From War to Remembrance

Hope, Humanity, and a War Hero’s Legacy

Join us for a powerful Memorial Day presentation sharing a family’s escape from Vietnam during the fall of Saigon in 1975.

This story honors the heroic actions of a father and the USS Kirk crew whose compassion and courage saved lives. This moving story reflects on hope, humanity, and an enduring legacy.

Dr. Nguyen-Driver’s professional path is rooted in her family’s history. She is a Vietnamese refugee whose life began during one of the most dramatic air evacuations of the Vietnam War. On April 29, 1975, her father, Lieutenant Colonel Ba Van Nguyen of the South Vietnamese Air Force, piloted a CH-47 Chinook helicopter packed with his squadron and family members, including ten-month-old Mina, to the USS Kirk in a daring rescue that has since been documented in national media and featured in Rory Kennedy’s Academy Award–nominated film The Last Days in Vietnam.

After arriving in the United States, her family resettled in Seattle with the support of a Lutheran church. Shortly after arrival, her older brother was diagnosed with hemophilia. The family navigated linguistic and cultural barriers with the guidance of the Seattle Children’s Hospital hemophilia team. These early experiences, watching healthcare providers offer compassion and stability in moments of fear and uncertainty, shaped Dr. Nguyen-Driver’s lifelong commitment to pediatric healthcare. She is the first woman in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree and the first to earn a doctorate. Today, Dr. Nguyen-Driver is recognized for her leadership in clinical training, her advocacy for equitable pediatric care, and her community-engaged work with families across Arkansas. Her personal and professional journey continues to be guided by themes of hope, humanity, and resilience.

Dr. Mina D. Nguyen-Driver is a pediatric psychologist and Professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and Arkansas Children’s Northwest, where she provides developmental and behavioral health evaluations and leads training for psychology trainees across levels. Her work focuses on autism assessment, parent management training, and interdisciplinary pediatric care.

For disability accommodations, call 479.856.7250 or email questions@faylib.org 2-3 weekdays before a program. Plan your visit by viewing our building map and details on accessibility services.

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