Photo By Staff Sgt. Emily Simonson | Oregon Air National Guard Maj. Angelica Hayes works as the Bilateral Affairs Officer...... read more read more
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HANOI, Vietnam - Maj. Angelica Hayes joined the Oregon Air National Guard with goals in mind: grow as a leader, grow as a family, and - fingers crossed - serve overseas. Through the State Partnership Program, Hayes found her ideal role as the Bilateral Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam. So, with the blessing of her husband and children, she moved her family to Vietnam for the broadening assignment of a lifetime.
That was a year ago. Now, almost halfway through her two year assignment, Hayes said she knows she made the right call in taking the position.
“It’s been a wonderful experience,” Hayes said. “It’s everything I hoped it would be. And I’m definitely making a lot of mistakes but learning a lot. And my family, watching them grow, it’s been incredible.”
Hayes said her children have both excelled while living in Vietnam, taking the culture change in stride. She hopes the experience will give them a different perspective on life.
As the BAO, Hayes plans and coordinates military-to-military and civilian-to-military engagements. Representing the interests of both the Oregon National Guard and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, the BAO is one of the busiest portfolios in the embassy, according to Mr. Jeff Jackson, Deputy Chief for the Office of Defense Cooperation.
Prior to her leaving Oregon, all the past BAOs who served in Vietnam took time to meet with Hayes and share their experiences. Hayes said the most consistent advice given to her was to be patient and flexible, words that Hayes has come to live by while regularly interacting with host nation military representatives.
“People are people,” Hayes said. “They are so friendly and welcoming. They’re willing to work with me even though we don’t speak the same language.”
Upon completing her orders in July 2026, Hayes will return to her full-time role with the Oregon Air National Guard Joint Force Headquarters A-1, taking home with her the many lessons she has learned as the BAO.
“This relationship is going to keep going between Oregon and Vietnam and I will go back into the Oregon National Guard so hopefully in the future I can use this experience to continue serving that relationship.”
| Date Taken: | 05.20.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 05.20.2025 17:50 |
| Story ID: | 498477 |
| Location: | HANOI, VN |
| Web Views: | 36 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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