Past and Present: 366 TRS student uses legacy as motivation Published March 18, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson 82nd TRW SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Khmer rouge. A brutal Cambodian party that led a policy of social engineering and genocide by the thousands plunged a country into chaos between 1975 to 1979. Out of this, droves of government exiles and refugees fled the country in an effort to seek asylum from their campaign. Separated from their loved ones, many families did not reunite until years later after it was over, but some found asylum in America and other countries. One such family, years later, had a harrowing historical legacy and a son who would later go on to join the United States Air Force. "My parents worked for nothing and barely got food," said Airman 1st Class Sineth Kong, an electrical systems student with the 366th Training Squadron. "They saw people die all the time." Kong recounts his parents speaking of how it was even harder since they were separated from their families and banned from seeing them. "My father didn't get to see my grandmother," Kong said. Kong's parents eventually found a refugee camp and gained a sponsorship to become citizens in America. As a result, Kong's childhood was a far cry from from what his parents experienced. "It's such a big difference," Kong said. "For them, it was a struggle." Kong used that perspective and applied it towards his decision to join the military. "I wanted to give something back," Kong said. Kong also looks at this dark family legacy as a way to further improve his work ethic. "I'll always work hard," Kong said. "My parents have gone through a lot worse than me." Kong looks at the Air Force as a major part of his life on a personal scale. "The Air Force in general is like a family," Kong said. "I've met so many people." Upon graduation to Vandenburg Air Force Base, Kong looks forward to using his unique background to help others and learning. "Try and help others out, and look forward to learning a lot," Kong said.