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have contributed significantly and are truly responsible for me being promoted here today. For that, I am eternally grateful. The greatest honor for me when wearing this proud uniform is not the star on my shoulder or the ribbons on my chest, but having the privilege to have served with you all, the most dedicated, talented, and patriotic Americans of our generation. I am asking for your continued support, guidance and wise counsel as I prepare to take on the next chapter of my military career. I am also equally appreciative of the Virginia National Guard. It provides me the unique honor to protect my country in times of war and to serve my communities in times of peace while still allowing me ample opportunity to fulfill my civilian aspirations. Furthermore, I truly believe and must attribute much of my civilian success today to this professional organization where Team Work and Character are non-negotiable. The National Guard is truly the best-kept secret institution in our country. Lastly, before I close, I would like to end with a quote by John F. Kennedy that says, ‘as we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.’ This quote, I believe, encapsulates the truest meaning of gratitude I have towards every individual who has made a profound impact on my life and continues to support me in both my endeavors and accomplishments. Again, thank you all so much for coming. God Bless!” In his civilian capacity, Flora is the Senior Applications Engineer with Night Vision business of Harris Corporation in Roanoke, and holds six patent awards related to the AN/PVS-14 and AN/AVS-9 night vision goggles.

Following the Communist capture of Saigon in 1975, Flora and his brothers fled the city to avoid being drafted in to the North Vietnamese military. He spent more than three years in the jungle, then fled by boat to Indonesia where he spent a year living in three separate refugee camps. When he arrived in the U.S., he quickly learned English and finished his high school education in only three years. After high school Flora attended the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington where he earned a bachelor’s degree and commission in the U. S. Army Reserve in 1987. He later transferred to the Virginia Army National Guard where he served in every staff position within 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, including commander of the battalion.

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Flora’s wife Thuy and daughter Christine pinned on Flora’s new rank, and Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, administered the oath of office.

V irginia C apitol C onnections , S ummer 2016

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