Charles Vang, 64, lives in Afton, Minn. where he makes a living as a farmer growing cucumbers, pickles, tomatoes and a variety of Asian vegetables on his 40 acre farm. In the summer, he sells produce at the farmer’s market on Nicollet mall, Minneapolis. He has three sons and two daughters who work in hospitals, factories and schools.

In 1961 he was in military service for the U.S. special forces in Vietnam. He learned English while working for the military as a “kicker” who guided American pilots as they dropped off supplies of food and clothing to U.S. forces. He was shot twice during his service but considers himself one of the lucky ones. After the Communist takeover of Vietnam, it was too dangerous to stay in Laos and he immigrated to America.

When asked about the role of government, Vang responded that they should provide safety and security for civilians, control crime, and help provide jobs. He said he is especially concerned that the government doesn’t provide him with healthcare when he works so hard, but provides free healthcare for the unemployed.

He earns $30,000 per year on average and buys his own health insurance paying $200 a month for himself and his wife.

He talked to us about how Afton’s population is growing and how this might force him to move to a new farm because the pollution and runoff from his farm would make it difficult to stay.

Vang said he would like government to be able to provide new immigrants with long-term low-interest rate loan schemes so that they can buy farming equipment to develop their businesses and make a living.