Day 152: Refugee Processing Center at Camp Pendleton, San Diego, California

📌APIA Every Day (152) - Camp Pendleton, situated within a Marine base in San Diego, California, was designated as one of four refugee centers for Vietnamese refugees following the Fall of Saigon in April 1975 [See days 104 and 121 for info on other refugee centers]. Within just 36 hours, military personnel prepared the camp by erecting tents, setting up cots, and stocking essential supplies to accommodate over 100,000 evacuees. Upon arrival, refugees underwent processing, which included receiving inoculations, basic comfort packs containing toiletries, and military jackets for warmth. As part of "Operation New Life," Camp Pendleton played a crucial role in resettling Vietnamese refugees, ultimately hosting nearly 20,000 individuals at its peak. Life at the camp was characterized by the refugees' efforts to adapt to their new environment amidst the challenges of starting over and processing the trauma from their homeland. Over time, as refugees found sponsors and resettlement opportunities across the United States, they gradually moved out of Camp Pendleton.

Community support from organizations like the Red Cross and local churches played a significant role in aiding the resettlement efforts. Despite the initial challenges, many refugees managed to adapt swiftly, learning English and participating in various activities offered at the camp. Camp Pendleton's role marked a significant chapter in the establishment of the Vietnamese American community, particularly in areas like Orange County and San Jose.

LEARN MORE:

LA Times: Vietnamese refugees began new lives in Camp Pendleton’s 1975 ‘tent city’

LA Times: 20 Years After the Fall : It Was 1975 and Camp Pendleton Was a City of Refugees. Here Are Portraits of Four Vietnamese Whose Lives in the U.S. Began There and What’s Happened to Them Since.

HistoryPin: Camp Pendleton

Flickr: Camp Pendleton - Vietnamese Refugees

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