Former big-leaguer Tony Kubek helps Fox Valley Hmong Community
This is the story about a man who wants no story.
That in itself makes it difficult to tell, for I certainly respect his wishes and what is in his heart.
But that heart, there's so much there, and it has helped so many in our community better their lives. It is hard to ignore. But that's what Tony Kubek would prefer.
Yes, it may seem ironic that a man who spent 40 years in the public eye — first as a member of three World Series winners in nine years with the New York Yankees and then as a broadcaster with NBC doing its nationally televised game of the week — now chooses to hide from it.
That is not the only ironic twist at work here. Undoubtedly once the subject of hero worship for his accomplishments in the athletic arena, he now prefers to go unrecognized for doing things truly heroic.
"He's one of those people who has an eagle personality," said Pastor Ken Frey of St. Paul Lutheran of Appleton, who has known and worked with Kubek for eight years. "They soar."
Eagles also don't say much, especially about themselves. In this lengthy article, I counted only six quotes from Kubek.
How did Kubek become involved in helping out the Hmong in the Valley?
Discovery for Kubek began roughly 10 years ago after he and Margaret sold their home and downsized. Kubek went down to the Hmong American Partnership and asked a Hmong man there if he knew of anyone who needed some furniture.
He said yes and gave Kubek a phone number. It turned out to be the Hmong man's wife.
"At that time, they had five children, and they now have 11," Kubek said. "We took the furniture over there and ended up getting them a washer and dryer. Then we provided some bags of rice for a while, just as gifts.
"By the time you knew it, you met a few more Hmong families, and word just got around."
When he'd be out running errands and needed to quench his thirst, he found himself stopping by a Hmong grocery store where he'd pick up a bottle of juice and engage in conversation, sometimes for an hour or more.
They would tell him their stories, how they assisted the CIA during the Vietnam War, how they fought against the communists, how they escaped to Thailand and came through refugee camps there to the United States. It captivated him.
"Most people who came into the grocery store did not have a lot of time to sit down and chat," said Phia Vue, whose half sister, Maithao Vue Ly, ran the store. "He had more of an interest in building a connection and getting to know the families.
"When you meet Tony, you can tell he's passionate about what he does. He's a big guy, tall, but at the same time, he's not intimidating. You're not afraid of him. He comes across as very friendly. Part of building that relationship is getting to know the people and connecting with the families you work with. Tony's done a good job with that."
There is a lot more at the article and it is well worth the read.
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