MICHAEL MICHALAK, US AMBASSADOR TO VIETNAM

On Monday, March 1, we had the honor of a visit and interview with the US Ambassador to Vietnam, Michael W. Michalak, at Embassy Hanoi.  Born in Detroit and a proud graduate of Oakland University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree and where he still is a member of the board, we were offered a chance to reminisce about Michigan past as well as his somewhat different lifestyle in Vietnam.  

The previous night we visited the Marine House and shared a Tiger beer and a game of pool with the U.S Marine Corps Security Guard responsible for the protection and defense of Mr. Michalak and the Embassy.  Among these, SSGT Emmanuel Sable, originally from Harlem, New York, offered his insights into his life-altering career in the Marines.

Since being sworn into the position of Ambassador on August 10, 2007, Michalak has been the chief American diplomat in Hanoi. After the reunification of Vietnam in 1975, there followed a period of 20 years in which the United States had no diplomatic relations with Vietnam.

The USA opened a Liaison Office in Hanoi on January 28, 1995. Diplomatic relations were established July 11, 1995.

Additional to his current Ambassadorship, Michalak has worked for the U.S. Department of State for over 30 years and is the recipient of a group award for valor for his actions in time of crisis when the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad was burned down.

When pressed for some of his favorite sports teams in Detroit, it was clear that he still is able to follow the doings of the Lions, Tigers, Red Wings and Pistons, and expressed the usual woes of Detroit sports fans.

Of course, he retains a special place in his heart for his beloved Oakland University Golden Grizzlies.