Echoes of Conflict: Remembering Vietnam Speaker Series

Retired Maj. William “Monsoon” Mimiaga will share stories from his remarkable 31-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps and his continued service to the community as an educator and mentor.

Mimiaga served two tours in Vietnam and later during the Gulf War. During his second tour in Vietnam, he received a combat promotion to staff sergeant, followed by a meritorious promotion to gunnery sergeant while serving on the Marine Corps drill field. Over the course of his career, from 1964 to 1994, he advanced from private to gunnery sergeant, then from warrant officer 1 to chief warrant officer 4 before ultimately retiring as a major.

Following his military service, Mimiaga dedicated another 23 years to public education as a schoolteacher, working closely with inner-city students and mentoring them as they explored career paths and opportunities for service.

Today, Mimiaga continues his leadership and advocacy for veterans. He serves as president emeritus of Vietnam Veterans of Orange County Chapter 785 and recently completed service as president of the Southern California Chapter 1st Marine Division Association.