Former Refugees Celebrate the 50 Year Anniversary of Loma Linda University’s Evacuation Aid
15 May 2025 |
On May 2, 1975, 410 Vietnamese health workers evacuated from Saigon Adventist Hospital and others from their positions as Adventist pastors and church leadership in South Vietnam. 50 years later, dozens from the original evacuation gathered to reminisce and celebrate this vital moment.
When the North Vietnam coup threatened the safety of Vietnamese citizens, Ralph Watts, Jr., at the time the president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Southeast Asia Union and chair of the Saigon Adventist Hospital board, took action. After negotiating with the U.S Military, Watts organized the 410-group to leave on military evacuation planes on April 24 and 25, 1975. After landing in Guam, the group realized U.S Immigration prevented any Vietnamese refugee from leaving without a sponsor. Watts immediately contacted David Hinshaw, MD, dean of the LLU School of Medicine and director of the Medical Center. Days later, all 410 gained sponsorship from the school, bringing them safely to Camp Pendleton near San Diego, then by bus to Loma Linda.
In a flurry of preparation, the university, community, and local businesses rallied to provide a soft transition to the refugees. Clothes, toys, shoes, and other supplies were donated, and medical staff offered physical evaluations after the strenuous journey. Gentry Gym, the campus gym at the time, was their temporary home. Rows of army cots had been donated to provide a safe place to rest for the refugees once they arrived.
In the meantime, Loma Linda University partnered with the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to provide opportunities to restart their lives. Many of the 410 refugees were established medical workers, doctors, pastors, teachers, and professionals. With the help of the conference and the local community, the Vietnamese refugees had a comprehensive network at their disposal, quickly finding work. Student-age members of the group were taught English at La Sierra University, enabling them to continue their education.
The legacy of those few weeks lives on through the members of that group who went on to create thriving congregations, families, and communities. Many helped other Vietnamese refugees build new lives in the United States. Those in the original group gathered to thank Loma Linda University Health and the community that welcomed them with open arms and open hearts.
Richard Hart, MD, DrPH, president of Loma Linda University Health, stood in as a surrogate for the university, community, and local congregation of Loma Linda University, accepting a plaque honoring their service. Ralph Watts, Jr., was also in attendance and publicly thanked for initiating the life-changing evacuation.
Loma Linda University and the community did not offer passive aid, but extended Christ’s model, embracing the 410 refugees with active faith. The touching tribute by LLU encapsulates the reality of this event:
Within two weeks, the operations at Gentry Gym ended, but the legacy of these 410 lives continues to tell a story of God’s miraculous leading through moments of incredible difficulty. Loma Linda University and the surrounding community stepped up without hesitation, providing a place of healing and hope to 410 Vietnamese nationals displaced to a new country. And 50 years later, those acts of generosity continue to be remembered.
