Call Me an American

In Call Me an American, Captain Cao’s triumphant journey of sacrifice and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds, speaks to the enduring power and promise of the American dream. Deeply relatable and unapologetically honest, Captain Cao shares hard-fought lessons as a war refugee, combat veteran, and political candidate to remind readers that the fight to preserve our Republic begins with the same uniquely American values which are under attack today. From failure to humility, from faith to victory, Call Me an American, is an anthem to the imperfectly exceptional country that provided him refuge from the destruction of communism. From his childhood growing up in sub-Saharan Africa to his years fighting to preserve life as a Naval Officer in Special Operations, Captain Cao refutes the insidious narrative that the American dream is no longer accessible or achievable. Instead, he uses his gift of storytelling to expose the lies threatening meritocracy, equality, and individual liberty.

Retired Navy Captain Hung Cao came to the United States as a refugee from Vietnam in 1975. After a few years in West Africa, Hung moved to Virginia as a child and is a proud member of the inaugural graduating class of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria. He was commissioned as a Special Operations Officer (Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Deep Sea Diving) from the United States Naval Academy, and served with special operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia. Hung’s non-combat assignments included balancing the Navy’s $140 billion budget at the Pentagon, working with Homeland Security, and the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. Hung received his Masters degree in physics from the Naval Postgraduate School, and fellowships at MIT and Harvard. He and his wife April are the parents of five beautiful children. After their thirteenth move across the United States, and around the world, Hung and April moved their family home to Purcellville, Virginia where they have been active in their community and church. Hung ran for Congress from Virginia’s 10th District in 2022, and is presently a candidate for the United States Senate from Virginia.