No one elected them to office, but don’t think they don’t serve the people of Orange County, Calif.

They work endless hours, attending rallies, answering questions, helping to solve the problems of Vietnamese American constituents.

They serve as the eyes and ears of their bosses, some of Southern California’s most prominent politicians. They stay up late, watching the numbers and polls, and awake early to scan the newspaper.

They are the people standing next to California’s leaders today, observing behind the scenes and on the front lines. In honor of our nation’s birthday, here’s a little more about them.

DI?P MIÊN TRU?NG

Birthplace: Sài Gòn.
Assists: Assemblyman Van Tr?n (R-Costa Mesa).
Serves: 68th Assembly (Costa Mesa, Garden Grove, Westminster, Fountain Valley, Anaheim, Stanton and Newport Beach).
Education: Bachelor of arts degree in public administration from San Diego State University; master’s degree in public administration from California State University, Long Beach.
Why I chose politics: I actually fell into it, but don’t get me wrong — I have a real passion for it. People don’t really see the difference unless they’re behind the scenes, doing it themselves. For example, because I’m at the state level, we help a lot of nail technicians and salon owners with license renewals and such, and when we finish the paperwork, it’s so fulfilling. It’s like I’ve helped them with their livelihood. Even the other day, a guy called in because his root canal approval (from insurance) was taking forever, and it was such a relief to finally get it done for him.
Most memorable moment of my political career: Back in the day, I met Arnold (Schwarzenegger) at a political rally in San Diego around 2004. It was so cool because I was two feet away from him. Of course, now I’m used to it. This moment meant so much to me because the governor holds the same values as the Vietnamese American community: hard work, compassion and entrepreneurship.
Favorite book: “Breach of Trust: How Washington Turns Political Outsiders into Insiders” by Tom Coburn
Spare-time fun: I like going to the movies.
Being an American means: I am free to pursue my own goals and dreams in life.
Unexpected political perk: The respect and generosity I’m receiving from the community, which is a good reflection upon my supervisor. I also feel more like a personal friend with my employer and a little brother with my coworkers.
Wearing my power suit makes me feel: Confident.

CHUYÊN NGUY?N

Birthplace: Ninh Bình, Vi?t Nam.
Assists: State Sen. Joe Dunn (D-Garden Grove).
Serves: Senate District 34 (Anaheim, Fullerton, Westminster, Buena Park, Stanton, Garden Grove, Santa Ana and some of Orange).
Education: Second Baccalaureate from Tru?ng Son Secondary High School, Sài Gòn.
Why I chose politics: I love serving people.
Most memorable moment: I ran for mayor for the city of Westminster in ’98, and although I lost, it was still a good memory. For the first time, I saw so much Vietnamese participation. I felt so excited, never imagining I would be a former pilot from a humble background in a new land and running for mayor.
Advice for those wanting to join the political arena: Watch the news and read the newspaper everyday, especially politically-related issues.
If I weren’t in politics: I’d be in a position that helps people who are less fortunate, whether it be due to language barriers, trouble with the law, lack of food or shelter. I really enjoy helping those who don’t understand the system. Surprisingly, a lot of native citizens don’t know much about the system.
How I would describe my job: In a typical day, I will read the news, looking for issues pertaining to the district or state, meet with organizations and constituents and handle cases through the phone. A lot of the state-level organizations I work with include the Franchise Tax Board and the DMV.
Unexpected political perk: It was Feb. 2, 1999, when I reported to work in Sacramento for the first time.  I remember it was a very cold winter in Northern California. As soon as I landed at the Sacramento International Airport from Orange County’s John Wayne, I saw a man standing in the walkways, huddled over a cup of steaming coffee and waving at me.  I rubbed my eyes to verify that I wasn’t dreaming.  In shock I realized it was State Sen. Joseph L. Dunn, the man that I was supposed to work for.  He personally came to the airport and picked me up.
After six years deep in the jungles of South Vi?t Nam as a no-name second lieutenant pilot, had I been shot down and killed, nobody would have any time to remember me except my mom and my blood relatives.  I would have been forgotten and counted as another number in the war’s statistics. But 25 years later, here I am, having a California state senator personally going to the airport terminal to pick me up. ... That’s something I will treasure for the rest of my life.
Spare-time fun: Reading political books and finishing up my own book in English about my six years as a South Vietnamese pilot.

    
KHÔI T?

Birthplace: Sài Gòn.
Assists: U.S. Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (D-Garden Grove).
Serves:  47th Congressional District (Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Fullerton and Anaheim).
Education: Bachelor of arts in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles; Public Policy/International Affairs fellow at Princeton University.
Why I chose politics: I believe that we have a responsibility to speak up for those who are voiceless, and that government plays an important role in helping those who are less fortunate.
Most memorable moment: Staying up all night in 2000, watching the results of the presidential race between Al Gore and George Bush. 
Must-reads to be in the political know: “The People’s History of the United States: 1492 to Present” by Howard Zinn; “The Best Democracy Money Can Buy” by Greg Palast; “Confessions of an Economic Hit Man” by John Perkins; “The World Is Flat” by Thomas L. Friedman
If I weren’t in politics: I would want to work in the public health field.
Spare-time fun: Reading, playing tennis and watching movies.
How I describe my job: My job functions like the eyes and ears of a member of Congress: trying to understand the needs of the community and doing my best to fulfill those needs.
Wearing my power suit makes me feel: Humbled. As a government employee, I believe that we work for the people. The people have the power, not government. 
Unexpected political perk: Many “thank you” cards.

 TAMMY TR?N TH? TH?ÊN TÂM

Birthplace: Long Beach, Calif.
Assists: Former California assemblyman and current Orange County Supervisor Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana)
Serves: Orange County 1st Supervisorial District (Santa Ana, Westminster, Garden Grove and Midway City)
Education: Bachelor of Arts in international relations from the University of Southern California.
Why I chose politics: It was not a choice but rather a way of community service. My interest has long been to establish a career in which I am able to serve my community and specifically the Vietnamese American community. I never had any intention of working in politics and definitely not for as long as I have now. It is a little more than three years. But I have been very fortunate to work for an elected official who is not your typical politician. Lou is someone I know is always working in the best interest of the community.
Most memorable moment: The most valuable moments in my job are when I see or hear of my boss being warmly greeted by an everyday constituent at Costco, Home Depot or Ngu?i Vi?t Supermarket.
Must-reads to be in the political know: For state politics, www.rtumble.com. For information on human trafficking, www.vietact.org.
If I weren’t in politics: My long term goal is to conduct academic research and teach political science.
Spare-time fun: Working to build my non-profit organization VietACT, scrapbooking and event planning.