Fort Chaffee is a testament to the resilience of refugees and the compassion of those who opened their hearts and homes. Many former refugees have gone on to become successful contributors to American society, excelling in fields such as medicine, education, business, and the arts. Their journey, marked by hardship and hope, continues to inspire future generations, showcasing the power of determination and the support of welcoming communities.

On June 20th, 2025, we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Indochina refugee resettlement at Fort Chaffee with a VIP cocktail hour, a special dinner from James Beard Award Finalist Chef Trong Nguyen, and a fireworks celebration. This celebration aims to remember the courage and resilience of the refugees and the generosity and support of the Fort Chaffee and Arkansas communities.

The anniversary also serves as a fundraiser to support the continued efforts of the Chaffee Barbershop and Military Museum, which preserves the incredible story of Fort Chaffee’s role in this humanitarian effort. 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.

Together, we honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to continuing this legacy of hope and compassion for decades to come.

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…