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Interagency Task Force on Indochina Refugees - Award For Julia Taft - February 18-26, 1976
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Interagency Task Force on Indochina Refugees - Award For Julia Taft - February 18-26, 1976
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White House Special Files Unit Files
Issue Decision Papers for the President
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Vietnam (Republic)
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The original documents are located in Box 5, folder "Interagency Task Force on Indochina
Refugees - Award for Julia Taft - February 18-26, 1976" of the White House Special Files
Unit Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box 5 of the White House Special Files Unit Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
ITEM TRANSFER REFERENCE FORM
The item described below has been removed.
m
New File Location: audiovisual collection
Document Description: 8 X 10 b & W glossie 6f Julia Taft
Old File Location: Special Files, Issue Papers for the President
Interagency Task Force, Award for Julia Taft
By PLC
Date 4/13/84
NLFP - 11/4/77
I called Ted Marrs office to find out where original
letter to President was he has it --- he received
it by hand from HEW --- I told him that it should
have come thru channels (nobody knew where it was).
He will send to me
---
I did not tell him about the
approval -- as I do not think we can consider this
final until it is staffed out to find
if in fact
Julia Taft can be given this award.
Trudy Fry
2/25/76
HEALTH.
EDUCATION
OF THE MISSING AND
THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20201
U.S.A.
February 18, 1976
MEMORANDUM TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT: Nomination of Julia Vadala Taft for the
President's Award for Distinguished Federal
Civilian Service
Mrs. Julia Vadala Taft served from May 1975 through
December 1975 as Director of the Interagency Task
Force for Indochina Refugees. As a result of her
outstanding abilities, this program has been concluded
with the successful resettlement into American society
of 130, 000 Indochina refugees. The demands of this
Presidentially mandated mission and the challenging
complexity of the resettlement process have been
superbly managed and successfully resolved by this
highly dedicated and talented young woman. The
attached documentation outlines her specific accom-
plishments.
Accordingly, we respectfully request your favorable
consideration of our nomination of Julia Vadala Taft
for the President's Award for Distinguished Federal
Civilian Service.
A.
Henry A. Kissinger
David Mathews
Secretary of State
Secretary of Health, Education,
and Welfare
Attachment
Julia Vadala Taft
A. BIOGRAPHICAL DATA
1. Date and Place of Birth
July 27, 1942
New York, New York
2. Educational Background
University of Colorado - B.A. 1964
Political Science (Cited for Superior Scholarship)
University of Colorado - M.A. 1969
Political Science (International Politics)
3. Federal Employment Background
Director, Interagency Task Force for Indochina Refugees
May 1975 - December 1975
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Development
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
August 1973 - Present
Deputy Director (Health)
Cabinet Committee on Human Resources
March 1973 - June 1973
Special Assistant to the Secretary for External Affairs
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
September 1971 - September 1973
White House Fellow
Office of the Vice President
September 1970 - September 1971
4. Appointment Status
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Development
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
Secretarial Appointment
Non-career (Schedule C)
GS-17
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 2
B. PROPOSED CITATION
For her exceptional performance as Director of the
Interagency Task Force for Indochina Refugees.
Mrs. Taft's leadership of the Indochina Refugee
Resettlement Program has been an outstanding example
of dedication to public service and sensitivity to
human needs. Her ability to inspire cooperation
and to motivate public and private institutions to
initiate and successfully complete an important and
complex humanitarian endeavor reflect the highest
ideals of the United States.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 3
C. NARRATIVE STATEMENT
1. Description of Accomplishment and Outstanding
Achievement
The emergency migration to the United States of over
140,000 Indochinese refugees in a period of only a few
months is unprecedented in United States history. That
the cultural and religious heritage of these refugees
is substantially different from our own heritage added
to the difficulty of absorbing these people. Furthermore,
the political and economic climate in the United States
at the time of their exodus from Southeast Asia dampened
the enthusiasm with which these unfortunate refugees
might otherwise have been welcomed by the American people.
Without question, the United States has never in so short
a period of time engaged in a refugee resettlement of such
size and complexity as the Indochinese refugee resettlement
program.
As of December 20, 1975, all Indochinese refugees who were
in U.S. reception centers had been resettled into American
society. The remarkable success of this resettlement is
due substantially to the perseverance, leadership, initiative
and unremitting energy of Julia Vadala Taft.
Mrs. Taft provided skillful oversight and policy direction
in the organization of the reception centers and the
effective and humane processing of the refugees through
these centers. In numerous public appearances she reminded
Americans of their own immigrant and refugee heritage and
achieved significant public support for this program. Her
accessibility to the press and her honest and forthright
response to criticism in the media provided for this effort
a degree of public credibility which is unusual for a Federal
program.
The effectiveness and success of the Indochina refugee
resettlement program has been dependent upon the active
participation of numerous public and private American
institutions. Mrs. Taft's outstanding ability has been
to successfully achieve the participation, cooperation
and active interest of these institutions.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 4
Throughout the entire resettlement process, Mrs. Taft's
leadership, high standards, humanitarian concerns, and
ability to inspire the cooperation of diverse public and
private interests on behalf of this complex endeavor have
been in the finest tradition of public service.
The number and diversity of the organizations whose
participation Mrs. Taft successfully obtained and
effectively coordinated on behalf of this program is
extraordinary - - the four United States military services,
12 Federal departments and agencies, 15 Voluntary resettle-
ment agencies, State and local governments and agencies
of the United Nations. In addition, there was daily contact
with and frequent presentation of legislative and oversight
testimony to the Congress of the United States.
Mrs. Taft's ability to coordinate the diverse interests
of these groups and to achieve harmony in working toward
the specific goal of effective refugee resettlement has
been exceptional. Her performance in achieving this
cooperation has been equally remarkable since she has
received the highest praise for her abilities from her
colleagues within these organizations. This is high
praise indeed, since the possibility of failing in such
a multi-institutional endeavor has been historically
greater than the possibility of succeeding.
Mrs. Taft's leadership, persistence and ability to
inspire cooperation among diverse organizations have,
without question, been the catalytic force behind the
success of this program.
2. Additional Details
As Director of the Interagency Task Force for Indochina
Refugees, Mrs. Taft has had the unique and substantial
responsibility for coordinating the activities of 12
Federal departments and agencies and 15 Voluntary
resettlement agencies, and for establishing policy and
guidance on all aspects of the refugee resettlement
program.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 5
Some of her specific duties were:
1. Operational responsibility for staging areas
at Guam and Wake Island and for the four refugee
reception centers in the United States. These centers
were located at Camp Pendleton, California; Fort Chaffee,
Arkansas; Eglin Air Force Base, Florida; and Indiantown
Gap Military Reservation, Pennsylvania.
2. The reception into these centers of over 140,000
Indochinese refugees.
3. The organization and coordination of health,
social security, immigration status and security check
procedures, as well as organizing education, acculturation
and broad counselling programs.
4. Provision of testimony to the Congress which led
to the enactment of "The Indochina Migration and Refugee
Assistance Act of 1975" authorizing the refugee program.
This act was signed by the President on May 24, 1975.
5. The negotiation of contracts with voluntary
resettlement agencies. The work of these agencies has
been critical in arranging sponsors and resettlement
for the refugees.
6. Negotiations with interested State and local
governments for special resettlement programs in their
communities.
7. Organization of special programs with private
American business organizations to provide jobs and
housing for refugees.
8. The establishment of guidelines for the States
which explain the nature of Federal government financial
support in the fields of health and medical services,
education, and welfare services.
9. The special attention and planning which was
required for nearly 2,000 evacuees who preferred
repatriation to their homeland.
10. The phase down and closure of the reception
centers with transfer of on-going responsibilities
to the Department of State and the Department of
Health, Education, and Welfare.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 6
The principal tangible benefit of this program was the
effective and humane resettlement into American society
of the Indochina refugees. It is becoming increasingly
apparent that they too will make substantial contributions
to their communities and to the nation just as other
refugee populations have. A further tangible benefit
to the Government is the effectiveness with which the
program was managed. Despite the chaotic conditions
under which this program began, it has been concluded
after only nine months. In addition, $25 million of
unexpended appropriated funds have been earmarked for
transfer to the Department of Health, Education, and
Welfare to supplement the refugee social services
activities which are now the responsibility of the HEW
Refugee Task Force, and approximately $27 million will
be available for further refugee operations or will be
returned to the United States Treasury. The successful
completion of a Federal program and the potential return
of substantial appropriated monies to the Treasury is
a rare, if not unparalled program conclusion in the
recent annals of Federal program management.
The most significant intangible benefit of this program
is that it has shown that the institutions of the Federal
Government do work; they work together creatively, they work
in the public interest, and they work effectively with
State governments and private institutions. If the effects
of this program have served in part to modify the apprehension
with which the American public has come to regard its public
and private institutions in recent years, this is a significant
intangible benefit indeed.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 7
D. OTHER SIGNIFICANT AWARDS
1. Secretary's Special Citation - 1973
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
2. Nominated by the Secretary of Health, Education,
and Welfare for the 1976 Arthur S. Flemming Award
for the Ten Outstanding Young Men and Women in
the Federal Government
HEALTH.
THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20201
U.S.A.
February 18, 1976
MEMORANDUM TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT: Nomination of Julia Vadala Taft for the
President's Award for Distinguished Federal
Civilian Service
Mrs. Julia Vadala Taft served from May 1975 through
December 1975 as Director of the Interagency Task
Force for Indochina Refugees. As a result of her
outstanding abilities, this program has been concluded
with the successful resettlement into American society
of 130,000 Indochina refugees. The demands of this
Presidentially mandated mission and the challenging
complexity of the resettlement process have been
superbly managed and successfully resolved by this
highly dedicated and talented young woman. The
attached documentation outlines her specific accom-
plishments.
Accordingly, we respectfully request your favorable
consideration of our nomination of Julia Vadala Taft
for the President's Award for Distinguished Federal
Civilian Service.
Henry A. Kissinger
David Mathews
Secretary of State
Secretary of Health, Education,
and Welfare
Attachment
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.:
Date:
February 26, 1976
Time:
FOR ACTION:
CC (for information):
Phil Buchen
Douglas P. Bennett
Jim Cannon
Jim Lynn
Bob Hartmann
Jack Marsh
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date:
Monday,
March 1
Time:
10 A.M.
SUBJECT:
Memorandum from Secretary Kissinger &
Secretary Mathews re: Nomination of Julia
Vadala Taft fljur tjästinguished Federal
Civilian Ser vice
ACTION REQUESTED:
For Necessary Action
X For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
X
For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
Bennett- - enclose wholeheartedly Y
Hartimann-see commets
Buchen - concurs
Marsh-
BERNED
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you anticipate C.
delay in submitting the required material, please
James E. Connor
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
For the President
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 19, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
DICK CHENEY
THROUGH:
PHIL BUCHEN
JACK MARSH
From Ted mark
SUBJECT:
JULIA TAFT PROPOSED AWARD
I would like to arrange an awards ceremony with
representatives from the inter-departmental
task force and the members of the White House
Staff who supported Julia in this effort.
She earned an award at this level for the unique
accomplishments of doing this job with a mini-
mun of adverse publicity or Congressional com-
plication.
APPROVE
DISAPPROVE
Enclosures
THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH. EDUCATION. AND WELFARE
WASHINGTON. D. C.20201
STUDENT
February 18, 1976
MEMORANDUM TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT: Nomination of Julia Vadala Taft for the
President's Award for Distinguished Federal
Civilian Service
Mrs. Julia Vadala Taft served from May 1975 through
December 1975 as Director of the Interagency Task
Force for Indochina Refugees. As a result of her
outstanding abilities, this program has been concluded
with the successful resettlement into American society
of 130,000 Indochina refugees. The demands of this
Presidentially mandated mission and the challenging
complexity of the resettlement process have been
superbly managed and successfully resolved by this
highly dedicated and talented young woman. The
attached documentation outlines her specific accom-
plishments.
Accordingly, we respectfully request your favorable
consideration of our nomination of Julia Vadala Taft
for the President's Award for Distinguished Federal
Civilian Service.
Henry A, Kissinger
David Mathews
Secretary of State
Secretary of Health, Education,
and Welfare
Attachment
192840 FORD
Julia Vadala Taft
A. BIOGRAPHICAL DATA
1. Date and Place of Birth
July 27, 1942
New York, New York
2. Educational Background
University of Colorado - B.A. 1964
Political Science (Cited for Superior Scholarship)
University of Colorado - M.A. 1969
Political Science (International Politics)
3. Federal Employment Background
Director, Interagency Task Force for Indochina Refugees
May 1975 - December 1975
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Development
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
August 1973 - Present
Deputy Director (Health)
Cabinet Committee on Human Resources
March 1973 - June 1973
Special Assistant to the Secretary for External Affairs
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
September 1971 - September 1973
White House Fellow
Office of the Vice President
September 1970 - September 1971
4. Appointment Status
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Development
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
Secretarial Appointment
Non-career (Schedule C)
GS-17
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 2
B. PROPOSED CITATION
For her exceptional performance as Director of the
Interagency Task Force for Indochina Refugees.
Mrs. Taft's leadership of the Indochina Refugee
Resettlement Program has been an outstanding example
of dedication to public service and sensitivity to
human needs. Her ability to inspire cooperation
and to motivate public and private institutions to
initiate and successfully complete an important and
complex humanitarian endeavor reflect the highest
ideals of the United States.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 3
C. NARRATIVE STATEMENT
1. Description of Accomplishment and Outstanding
Achievement
The emergency migration to the United States of over
140,000 Indochinese refugees in a period of only a. few
months is unprecedented in United States history. That
the cultural and religious heritage of these refugees
is substantially different from our own heritage added
to the difficulty of absorbing these people. Furthermore,
the political and economic climate in the United States
at the time of their exodus from Southeast Asia dampened
the enthusiasm with which these unfortunate refugees
might otherwise have been welcomed by the American people.
Without question, the United States has never in so short
a period of time engaged in a refugee resettlement of such
size and complexity as the Indochinese refugee resettlement
program.
As of December 20, 1975, all Indochinese refugees who were
in U.S. reception centers had been resettled into American
society. The remarkable success of this resettlement is
due substantially to the perseverance, leadership, initiative
and unremitting energy of Julia Vadala Taft.
Mrs. Taft provided skillful oversight and policy direction
in the organization of the reception centers and the
effective and humane processing of the refugees through
these centers. In numerous public appearances she reminded
Americans of their own immigrant and refugee heritage and
achieved significant public support for this program. Her
accessibility to the press and her honest and forthright
response to criticism in the media provided for this effort
a degree of public credibility which is unusual for a Federal
program
The effectiveness and success of the Indochina refugee
resettlement program has been dependent upon the active
participation of numerous public and private American
institutions. Mrs. Taft's outstanding ability has been
iv successfully achieve the participation, cooperation
and active interest of these institutions.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 4
Throughout the entire resettlement process, Mrs. Taft's
leadership, high standards, humanitarian concerns, and
ability to inspire the cooperation of diverse public and
private interests on behalf of this complex endeavor have
been in the finest tradition of public service.
The number and diversity of the organizations whose
participation Mrs. Taft successfully obtained and
effectively coordinated on behalf of this program is
extraordinary - - the four United States military services,
12 Federal departments and agencies, 15 Voluntary resettle-
ment agencies, State and local governments and agencies
of the United Nations. In addition, there was daily contact
with and frequent presentation of legislative and oversight
testimony to the Congress of the United States.
Mrs. Taft's ability to coordinate the diverse interests
of these groups and to achieve harmony in working toward
the specific goal of effective refugee resettlement has
been exceptional. Her performance in achieving this
cooperation has been equally remarkable since she has
received the highest praise for her abilities from her
colleagues within these organizations. This is high
praise indeed, since the possibility of failing in such
a multi-institutional endeavor has been historically
greater than the possibility of succeeding.
Mrs. Taft's leadership, persistence and ability to
inspire cooperation among diverse organizations have,
without question, been the catalytic force behind the
success of this program.
2. Additional Details
As Director of the Interagency Task Force for Indochina
Refugees, Mrs. Taft has had the unique and substantial
responsibility for coordinating the activities of 12
Federal departments and agencies and 15 Voluntary
resettlement agencies, and for establishing policy and
guidance on all aspects of the refugee resettlement
program.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 5
Some of her specific duties were:
1. Operational responsibility for staging areas
at Guam and Wake Island and for the four refugee
reception centers in the United States. These centers
were located at Camp Pendleton, California; Fort Chaffee,
Arkansas; Eglin Air Force Base, Florida; and Indiantown
Gap Military Reservation, Pennsylvania.
2. The reception into these centers of over 140,000
Indochinese refugees.
3. The organization and coordination of health,
social security, immigration status and security check
procedures, as well as organizing education, acculturation
and broad counselling programs.
4. Provision of testimony to the Congress which led
to the enactment of "The Indochina Migration and Refugee
Assistance Act of 1975" authorizing the refugee program.
This act was signed by the President on May 24, 1975.
5. The negotiation of contracts with voluntary
resettlement agencies. The work of these agencies has
been. critical in arranging sponsors and resettlement
for the refugees.
6.
Negotiations with interested State and local
governments for special resettlement programs in their
communities.
7. Organization of special programs with private
American business organizations to provide jobs and
housing for refugees.
8. The establishment of guidelines for the States
which explain the nature of Federal government financial
support in the fields of health and medical services,
education, and welfare services.
9. The special attention and planning which was
required for nearly 2,000 evacuees who preferred
repatriation to their homeland.
10. The phase down and closure of the reception
centers with transfer of on-going responsibilities
to the Department of State and the Department of
Health, Education, and Welfare.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 6
The principal tangible benefit of this program was the
effective and humane resettlement into American society
of the Indochina refugees. It is becoming increasingly
apparent that they too will make substantial contributions
to their communities and to the nation just as other
refugee populations have. A further tangible benefit
to the Government is the effectiveness with which the
program was managed. Despite the chaotic conditions
under which this program began, it has been concluded
after only nine months. In addition, $25 million of
unexpended appropriated funds have been earmarked for
transfer to the Department of Health, Education, and
Welfare to supplement the refugee social services
activities which are now the responsibility of the HEW
Refugee Task Force, and approximately $27 million will
be available for further refugee operations or will be
returned to the United States Treasury. The successful
completion of a Federal program and the potential return
of substantial appropriated monies to the Treasury is
a rare, if not unparalled program conclusion in the
recent annals of Federal program management.
The most significant intangible benefit of this program
is that it has shown that the institutions of the Federal
Government do work; they work together creatively, they work
in the public interest, and they work effectively with
State governments and private institutions. If the effects
of this program have served in part to modify the apprehension
with which the American public has come to regard its public
and private institutions in recent years, this is a significant
intangible benefit indeed.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 7
D. OTHER SIGNIFICANT AWARDS
1. Secretary's Special Citation - 1973
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
2. Nominated by the Secretary of Health, Education,
and Welfare for the 1976 Arthur S. Flemming Award
for the Ten Outstanding Young Men and Women in
the Federal Government
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Yes -redorse
wholzhrautedly.
D
0
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.:
Date:
February 26, 1976
Time:
FOR ACTION:
CC (for information):
Phil Buchen
Douglas P. Bennett
Jim Cannon
Jim Lynn
Bob Hartmann
Jack Marsh
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date:
Monday,
March 1
Time: 10 A.M.
SUBJECT:
Memorandum from Secretary Kissinger &
Secretary Mathews re: Nomination of Julia
Vadala Taft for Distinguished Federal
Civilian Ser vice
ACTION REQUESTED:
For Necessary Action
X For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
X
For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
GERALD
Dang
Return To:
To:
2/27/24
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
delay its submitting the required material, please
James E. Connor
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
For the President
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 19, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
DICK CHENEY
THROUGH:
PHIL BUCHEN
JACK MARSH
From Ted mark
SUBJECT:
JULIA TAFT PROPOSED AWARD
I would like to arrange an awards ceremony with
representatives from the inter-departmental
task force and the members of the White House
Staff who supported Julia in this effort.
She earned an award at this level for the unique
accomplishments of doing this job with a mini-
mun of adverse publicity or Congressional com-
plication.
APPROVE
DISAPPROVE
Enclosures
THIN
THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH. EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.20201
STATES
February 18, 1976
MEMORANDUM TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT: Nomination of Julia Vadala Taft for the
President's Award for Distinguished Federal
Civilian Service
Mrs. Julia Vadala Taft served from May 1975 through
December 1975 as Director of the Interagency Task
Force for Indochina Refugees. As a result of her
outstanding abilities, this program has been concluded
with the successful resettlement into American society
of 130,000 Indochina refugees. The demands of this
Presidentially mandated mission and the challenging
complexity of the resettlement process have been
superbly managed and successfully resolved by this
highly dedicated and talented young woman. The
attached documentation outlines her specific accom-
plishments.
Accordingly, we respectfully request your favorable
consideration of our nomination of Julia Vadala Taft
for the President's Award for Distinguished Federal
Civilian Service.
A.
Henry A. Kissinger
David Mathews
Secretary of State
Secretary of Health, Education,
and Welfare
Attachment
Julia Vadala Taft
A. BIOGRAPHICAL DATA
1. Date and Place of Birth
July 27, 1942
New York, New York
2. Educational Background
University of Colorado - B.A. 1964
Political Science (Cited for Superior Scholarship)
University of Colorado - M.A. 1969
Political Science (International Politics)
3. Federal Employment Background
Director, Interagency Task Force for Indochina Refugees
May 1975 - December 1975
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Development
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
August 1973 - Present
Deputy Director (Health)
Cabinet Committee on Human Resources
March 1973 - June 1973
Special Assistant to the Secretary for External Affairs
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
September 1971 - September 1973
White House Fellow
Office of the Vice President
September 1970 - September 1971
4. Appointment Status
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Development
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
Secretarial Appointment
Non-career (Schedule C)
GS-17
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 2
B. PROPOSED CITATION
For her exceptional performance as Director of the
Interagency Task Force for Indochina Refugees.
Mrs. Taft's leadership of the Indochina Refugee
Resettlement Program has been an outstanding example
of dedication to public service and sensitivity to
human needs. Her ability to inspire cooperation
and to motivate public and private institutions to
initiate and successfully complete an important and
complex humanitarian endeavor reflect the highest
ideals of the United States.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 3
C. NARRATIVE STATEMENT
1. Description of Accomplishment and Outstanding
Achievement
The emergency migration to the United States of over
140,000 Indochinese refugees in a period of only a few
months is unprecedented in United States history. That
the cultural and religious heritage of these refugees
is substantially different from our own heritage added
to the difficulty of absorbing these people. Furthermore,
the political and economic climate in the United States
at the time of their exodus from Southeast Asia dampened
the enthusiasm with which these unfortunate refugees
might otherwise have been welcomed by the American people.
Without question, the United States has never in so short
a period of time engaged in a refugee resettlement of such
size and complexity as the Indochinese refugee resettlement
program.
As of December 20, 1975, all Indochinese refugees who were
in U.S. reception centers had been resettled into American
society. The remarkable success of this resettlement is
due substantially to the perseverance, leadership, initiative
and unremitting energy of Julia Vadala Taft.
Mrs. Taft provided skillful oversight and policy direction
in the organization of the reception centers and the
effective and humane processing of the refugees through
these centers. In numerous public appearances she reminded
Americans of their own immigrant and refugee heritage and
achieved significant public support for this program. Her
accessibility to the press and her honest and forthright
response to criticism in the media provided for this effort
a degree of public credibility which is unusual for a Federal
program.
The effectiveness and success of the Indochina refugee
resettlement program has been dependent upon the active
participation of numerous public and private American
institutions. Mrs. Taft's outstanding ability has been
to successfully achieve the participation, cooperation
and active interest of these institutions.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 4
Throughout the entire resettlement process, Mrs. Taft's
leadership, high standards, humanitarian concerns, and
ability to inspire the cooperation of diverse public and
private interests on behalf of this complex endeavor have
been in the finest tradition of public service.
The number and diversity of the organizations whose
participation Mrs. Taft successfully obtained and
effectively coordinated on behalf of this program is
extraordinary the four United States military services,
12 Federal departments and agencies, 15 Voluntary resettle-
ment agencies, State and local governments and agencies
of the United Nations. In addition, there was daily contact
with and frequent presentation of legislative and oversight
testimony to the Congress of the United States.
Mrs. Taft's ability to coordinate the diverse interests
of these .groups and to achieve harmony in working toward
the specific goal of effective refugee resettlement has
been exceptional. Her performance in achieving this
cooperation has been equally remarkable since she has
received the highest praise for her abilities from her
colleagues within these organizations. This is high
praise indeed, since the possibility of failing in such
a multi-institutional endeavor has been historically
greater than the possibility of succeeding.
Mrs. Taft's leadership, persistence and ability to
inspire cooperation among diverse organizations have,
without question, been the catalytic force behind the
success of this program.
2. Additional Details
As Director of the Interagency Task Force for Indochina
Refugees, Mrs. Taft has had the unique and substantial
responsibility for coordinating the activities of 12
Federal departments and agencies and 15 Voluntary
resettlement agencies, and for establishing policy and
guidance on all aspects of the refugee resettlement
program.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 5
Some of her specific duties were:
1. Operational responsibility for staging areas
at Guam and Wake Island and for the four refugee
reception centers in the United States. These centers
were located at Camp Pendleton, California; Fort Chaffee,
Arkansas; Eglin Air Force Base, Florida; and Indiantown
Gap Military Reservation, Pennsylvania.
2. The reception into these centers of over 140,000
Indochinese refugees.
3. The organization and coordination of health,
social security, immigration status and security check
procedures, as well as organizing education, acculturation
and broad counselling programs.
4. Provision of testimony to the Congress which led
to the enactment of "The Indochina Migration and Refugee
Assistance Act of 1975" authorizing the refugee program.
This act was signed by the President on May 24, 1975.
5. The negotiation of contracts with voluntary
resettlement agencies. The work of these agencies has
been critical in arranging sponsors and resettlement
for the refugees.
6. Negotiations with interested State and local
governments for special resettlement programs in their
communities.
7. Organization of special programs with private
American business organizations to provide jobs and
housing for refugees.
8. The establishment of guidelines for the States
which explain the nature of Federal government financial
support in the fields of health and medical services,
education, and welfare services.
9. The special attention and planning which was
required for nearly 2,000 evacuees who preferred
repatriation to their homeland.
10. The phase down and closure of the reception
centers with transfer of on-going responsibilities
to the Department of State and the Department of
Health, Education, and Welfare.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 6
The principal tangible benefit of this program was the
effective and humane resettlement into American society
of the Indochina refugees. It is becoming increasingly
apparent that they too will make substantial contributions
to their communities and to the nation just as other
refugee populations have. A further tangible benefit
to the Government is the effectiveness with which the
program was managed. Despite the chaotic conditions
under which this program began, it has been concluded
after only nine months. In addition, $25 million of
unexpended appropriated funds have been earmarked for
transfer to the Department of Health, Education, and
Welfare to supplement the refugee social services
activities which are now the responsibility of the HEW
Refugee Task Force, and approximately $27 million will
be available for further refugee operations or will be
returned to the United States Treasury. The successful
completion of a Federal program and the potential return
of substantial appropriated monies to the Treasury is
a rare, if not unparalled program conclusion in the
recent annals of Federal program management.
The most significant intangible benefit of this program
is that it has shown that the institutions of the Federal
Government do work; they work together creatively, they work
in the public interest, and they work effectively with
State governments and private institutions. If the effects
of this program have served in part to modify the apprehension
with which the American public has come to regard its public
and private institutions in recent years, this is a significant
intangible benefit indeed.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 7
D. OTHER SIGNIFICANT AWARDS
1. Secretary's Special Citation - 1973
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
2. Nominated by the Secretary of Health, Education,
and Welfare for the 1976 Arthur S. Flemming Award
for the Ten Outstanding Young Men and Women in
the Federal Government
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASLINGTON
LOG NO.:
Date:
February 26, 1976
Time:
FOR ACTION:
CC (for information):
Phil Buchen
Douglas P. Bennett
Jim Cannon
Jim Lynn
Bob Hartmann
Jack Marsh
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date:
Monday,
March 1
Time:
10 A. M.
SUBJECT:
Memorandum from Secretary Kissinger &
Secretary Mathews re: Nomination of Julia
Vadala Taft for Distinguished Federal
Civilian Ser vice
ACTION REQUESTED:
For Necessary Action
X For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
delay in submitting the required material, please
James E. Connor
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
For the President
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 19, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
DICK CHENEY
THROUGH:
PHIL BUCHEN
JACK MARSH
From Ted mark
SUBJECT:
JULIA TAFT PROPOSED AWARD
I would like to arrange an awards ceremony with
representatives from the inter-departmental
task force and the members of the White House
Staff who supported Julia in this effort.
She earned an award at this level for the unique
accomplishments of doing this job with a mini-
mun of adverse publicity or Congressional com-
plication.
APPROVE
DISAPPROVE
Enclosures
THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20201
INVOICE USA
February 18, 1976
MEMORANDUM TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT: Nomination of Julia Vadala Taft for the
President's Award for Distinguished Federal
Civilian Service
Mrs. Julia Vadala Taft served from May 1975 through
December 1975 as Director of the Interagency Task
Force for Indochina Refugees. As a result of her
outstanding abilities, this program has been concluded
with the successful resettlement into American society
of 130,000 Indochina refugees. The demands of this
Presidentially mandated mission and the challenging
complexity of the resettlement process have been
superbly managed and successfully resolved by this
highly dedicated and talented young woman. The
attached documentation outlines her specific accom-
plishments.
Accordingly, we respectfully request your favorable
consideration of our nomination of Julia Vadala Taft
for the President's Award for Distinguished Federal
Civilian Service.
A.
Henry A. Kissinger
David Mathews
Secretary of State
Secretary of Health, Education,
and Welfare
Attachment
Julia Vadala Taft
A. BIOGRAPHICAL DATA
1. Date and Place of Birth
July 27, 1942
New York, New York
2. Educational Background
University of Colorado - B.A. 1964
Political Science (Cited for Superior Scholarship)
University of Colorado - M.A. 1969
Political Science (International Politics)
3. Federal Employment Background
Director, Interagency Task Force for Indochina Refugees
May 1975 - December 1975
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Development
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
August 1973 - Present
Deputy Director (Health)
Cabinet Committee on Human Resources
March 1973 - June 1973
Special Assistant to the Secretary for External Affairs
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
September 1971 - September 1973
White House Fellow
Office of the Vice President
September 1970 - September 1971
4. Appointment Status
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Development
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
Secretarial Appointment
Non-career (Schedule C)
GS-17
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 2
B. PROPOSED CITATION
For her exceptional performance as Director of the
Interagency Task Force for Indochina Refugees.
Mrs. Taft's leadership of the Indochina Refugee
Resettlement Program has been an outstanding example
of dedication to public service and sensitivity to
human needs. Her ability to inspire cooperation
and to motivate public and private institutions to
initiate and successfully complete an important and
complex humanitarian endeavor reflect the highest
ideals of the United States.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 3
C. NARRATIVE STATEMENT
1. Description of Accomplishment and Outstanding
Achievement
The emergency migration to the United States of over
140, 000 Indochinese refugees in a period of only a few
months is unprecedented in United States history. That
the cultural and religious heritage of these refugees
is substantially different from our own heritage added
to the difficulty of absorbing these people. Furthermore,
the political and economic climate in the United States
at the time of their exodus from Southeast Asia dampened
the enthusiasm with which these unfortunate refugees
might otherwise have been welcomed by the American people.
Without question, the United States has never in so short
a period of time engaged in a refugee resettlement of such
size and complexity as the Indochinese refugee resettlement
program.
As of December 20, 1975, all Indochinese refugees who were
in U.S. reception centers had been resettled into American
society. The remarkable success of this resettlement is
due substantially to the perseverance, leadership, initiative
and unremitting energy of Julia Vadala Taft.
Mrs. Taft provided skillful oversight and policy direction
in the organization of the reception centers and the
effective and humane processing of the refugees through
these centers. In numerous public appearances she reminded
Americans of their own immigrant and refugee heritage and
achieved significant public support for this program. Her
accessibility to the press and her honest and forthright
response to criticism in the media provided for this effort
a degree of public credibility which is unusual for a Federal
program.
The effectiveness and success of the Indochina refugee
resettlement program has been dependent upon the active
participation of numerous public and private American
institutions. Mrs. Taft's outstanding ability has been
to successfully achieve the participation, cooperation
and active interest of these institutions.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 4
Throughout the entire resettlement process, Mrs. Taft's
leadership, high standards, humanitarian concerns, and
ability to inspire the cooperation of diverse public and
private interests on behalf of this complex endeavor have
been in the finest tradition of public service.
The number and diversity of the organizations whose
participation Mrs. Taft successfully obtained and
effectively coordinated on behalf of this program is
extraordinary the four United States military services,
12 Federal departments and agencies, 15 Voluntary resettle-
ment agencies, State and local governments and agencies
of the United Nations. In addition, there was daily contact
with and frequent presentation of legislative and oversight
testimony to the Congress of the United States.
Mrs. Taft's ability to coordinate the diverse interests
of these groups and to achieve harmony in working toward
the specific goal of effective refugee resettlement has
been exceptional. Her performance in achieving this
cooperation has been equally remarkable since she has
received the highest praise for her abilities from her
colleagues within these organizations. This is high
praise indeed, since the possibility of failing in such
a multi-institutional endeavor has been historically
greater than the possibility of succeeding.
Mrs. Taft's leadership, persistence and ability to
inspire cooperation among diverse organizations have,
without question, been the catalytic force behind the
success of this program.
2. Additional Details
As Director of the Interagency Task Force for Indochina
Refugees, Mrs. Taft has had the unique and substantial
responsibility for coordinating the activities of 12
Federal departments and agencies and 15 Voluntary
resettlement agencies, and for establishing policy and
guidance on all aspects of the refugee resettlement
program.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 5
Some of her specific duties were:
1. Operational responsibility for staging areas
at Guam and Wake Island and for the four refugee
reception centers in the United States. These centers
were located at Camp Pendleton, California; Fort Chaffee,
Arkansas; Eglin Air Force Base, Florida; and Indiantown
Gap Military Reservation, Pennsylvania.
2. The reception into these centers of over 140,000
Indochinese refugees.
3. The organization and coordination of health,
social security, immigration status and security check
procedures, as well as organizing education, acculturation
and broad counselling programs.
4. Provision of testimony to the Congress which led
to the enactment of "The Indochina Migration and Refugee
Assistance Act of 1975" authorizing the refugee program.
This act was signed by the President on May 24, 1975.
5. The negotiation of contracts with voluntary
resettlement agencies. The work of these agencies has
been critical in arranging sponsors and resettlement
for the refugees.
6. Negotiations with interested State and local
governments for special resettlement programs in their
communities.
7. Organization of special programs with private
American business organizations to provide jobs and
housing for refugees.
8. The establishment of guidelines for the States
which explain the nature of Federal government financial
support in the fields of health and medical services,
education, and welfare services.
9. The special attention and planning which was
required for nearly 2,000 evacuees who preferred
repatriation to their homeland.
10. The phase down and closure of the reception
centers with transfer of on-going responsibilities
to the Department of State and the Department of
Health, Education, and Welfare.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 6
The principal tangible benefit of this program was the
effective and humane resettlement into American society
of the Indochina refugees. It is becoming increasingly
apparent that they too will make substantial contributions
to their communities and to the nation just as other
refugee populations have. A further tangible benefit
to the Government is the effectiveness with which the
program was managed. Despite the chaotic conditions
under which this program began, it has been concluded
after only nine months. In addition, $25 million of
unexpended appropriated funds have been earmarked for
transfer to the Department of Health, Education, and
Welfare to supplement the refugee social services
activities which are now the responsibility of the HEW
Refugee Task Force, and approximately $27 million will
be available for further refugee operations or will be
returned to the United States Treasury. The successful
completion of a Federal program and the potential return
of substantial appropriated monies to the Treasury is
a rare, if not unparalled program conclusion in the
recent annals of Federal program management.
The most significant intangible benefit of this program
is that it has shown that the institutions of the Federal
Government do work; they work together creatively, they work
in the public interest, and they work effectively with
State governments and private institutions. If the effects
of this program have served in part to modify the apprehension
with which the American public has come to regard its public
and private institutions in recent years, this is a significant
intangible benefit indeed.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 7
D. OTHER SIGNIFICANT AWARDS
1. Secretary's Special Citation - 1973
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
2. Nominated by the Secretary of Health, Education,
and Welfare for the 1976 Arthur S. Flemming Award
for the Ten Outstanding Young Men and Women in
the Federal Government
THE WHITE HOUSE
due Mon
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.:
FEB 26 1376 3/1/76
Date:
February 26, 1976
Time:
FOR ACTION:
cc (for information):
Phil Buchen
Douglas P. Bennett
Jim Cannon
Jim Lynn
Bob Hartmann
Jack Marsh
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date:
Monday,
March 1
Time:
10 A. M.
SUBJECT:
Memorandum from Secretary Kissinger &
Secretary Mathews re: Nomination of Julia
Vadala Taft for Distinguished Federal
Civilian Ser vice
ACTION REQUESTED:
For Necessary Action
X For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
X
For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
( LIBRARY
REMARKS:
Isn't this award the
same as one previously
suggested for which she
is inelig. be not being <
career civilian
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
James E June Connor
delay in submitting the required material, please
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
For the President
THE WHITE HOUSE
washington
February 19, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
DICK CHENEY
THROUGH:
PHIL BUCHEN
JACK MARSH
From Ted marks
SUBJECT:
JULIA TAFT PROPOSED AWARD
I would like to arrange an awards ceremony with
representatives from the inter-departmental
task force and the members of the White House
Staff who supported Julia in this effort.
She earned an award at this level for the unique
accomplishments of doing this job with a mini-
mun of adverse publicity or Congressional com-
plication.
APPROVE
DISAPPROVE
Enclosures
NEW
THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20201
February 18, 1976
MEMORANDUM TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT: Nomination of Julia Vadala Taft for the
President's Award for Distinguished Federal
Civilian Service
Mrs. Julia Vadala Taft served from May 1975 through
December 1975 as Director of the Interagency Task
Force for Indochina Refugees. As a result of her
outstanding abilities, this program has been concluded
with the successful resettlement into American society
of 130,000 Indochina refugees. The demands of this
Presidentially mandated mission and the challenging
complexity of the resettlement process have been
superbly managed and successfully resolved by this
highly dedicated and talented young woman. The
attached documentation outlines her specific accom-
plishments.
Accordingly, we respectfully request your favorable
consideration of our nomination of Julia Vadala Taft
for the President's Award for Distinguished Federal
Civilian Service.
A.
Henry A. Kissinger
David Mathews
Secretary of State
Secretary of Health, Education
and Welfare
Attachment
Julia Vadala Taft
A. BIOGRAPHICAL DATA
1. Date and Place of Birth
July 27, 1942
New York, New York
2. Educational Background
University of Colorado - B.A. 1964
Political Science (Cited for Superior Scholarship)
University of Colorado - M.A. 1969
Political Science (International Politics)
3. Federal Employment Background
Director, Interagency Task Force for Indochina Refugees
May 1975 - December 1975
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Development
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
August 1973 - Present
Deputy Director (Health)
Cabinet Committee on Human Resources
March 1973 - June 1973
Special Assistant to the Secretary for External Affairs
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
September 1971 - September 1973
White House Fellow
Office of the Vice President
September 1970 - September 1971
4. Appointment Status
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Development
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
Secretarial Appointment
Non-career (Schedule C)
GS-17
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 2
B. PROPOSED CITATION
For her exceptional performance as Director of the
Interagency Task Force for Indochina Refugees.
Mrs. Taft's leadership of the Indochina Refugee
Resettlement Program has been an outstanding example
of dedication to public service and sensitivity to
human needs. Her ability to inspire cooperation
and to motivate public and private institutions to
initiate and successfully complete an important and
complex humanitarian endeavor reflect the highest
ideals of the United States.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 3
C. NARRATIVE STATEMENT
1. Description of Accomplishment and Outstanding
Achievement
The emergency migration to the United States of over
140,000 Indochinese refugees in a period of only a few
months is unprecedented in United States history. That
the cultural and religious heritage of these refugees
is substantially different from our own heritage added
to the difficulty of absorbing these people. Furthermore,
the political and economic climate in the United States
at the time of their exodus from Southeast Asia dampened
the enthusiasm with which these unfortunate refugees
might otherwise have been welcomed by the American people.
Without question, the United States has never in so short
a period of time engaged in a refugee resettlement of such
size and complexity as the Indochinese refugee resettlement
program.
As of December 20, 1975, all Indochinese refugees who were
in U.S. reception centers had been resettled into American
society. The remarkable success of this resettlement is
due substantially to the perseverance, leadership, initiative
and unremitting energy of Julia Vadala Taft.
Mrs. Taft provided skillful oversight and policy direction
in the organization of the reception centers and the
effective and humane processing of the refugees through
these centers. In numerous public appearances she reminded
Americans of their own immigrant and refugee heritage and
achieved significant public support for this program. Her
accessibility to the press and her honest and forthright
response to criticism in the media provided for this effort
a degree of public credibility which is unusual for a Federal
program.
The effectiveness and success of the Indochina refugee
resettlement program has been dependent upon the active
participation of numerous public and private American
institutions. Mrs. Taft's outstanding ability has been
to successfully achieve the participation, cooperation
and active interest of these institutions.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 4
Throughout the entire resettlement process, Mrs. Taft's
leadership, high standards, humanitarian concerns, and
ability to inspire the cooperation of diverse public and
private interests on behalf of this complex endeavor have
been in the finest tradition of public service.
The number and diversity of the organizations whose
participation Mrs. Taft successfully obtained and
effectively coordinated on behalf of this program is
extraordinary -- the four United States military services,
12 Federal departments and agencies, 15 Voluntary resettle-
ment agencies, State and local governments and agencies
of the United Nations. In addition, there was daily contact
with and frequent presentation of legislative and oversight
testimony to the Congress of the United States.
Mrs. Taft's ability to coordinate the diverse interests
of these groups and to achieve harmony in working toward
the specific goal of effective refugee resettlement has
been exceptional. Her performance in achieving this
cooperation has been equally remarkable since she has
received the highest praise for her abilities from her
colleagues within these organizations. This is high
praise indeed, since the possibility of failing in such
a multi-institutional endeavor has been historically
greater than the possibility of succeeding.
Mrs. Taft's leadership, persistence and ability to
inspire cooperation among diverse organizations have,
without question, been the catalytic force behind the
success of this program.
2. Additional Details
As Director of the Interagency Task Force for Indochina
Refugees, Mrs. Taft has had the unique and substantial
responsibility for coordinating the activities of 12
Federal departments and agencies and 15 Voluntary
resettlement agencies, and for establishing policy and
guidance on all aspects of the refugee resettlement
program.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 5
Some of her specific duties were:
1. Operational responsibility for staging areas
at Guam and Wake Island and for the four refugee
reception centers in the United States. These centers
were located at Camp Pendleton, California; Fort Chaffee,
Arkansas; Eglin Air Force Base, Florida; and Indiantown
Gap Military Reservation, Pennsylvania.
2. The reception into these centers of over 140,000
Indochinese refugees.
3. The organization and coordination of health,
social security, immigration status and security check
procedures, as well as organizing education, acculturation
and broad counselling programs.
4. Provision of testimony to the Congress which led
to the enactment of "The Indochina Migration and Refugee
Assistance Act of 1975" authorizing the refugee program.
This act was signed by the President on May 24, 1975.
5. The negotiation of contracts with voluntary
resettlement agencies. The work of these agencies has
been critical in arranging sponsors and resettlement
for the refugees.
6. Negotiations with interested State and local
governments for special resettlement programs in their
communities.
7. Organization of special programs with private
American business organizations to provide jobs and
housing for refugees.
8. The establishment of guidelines for the States
which explain the nature of Federal government financial
support in the fields of health and medical services,
education, and welfare services.
9. The special attention and planning which was
required for nearly 2,000 evacuees who preferred
repatriation to their homeland.
10. The phase down and closure of the reception
centers with transfer of on-going responsibilities
to the Department of State and the Department of
Health, Education, and Welfare.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 6
The principal tangible benefit of this program was the
effective and humane resettlement into American society
of the Indochina refugees. It is becoming increasingly
apparent that they too will make substantial contributions
to their communities and to the nation just as other
refugee populations have. A further tangible benefit
to the Government is the effectiveness with which the
program was managed. Despite the chaotic conditions
under which this program began, it has been concluded
after only nine months. In addition, $25 million of
unexpended appropriated funds have been earmarked for
transfer to the Department of Health, Education, and
Welfare to supplement the refugee social services
activities which are now the responsibility of the HEW
Refugee Task Force, and approximately $27 million will
be available for further refugee operations or will be
returned to the United States Treasury. The successful
completion of a Federal program and the potential return
of substantial appropriated monies to the Treasury is
a rare, if not unparalled program conclusion in the
recent annals of Federal program management.
The most significant intangible benefit of this program
is that it has shown that the institutions of the Federal
Government do work; they work together creatively, they work
in the public interest, and they work effectively with
State governments and private institutions. If the effects
of this program have served in part to modify the apprehension
with which the American public has come to regard its public
and private institutions in recent years, this is a significant
intangible benefit indeed.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 7
D. OTHER SIGNIFICANT AWARDS
1. Secretary's Special Citation - 1973
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
2. Nominated by the Secretary of Health, Education,
and Welfare for the 1976 Arthur S. Flemming Award
for the Ten Outstanding Young Men and Women in
the Federal Government
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.:
Date:
February 26, 1976
Time:
FOR ACTION:
cc (for information):
Phil Buchen
Douglas P. Bennett
Jim Cannon
Jim Lynn
Bob Hartmann
Jack Marsh
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date:
Monday,
March 1
Time:
10 A.M.
SUBJECT:
2/26 - 4:30 pm
Memorandum from Secretary Kissinger &
Secretary Mathews re: Nomination of Julia
Vadala Taft for Distinguished Federal
Civilian Ser vice
ACTION REQUESTED:
For Necessary Action
X For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
X
For
Your
Comments
Draft Draft momories Reply Remarks
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< REMARKS: S Bar gerable I
An
of and its noT at this RAD
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
delay in submitting the required material, please
James E. Connor
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
For the President
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 19, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
DICK CHENEY
THROUGH:
PHIL BUCHEN
JACK MARSH
From Ted mark
SUBJECT:
JULIA TAFT PROPOSED AWARD
I would like to arrange an awards ceremony with
representatives from the inter-departmental
task force and the members of the White House
Staff who supported Julia in this effort.
She earned an award at this level for the unique
accomplishments of doing this job with a mini-
mun of adverse publicity or Congressional com-
plication.
APPROVE
DISAPPROVE
Enclosures
MONTH
THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
HEALTH
WASHINGTON, D.C.20201
February 18, 1976
MEMORANDUM TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT: Nomination of Julia Vadala Taft for the
President's Award for Distinguished Federal
Civilian Service
Mrs. Julia Vadala Taft served from May 1975 through
December 1975 as Director of the Interagency Task
Force for Indochina Refugees. As a result of her
outstanding abilities, this program has been concluded
with the successful resettlement into American society
of 130,000 Indochina refugees. The demands of this
Presidentially mandated mission and the challenging
complexity of the resettlement process have been
superbly managed and successfully resolved by this
highly dedicated and talented young woman. The
attached documentation outlines her specific accom-
plishments.
Accordingly, we respectfully request your favorable
consideration of our nomination of Julia Vadala Taft
for the President's Award for Distinguished Federal
Civilian Service.
A.
him
Henry A. Kissinger
David Mathews
Secretary of State
Secretary of Health, Education
and Welfare
Attachment
Julia Vadala Taft
A. BIOGRAPHICAL DATA
1. Date and Place of Birth
July 27, 1942
New York, New York
2. Educational Background
University of Colorado - B.A. 1964
Political Science (Cited for Superior Scholarship)
University of Colorado - M.A. 1969
Political Science (International Politics)
3. Federal Employment Background
Director, Interagency Task Force for Indochina Refugees
May 1975 - December 1975
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Development
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
August 1973 - Present
Deputy Director (Health)
Cabinet Committee on Human Resources
March 1973 - June 1973
Special Assistant to the Secretary for External Affairs
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
September 1971 - September 1973
White House Fellow
Office of the Vice President
September 1970 - September 1971
4. Appointment Status
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Development
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
Secretarial Appointment
Non-career (Schedule C)
GS-17
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 2
B. PROPOSED CITATION
For her exceptional performance as Director of the
Interagency Task Force for Indochina Refugees.
Mrs. Taft's leadership of the Indochina Refugee
Resettlement Program has been an outstanding example
of dedication to public service and sensitivity to
human needs. Her ability to inspire cooperation
and to motivate public and private institutions to
initiate and successfully complete an important and
complex humanitarian endeavor reflect the highest
ideals of the United States.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 3
C. NARRATIVE STATEMENT
1. Description of Accomplishment and Outstanding
Achievement
The emergency migration to the United States of over
140, 000 Indochinese refugees in a period of only a few
months is unprecedented in United States history. That
the cultural and religious heritage of these refugees
is substantially different from our own heritage added
to the difficulty of absorbing these people. Furthermore,
the political and economic climate in the United States
at the time of their exodus from Southeast Asia dampened
the enthusiasm with which these unfortunate refugees
might otherwise have been welcomed by the American people.
Without question, the United States has never in so short
a period of time engaged in a refugee resettlement of such
size and complexity as the Indochinese refugee resettlement
program.
As of December 20, 1975, all Indochinese refugees who were
in U.S. reception centers had been resettled into American
society. The remarkable success of this resettlement is
due substantially to the perseverance, leadership, initiative
and unremitting energy of Julia Vadala Taft.
Mrs. Taft provided skillful oversight and policy direction
in the organization of the reception centers and the
effective and humane processing of the refugees through
these centers. In numerous public appearances she reminded
Americans of their own immigrant and refugee heritage and
achieved significant public support for this program. Her
accessibility to the press and her honest and forthright
response to criticism in the media provided for this effort
a degree of public credibility which is unusual for a Federal
program.
The effectiveness and success of the Indochina refugee
resettlement program has been dependent upon the active
participation of numerous public and private American
institutions. Mrs. Taft's outstanding ability has been
to successfully achieve the participation, cooperation
and active interest of these institutions.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 4
Throughout the entire resettlement process, Mrs. Taft's
leadership, high standards, humanitarian concerns, and
ability to inspire the cooperation of diverse public and
private interests on behalf of this complex endeavor have
been in the finest tradition of public service.
The number and diversity of the organizations whose
participation Mrs. Taft successfully obtained and
effectively coordinated on behalf of this program is
extraordinary the four United States military services,
12 Federal departments and agencies, 15 Voluntary resettle-
ment agencies, State and local governments and agencies
of the United Nations. In addition, there was daily contact
with and frequent presentation of legislative and oversight
testimony to the Congress of the United States.
Mrs. Taft's ability to coordinate the diverse interests
of these groups and to achieve harmony in working toward
the specific goal of effective refugee resettlement has
been exceptional. Her performance in achieving this
cooperation has been equally remarkable since she has
received the highest praise for her abilities from her
colleagues within these organizations. This is high
praise indeed, since the possibility of failing in such
a multi-institutional endeavor has been historically
greater than the possibility of succeeding.
Mrs. Taft's leadership, persistence and ability to
inspire cooperation among diverse organizations have,
without question, been the catalytic force behind the
success of this program.
2. Additional Details
As Director of the Interagency Task Force for Indochina
Refugees, Mrs. Taft has had the unique and substantial
responsibility for coordinating the activities of 12
Federal departments and agencies and 15 Voluntary
resettlement agencies, and for establishing policy and
guidance on all aspects of the refugee resettlement
program.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 5
Some of her specific duties were:
1. Operational responsibility for staging areas
at Guam and Wake Island and for the four refugee
reception centers in the United States. These centers
were located at Camp Pendleton, California; Fort Chaffee,
Arkansas; Eglin Air Force Base, Florida; and Indiantown
Gap Military Reservation, Pennsylvania.
2. The reception into these centers of over 140,000
Indochinese refugees.
3. The organization and coordination of health,
social security, immigration status and security check
procedures, as well as organizing education, acculturation
and broad counselling programs.
4. Provision of testimony to the Congress which led
to the enactment of "The Indochina Migration and Refugee
Assistance Act of 1975" authorizing the refugee program.
This act was signed by the President on May 24, 1975.
5. The negotiation of contracts with voluntary
resettlement agencies. The work of these agencies has
been critical in arranging sponsors and resettlement
for the refugees.
6. Negotiations with interested State and local
governments for special resettlement programs in their
communities.
7. Organization of special programs with private
American business organizations to provide jobs and
housing for refugees.
8. The establishment of guidelines for the States
which explain the nature of Federal government financial
support in the fields of health and medical services,
education, and welfare services.
9. The special attention and planning which was
required for nearly 2,000 evacuees who preferred
repatriation to their homeland.
10. The phase down and closure of the reception
centers with transfer of on-going responsibilities
to the Department of State and the Department of
Health, Education, and Welfare.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 6
The principal tangible benefit of this program was the
effective and humane resettlement into American society
of the Indochina refugees. It is becoming increasingly
apparent that they too will make substantial contributions
to their communities and to the nation just as other
refugee populations have. A further tangible benefit
to the Government is the effectiveness with which the
program was managed. Despite the chaotic conditions
under which this program began, it has been concluded
after only nine months. In addition, $25 million of
unexpended appropriated funds have been earmarked for
transfer to the Department of Health, Education, and
Welfare to supplement the refugee social services
activities which are now the responsibility of the HEW
Refugee Task Force, and approximately $27 million will
be available for further refugee operations or will be
returned to the United States Treasury. The successful
completion of a Federal program and the potential return
of substantial appropriated monies to the Treasury is
a rare, if not unparalled program conclusion in the
recent annals of Federal program management.
The most significant intangible benefit of this program
is that it has shown that the institutions of the Federal
Government do work; they work together creatively, they work
in the public interest, and they work effectively with
State governments and private institutions. If the effects
of this program have served in part to modify the apprehension
with which the American public has come to regard its public
and private institutions in recent years, this is a significant
intangible benefit indeed.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 7
D. OTHER SIGNIFICANT AWARDS
1. Secretary's Special Citation - 1973
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
2. Nominated by the Secretary of Health, Education,
and Welfare for the 1976 Arthur S. Flemming Award
for the Ten Outstanding Young Men and Women in
the Federal Government
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.:
Date:
February 26, 1976
Time:
FOR ACTION:
CC (for information):
Phil Buchen
Douglas P. Bennett
Jim Cannon
Jim Lynn
Bob Hartmann
Jack Marsh
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date:
Monday,
March 1
Time:
10 A.M.
SUBJECT:
Memorandum from Secretary Kissinger &
Secretary Mathews re: Nomination of Julia
Vadala Taft for Distinguished Federal
Civilian Ser vice
ACTION REQUESTED:
For Necessary Action
X For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
X
For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
No objections. Concur --
Spence Johnson
Eleculent
idea
m
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
delay in submitting the required material, please
James E. Connor
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
For the President
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 19, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
DICK CHENEY
THROUGH:
PHIL BUCHEN
JACK MARSH
From Ted marks
SUBJECT:
JULIA TAFT PROPOSED AWARD
I would like to arrange an awards ceremony with
representatives from the inter-departmental
task force and the members of the White House
Staff who supported Julia in this effort.
She earned an award at this level for the unique
accomplishments of doing this job with a mini-
mun of adverse publicity or Congressional com-
plication.
APPROVE
DISAPPROVE
Enclosures
THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
Identity STATE
WASHINGTON. D.C.20201
February 18, 1976
MEMORANDUM TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT: Nomination of Julia Vadala Taft for the
President's Award for Distinguished Federal
Civilian Service
Mrs. Julia Vadala Taft served from May 1975 through
December 1975 as Director of the Interagency Task
Force for Indochina Refugees. As a result of her
outstanding abilities, this program has been concluded
with the successful resettlement into American society
of 130,000 Indochina refugees. The demands of this
Presidentially mandated mission and the challenging
complexity of the resettlement process have been
superbly managed and successfully resolved by this
highly dedicated and talented young woman. The
attached documentation outlines her specific accom-
plishments.
Accordingly, we respectfully request your favorable
consideration of our nomination of Julia Vadala Taft
for the President's Award for Distinguished Federal
Civilian Service.
A.
Henry A. Kissinger
David Mathews
Secretary of State
Secretary of Health, Education,
and Welfare
Attachment
Julia Vadala Taft
A. BIOGRAPHICAL DATA
1. Date and Place of Birth
July 27, 1942
New York, New York
2. Educational Background
University of Colorado - B.A. 1964
Political Science (Cited for Superior Scholarship)
University of Colorado - M.A. 1969
Political Science (International Politics)
3. Federal Employment Background
Director, Interagency Task Force for Indochina Refugees
May 1975 - December 1975
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Development
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
August 1973 - Present
Deputy Director (Health)
Cabinet Committee on Human Resources
March 1973 - June 1973
Special Assistant to the Secretary for External Affairs
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
September 1971 - September 1973
White House Fellow
Office of the Vice President
September 1970 - September 1971
4. Appointment Status
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Development
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
Secretarial Appointment
Non-career (Schedule C)
GS-17
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 2
B. PROPOSED CITATION
For her exceptional performance as Director of the
Interagency Task Force for Indochina Refugees.
Mrs. Taft's leadership of the Indochina Refugee
Resettlement Program has been an outstanding example
of dedication to public service and sensitivity to
human needs. Her ability to inspire cooperation
and to motivate public and private institutions to
initiate and successfully complete an important and
complex humanitarian endeavor reflect the highest
ideals of the United States.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 3
C. NARRATIVE STATEMENT
1. Description of Accomplishment and Outstanding
Achievement
The emergency migration to the United States of over
140, 000 Indochinese refugees in a period of only a few
months is unprecedented in United States history. That
the cultural and religious heritage of these refugees
is substantially different from our own heritage added
to the difficulty of absorbing these people. Furthermore,
the political and economic climate in the United States
at the time of their exodus from Southeast Asia dampened
the enthusiasm with which these unfortunate refugees
might otherwise have been welcomed by the American people.
Without question, the United States has never in so short
a period of time engaged in a refugee resettlement of such
size and complexity as the Indochinese refugee resettlement
program.
As of December 20, 1975, all Indochinese refugees who were
in U.S. reception centers had been resettled into American
society. The remarkable success of this resettlement is
due substantially to the perseverance, leadership, initiative
and unremitting energy of Julia Vadala Taft.
Mrs. Taft provided skillful oversight and policy direction
in the organization of the reception centers and the
effective and humane processing of the refugees through
these centers. In numerous public appearances she reminded
Americans of their own immigrant and refugee heritage and
achieved significant public support for this program. Her
accessibility to the press and her honest and forthright
response to criticism in the media provided for this effort
a degree of public credibility which is unusual for a Federal
program.
The effectiveness and success of the Indochina refugee
resettlement program has been dependent upon the active
participation of numerous public and private American
institutions. Mrs. Taft's outstanding ability has been
to successfully achieve the participation, cooperation
and active interest of these institutions.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 4
Throughout the entire resettlement process, Mrs. Taft's
leadership, high standards, humanitarian concerns, and
ability to inspire the cooperation of diverse public and
private interests on behalf of this complex endeavor have
been in the finest tradition of public service.
The number and diversity of the organizations whose
participation Mrs. Taft successfully obtained and
effectively coordinated on behalf of this program is
extraordinary the four United States military services,
12 Federal departments and agencies, 15 Voluntary resettle-
ment agencies, State and local governments and agencies
of the United Nations. In addition, there was daily contact
with and frequent presentation of legislative and oversight
testimony to the Congress of the United States.
Mrs. Taft's ability to coordinate the diverse interests
of these .groups and to achieve harmony in working toward
the specific goal of effective refugee resettlement has
been exceptional. Her performance in achieving this
cooperation has been equally remarkable since she has
received the highest praise for her abilities from her
colleagues within these organizations. This is high
praise indeed, since the possibility of failing in such
a multi-institutional endeavor has been historically
greater than the possibility of succeeding.
Mrs. Taft's leadership, persistence and ability to
inspire cooperation among diverse organizations have,
without question, been the catalytic force behind the
success of this program.
2. Additional Details
As Director of the Interagency Task Force for Indochina
Refugees, Mrs. Taft has had the unique and substantial
responsibility for coordinating the activities of 12
Federal departments and agencies and 15 Voluntary
resettlement agencies, and for establishing policy and
guidance on all aspects of the refugee resettlement
program.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 5
Some of her specific duties were:
1. Operational responsibility for staging areas
at Guam and Wake Island and for the four refugee
reception centers in the United States. These centers
were located at Camp Pendleton, California; Fort Chaffee,
Arkansas; Eglin Air Force Base, Florida; and Indiantown
Gap Military Reservation, Pennsylvania.
2. The reception into these centers of over 140,000
Indochinese refugees.
3. The organization and coordination of health,
social security, immigration status and security check
procedures, as well as organizing education, acculturation
and broad counselling programs.
4. Provision of testimony to the Congress which led
to the enactment of "The Indochina Migration and Refugee
Assistance Act of 1975" authorizing the refugee program.
This act was signed by the President on May 24, 1975.
5. The negotiation of contracts with voluntary
resettlement agencies. The work of these agencies has
been critical in arranging sponsors and resettlement
for the refugees.
6. Negotiations with interested State and local
governments for special resettlement programs in their
communities.
7. Organization of special programs with private
American business organizations to provide jobs and
housing for refugees.
8. The establishment of guidelines for the States
which explain the nature of Federal government financial
support in the fields of health and medical services,
education, and welfare services.
9. The special attention and planning which was
required for nearly 2,000 evacuees who preferred
repatriation to their homeland.
10. The phase down and closure of the reception
centers with transfer of on-going responsibilities
to the Department of State and the Department of
Health, Education, and Welfare.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 6
The principal tangible benefit of this program was the
effective and humane resettlement into American society
of the Indochina refugees. It is becoming increasingly
apparent that they too will make substantial contributions
to their communities and to the nation just as other
refugee populations have. A further tangible benefit
to the Government is the effectiveness with which the
program was managed. Despite the chaotic conditions
under which this program began, it has been concluded
after only nine months. In addition, $25 million of
unexpended appropriated funds have been earmarked for
transfer to the Department of Health, Education, and
Welfare to supplement the refugee social services
activities which are now the responsibility of the HEW
Refugee Task Force, and approximately $27 million will
be available for further refugee operations or will be
returned to the United States Treasury. The successful
completion of a Federal program and the potential return
of substantial appropriated monies to the Treasury is
a rare, if not unparalled program conclusion in the
recent annals of Federal program management.
The most significant intangible benefit of this program
is that it has shown that the institutions of the Federal
Government do work; they work together creatively, they work
in the public interest, and they work effectively with
State governments and private institutions. If the effects
of this program have served in part to modify the apprehension
with which the American public has come to regard its public
and private institutions in recent years, this is a significant
intangible benefit indeed.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 7
D. OTHER SIGNIFICANT AWARDS
1. Secretary's Special Citation - 1973
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
2. Nominated by the Secretary of Health, Education,
and Welfare for the 1976 Arthur S. Flemming Award
for the Ten Outstanding Young Men and Women in
the Federal Government
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.:
Date:
February 26, 1976
Time:
FOR ACTION:
CC (for information):
Phil Buchen
Douglas P. Bennett
Jim Cannon
Jim Lynn
Bob Hartmann
Jack Marsh
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date:
Monday,
March 1
Time:
10 A. M.
SUBJECT:
Memorandum from Secretary Kissinger &
Secretary Mathews re: Nomination of Julia
Vadala Taft for Distinguished Federal
Civilian Ser vice
ACTION REQUESTED:
For Necessary Action
X For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
x
For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
Counsel's Office concurs in the recommendation.
Ken Lazarus for Phil Buchen 3/1/76
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
delay in submitting the required material, please
James E. Connor
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
For the President
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 19, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
DICK CHENEY
THROUGH:
PHIL BUCHEN
JACK MARSH
From Ted mark
SUBJECT:
JULIA TAFT PROPOSED AWARD
I would like to arrange an awards ceremony with
representatives from the inter-departmental
task force and the members of the White House
Staff who supported Julia in this effort.
She earned an award at this level for the unique
accomplishments of doing this job with a mini-
mun of adverse publicity or Congressional com-
plication.
APPROVE
DISAPPROVE
Enclosures
THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
WASHINGTON, D. C.20201
INPART
SECURITY
February 18, 1976
MEMORANDUM TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT: Nomination of Julia Vadala Taft for the
President's Award for Distinguished Federal
Civilian Service
Mrs. Julia Vadala Taft served from May 1975 through
December 1975 as Director of the Interagency Task
Force for Indochina Refugees. As a result of her
outstanding abilities, this program has been concluded
with the successful resettlement into American society
of 130,000 Indochina refugees. The demands of this
Presidentially mandated mission and the challenging
complexity of the resettlement process have been
superbly managed and successfully resolved by this
highly dedicated and talented young woman. The
attached documentation outlines her specific accom-
plishments.
Accordingly, we respectfully request your favorable
consideration of our nomination of Julia Vadala Taft
for the President's Award for Distinguished Federal
Civilian Service.
A.
Henry A. Kissinger
David Mathews
Secretary of State
Secretary of Health, Education
and Welfare
Attachment
Julia Vadala Taft
A. BIOGRAPHICAL DATA
1. Date and Place of Birth
July 27, 1942
New York, New York
2. Educational Background
University of Colorado - B.A. 1964
Political Science (Cited for Superior Scholarship)
University of Colorado - M.A. 1969
Political Science (International Politics)
3. Federal Employment Background
Director, Interagency Task Force for Indochina Refugees
May 1975 - December 1975
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Development
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
August 1973 - Present
Deputy Director (Health)
Cabinet Committee on Human Resources
March 1973 - June 1973
Special Assistant to the Secretary for External Affairs
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
September 1971 - September 1973
White House Fellow
Office of the Vice President
September 1970 - September 1971
4. Appointment Status
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Development
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
Secretarial Appointment
Non-career (Schedule C)
GS-17
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 2
B. PROPOSED CITATION
For her exceptional performance as Director of the
Interagency Task Force for Indochina Refugees.
Mrs. Taft's leadership of the Indochina Refugee
Resettlement Program has been an outstanding example
of dedication to public service and sensitivity to
human needs. Her ability to inspire cooperation
and to motivate public and private institutions to
initiate and successfully complete an important and
complex humanitarian endeavor reflect the highest
ideals of the United States.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 3
C. NARRATIVE STATEMENT
1. Description of Accomplishment and Outstanding
Achievement
The emergency migration to the United States of over
140,000 Indochinese refugees in a period of only a few
months is unprecedented in United States history. That
the cultural and religious heritage of these refugees
is substantially different from our own heritage added
to the difficulty of absorbing these people. Furthermore,
the political and economic climate in the United States
at the time of their exodus from Southeast Asia dampened
the enthusiasm with which these unfortunate refugees
might otherwise have been welcomed by the American people.
Without question, the United States has never in so short
a period of time engaged in a refugee resettlement of such
size and complexity as the Indochinese refugee resettlement
program.
As of December 20, 1975, all Indochinese refugees who were
in U.S. reception centers had been resettled into American
society. The remarkable success of this resettlement is
due substantially to the perseverance, leadership, initiative
and unremitting energy of Julia Vadala Taft.
Mrs. Taft provided skillful oversight and policy direction
in the organization of the reception centers and the
effective and humane processing of the refugees through
these centers. In numerous public appearances she reminded
Americans of their own immigrant and refugee heritage and
achieved significant public support for this program. Her
accessibility to the press and her honest and forthright
response to criticism in the media provided for this effort
a degree of public credibility which is unusual for a Federal
program.
The effectiveness and success of the Indochina refugee
resettlement program has been dependent upon the active
participation of numerous public and private American
institutions. Mrs. Taft's outstanding ability has been
to successfully achieve the participation, cooperation
and active interest of these institutions.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 4
Throughout the entire resettlement process, Mrs. Taft's
leadership, high standards, humanitarian concerns, and
ability to inspire the cooperation of diverse public and
private interests on behalf of this complex endeavor have
been in the finest tradition of public service.
The number and diversity of the organizations whose
participation Mrs. Taft successfully obtained and
effectively coordinated on behalf of this program is
extraordinary the four United States military services,
12 Federal departments and agencies, 15 Voluntary resettle-
ment agencies, State and local governments and agencies
of the United Nations. In addition, there was daily contact
with and frequent presentation of legislative and oversight
testimony to the Congress of the United States.
Mrs. Taft's ability to coordinate the diverse interests
of these groups and to achieve harmony in working toward
the specific goal of effective refugee resettlement has
been exceptional. Her performance in achieving this
cooperation has been equally remarkable since she has
received the highest praise for her abilities from her
colleagues within these organizations. This is high
praise indeed, since the possibility of failing in such
a multi-institutional endeavor has been historically
greater than the possibility of succeeding.
Mrs. Taft's leadership, persistence and ability to
inspire cooperation among diverse organizations have,
without question, been the catalytic force behind the
success of this program.
2. Additional Details
As Director of the Interagency Task Force for Indochina
Refugees, Mrs. Taft has had the unique and substantial
responsibility for coordinating the activities of 12
Federal departments and agencies and 15 Voluntary
resettlement agencies, and for establishing policy and
guidance on all aspects of the refugee resettlement
program.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 5
Some of her specific duties were:
1. Operational responsibility for staging areas
at Guam and Wake Island and for the four refugee
reception centers in the United States. These centers
were located at Camp Pendleton, California; Fort Chaffee,
Arkansas; Eglin Air Force Base, Florida; and Indiantown
Gap Military Reservation, Pennsylvania.
2. The reception into these centers of over 140,000
Indochinese refugees.
3. The organization and coordination of health,
social security, immigration status and security check
procedures, as well as organizing education, acculturation
and broad counselling programs.
4. Provision of testimony to the Congress which led
to the enactment of "The Indochina Migration and Refugee
Assistance Act of 1975" authorizing the refugee program.
This act was signed by the President on May 24, 1975.
5. The negotiation of contracts with voluntary
resettlement agencies. The work of these agencies has
been critical in arranging sponsors and resettlement
for the refugees.
6. Negotiations with interested State and local
governments for special resettlement programs in their
communities.
7. Organization of special programs with private
American business organizations to provide jobs and
housing for refugees.
8. The establishment of guidelines for the States
which explain the nature of Federal government financial
support in the fields of health and medical services,
education, and welfare services.
9. The special attention and planning which was
required for nearly 2,000 evacuees who preferred
repatriation to their homeland.
10. The phase down and closure of the reception
centers with transfer of on-going responsibilities
to the Department of State and the Department of
Health, Education, and Welfare.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 6
The principal tangible benefit of this program was the
effective and humane resettlement into American society
of the Indochina refugees. It is becoming increasingly
apparent that they too will make substantial contributions
to their communities and to the nation just as other
refugee populations have. A further tangible benefit
to the Government is the effectiveness with which the
program was managed. Despite the chaotic conditions
under which this program began, it has been concluded
after only nine months. In addition, $25 million of
unexpended appropriated funds have been earmarked for
transfer to the Department of Health, Education, and
Welfare to supplement the refugee social services
activities which are now the responsibility of the HEW
Refugee Task Force, and approximately $27 million will
be available for further refugee operations or will be
returned to the United States Treasury. The successful
completion of a Federal program and the potential return
of substantial appropriated monies to the Treasury is
a rare, if not unparalled program conclusion in the
recent annals of Federal program management.
The most significant intangible benefit of this program
is that it has shown that the institutions of the Federal
Government do work; they work together creatively, they work
in the public interest, and they work effectively with
State governments and private institutions. If the effects
of this program have served in part to modify the apprehension
with which the American public has come to regard its public
and private institutions in recent years, this is a significant
intangible benefit indeed.
Julia Vadala Taft
Page 7
D. OTHER SIGNIFICANT AWARDS
1. Secretary's Special Citation - 1973
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
2. Nominated by the Secretary of Health, Education,
and Welfare for the 1976 Arthur S. Flemming Award
for the Ten Outstanding Young Men and Women in
the Federal Government