Hoang Van Ngoan worked as the English-Laotian interpreter for Rhine and Davis in Muong Sing, Laos. Later, with Dooley's assistance, Hoang came to America to study. Rhine and Hoang corresponded after they both were in the United States.

         Rhine wrote to Hoang in July 1960, telling how glad he was to see Hoang again, and how he missed Laos and the people he worked with there. He also encouraged Hoang to keep studying so he could return to Laos someday and care for the people.

         Hoang visited Rhine in Texas in August 1960, and afterward sent him a note of thanks. He told Rhine that he was ready for school to start because that is why he came to the United States.

         Hoang wrote to Rhine in January 1961 about Dooley's death and how it would be painful for the people in Laos because they had expected Dooley to recover and return to them. He also told Rhine about his family back in Laos.

         In April 1962, Rhine wrote to Hoang telling him how special he was because of his desire to learn and to help others. Rhine also discussed his concern with the situation in Laos.

         Hoang replied to Rhine's letter. He decided to stay in high school another year so he could learn more before going to college. He hoped Rhine and Davis would get into medical school.

         Hoang was sorry to hear that Rhine and Davis did not get into medical school but was pleased to see that they would be working in South Vietnam. Hoang also wrote about his new classes and his involvement in sports.

         Hoang wrote to Rhine about the situation in Laos and about his family there.

         In a January 1964 letter, Hoang wrote to Rhine about his feelings concerning the fall of the Diems in Vietnam. He also told Rhine about his family in Laos.

         In April 1966, Hoang wrote to Rhine telling him that he was attending a different school, the Alexian Brothers Hospital School of Nursing.

          Rhine replied to Hoang saying he was glad Hoang was in nursing school and asking Hoang to visit soon.

          Hoang wrote that he liked the Alexian Brothers Hospital School of Nursing and had done an internship in obstetrics. He had decided to stay in the United States as long as he could get more education.

          Hoang wrote to tell Rhine the date of his graduation from the Alexian Brothers Hospital School of Nursing and about his training in psychiatric, maternity, and pediatric affiliations. He was also making plans to get a bachelor's degree.

          Rhine wrote to Hoang in May 1968, telling him about his family and said his family would try to attend his graduation. Rhine also suggested they go back to Laos together.

          Rhine was unable to attend Hoang's graduation. Hoang wrote in August 1968 and told Rhine that the ceremony went well, and he was happy to be a graduate. He was also preparing for the Nursing State Board Examination and for more schooling.