In this week’s article, the spotlight is on Fong Kang, MHS Class of 2010.
Fong grew up in Menomonie. His parents divorced when he was young, and he was raised by his mother. In high school, Fong enjoyed math and English classes. In addition, the local library was an excellent place to focus on schoolwork. He felt he had good support from the staff when he was there.
When I asked Fong about other memories from MHS, one thing that came up consistently was soccer! He was part of the MHS soccer team. One of the best things about being on the team was that he felt the players “always had good support from parents, the school, and the community. They would cheer for and encourage us at every game.”
When soccer wasn’t in season, Fong belonged to the MHS Chess/Checkers Club. According to Fong, it was a good activity using different “muscles” from those he used in soccer.
After graduation, Fong moved to Alaska to live with his father for a while, wanting to build a stronger relationship with him. It was in Alaska that he took some college courses, including Microsoft Office Applications and Accounting.Fong joined the U.S. Navy in part to make use of its Tuition Assistance Program for his education. He took English Composition I and II through the program. However, when he got busy with important Navy tasks, he couldn’t continue his studies. “Completing my college education is still a goal, and the Navy offers a lot of different programs to help you get there. At the moment, due to my current primary duties, I don’t have the time to commit to school.”
Fong’s Naval career began with bootcamp in Chicago and his first duty station in San Diego on the USS Comstock (LSD-45). [LSD means the ship is a Dock Landing Ship class. Its purpose is to help transport deployed Marines, supplies and materials to other Naval vessels or bases.]
Next Fong returned to Chicago to work in the Lovell Federal Health Care Center from 2018-2021. He then found himself back in San Diego on the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), a nuclear-powered Aircraft Carrier. [These ships can do what every other ship can do, but their primary duty is to support Naval aviation missions. Aircraft carriers are the Navy’s largest ship platforms].
Fong has served in the U.S. Navy for thirteen years; his rank is First Petty Officer. Currently Fong is stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, with the Fleet Readiness Center Northwest, and resides in Oak Harbor, Washington.
“During my time in the U.S. Navy, I have had the opportunity to travel to the following parts of the world: Hawaii, Guam, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Malaysia, Bahrain, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, and Japan! I really enjoyed seeing and experiencing other countries and cultures.”
Fong has two children—a nine-year-old daughter and a four-year-old son—who live in San Diego with their mother. He describes them as “…amazing. They are intelligent and adventurous. I am a proud dad!”
As I always do, I ended the interview by asking Fong about being raised in Menomonie. “My thoughts growing up in Menomonie are positive. It was a diverse community. I feel that was what helped everyone become aware of and understand all different types of people who come from different walks of life, creating and instilling a diverse culture.”
Fong, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy life to share your story with Menomonie’s residents. We all love knowing what “our kids” are doing!
Judy Foust is a retired longtime 7th Grade Reading Specialist at Menomonie Middle School. To submit info to her or to request an interview she may be contacted at [email protected]
