Dat Nguyen – NFL Legend & Trailblazer

From refugee roots to NFL greatness—Dat Nguyen made history as the first Vietnamese player in the NFL, playing for the Dallas Cowboys and later coaching at Texas A&M. Meet this living legend and hear the inspiring story that continues to resonate across generations. He will be attending the ticketed event.

Chef Trong Nguyen – Celebrity Chef & Restauranteur

Chef Trong Nguyen is the visionary behind Crawfish & Noodles in Houston, a James Beard Award finalist and consistently ranked among the best Vietnamese restaurants in the United States. For one night only, Chef Nguyen brings his renowned Vietnamese-Cajun flavors to Fort Smith for a special VIP dinner you won’t forget. TIckets required.

50th Anniversary Dinner Ticket

$150.00

Quantity:

Fort Chaffee stands as a powerful symbol of refugee resilience and American compassion. Fifty years ago, it welcomed thousands of Vietnamese refugees—many of whom went on to lead in medicine, education, business, and the arts. Their journey from hardship to hope continues to inspire.

On June 20, 2025, we’ll commemorate this 50th anniversary with two special events: a ticketed VIP dinner with limited seating, featuring a cocktail hour and cuisine by James Beard Award Finalist Chef Trong Nguyen, with special guest Dat Nguyen, the first Vietnamese NFL player. Alongside the dinner, a free community festival will take place in the historic district with live music, family fun, and a grand fireworks finale.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Chaffee Barbershop and Military Museum, ensuring this remarkable story is preserved for future generations.

Together, we honor the past and carry forward a legacy of hope.

Ticketed Event Amenities

Free to attend

Public Event

FIREWORKS END THE NIGHT AT 9:00

7300 Ellis Street, Fort Smith AR

THE COMMUNITY CELEBRATION, OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, BEGINS AT 5:00 PM IN THE HISTORIC & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT WITH LIVE MUSIC AND FOOD TRUCKS

WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE & SUPPORT

Can't attend the Golden Legacy Anniversary event? You can still honor this milestone by making a one-time donation to Chaffee Crossing Historic Preservation Organization and the Chaffee Barbershop and Military Museum. By raising funds, the organization ensures that this chapter of history is kept alive for future generations, educating visitors about the impact of Fort Chaffee and the refugees who began their new lives there.

Donate today and be part of the legacy.

$10.00

$20.00

$30.00

$40.00

Custom Amount

50th Anniversary T-Shirt for sale! All sales proceeds to benefit Chaffee Crossing Preservation Organization.

https://www.2gotix.com/tickets/fort-chaffee-50-years

For more information on the event, including sponsorships, or how you can get involved, please email cassie@chaffeecrossing.com

A Journey of Resilience

Arrival at Fort Chaffee

Fort Chaffee began receiving refugees on May 2, 1975, with the first planeload arriving at Fort Smith Municipal Airport.
By the end of May, the camp population had surged to 25,000.
Between May 2 and December 20, 1975, a total of 50,809 refugees were processed through Fort Chaffee, the largest number among the four U.S. relocation centers.

Operation New Arrivals

The resettlement program was a joint effort by the U.S. government, military, and private voluntary organizations. Refugees were housed in military barracks and received food, clothing, medical care, and orientation programs.
Temporary facilities, including hospitals, schools, and recreational centers, were established to meet the refugees’ needs.

Cultural Orientation and Education

English language classes and cultural orientation programs helped refugees adapt to American society.
The YMCA organized recreational activities such as sports tournaments, concerts, and craft workshops, while West-Ark Community College conducted audio-visual classes to teach English.

Volunteer and Sponsorship Support

Ten national voluntary agencies, including Church World Service, United Catholic Conference, and the International Rescue Committee, worked tirelessly to match refugees with sponsors.
Sponsors included families, religious organizations, colleges, and employers who provided housing, jobs, and mentorship.
More than 681 families were reunited within the U.S., while efforts were made to locate and reunite families internationally.

Challenges and Resilience

Refugees faced cultural and linguistic barriers, economic difficulties, and the trauma of displacement.
Programs provided vocational training and job placements. Over 24,000 refugees applied for state employment services, and many found jobs in industries ranging from agriculture to manufacturing.

Humanitarian Legacy

A closing ceremony was held on December 20, 1975, marking the departure of the final group of 25 refugees. The ceremony unveiled a triangular monument inscribed in English, Vietnamese, and Cambodian, honoring the refugees and those who supported them.
The inscription reads: “In search of new lives, 50,809 refugees from Indochina passed through Fort Chaffee, May 2 - December 20, 1975.” –This is somewhere in Fort Smith..but I can’t figure out where…