

Cheers and Good Bye.

About the Author: Frank H. Vuong serves as Former President for VAYA.