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The Regimental Review, a time-honored tradition at the United States Coast Guard Academy, is a symbol of discipline, leadership, and precision. It is a rite of passage for cadets and a platform to honor those who have left a lasting impact on the maritime industry. "For decades, Dr. James S. C. Chao has led the way in environmental stewardship, safety, and training on the seas. His personal story is the embodiment of the American dream and an inspiration to us all," as highlighted by Rear Admiral Michael J. Johnston, Superintendent of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. "I am deeply honored to be recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard Academy," said Dr. Chao. "This institution represents the highest ideals of service, courage, and devotion to duty. To have an opportunity to review the parade of young cadets training to be future leaders of the Coast Guard fills me with immense pride in this incredible nation we all call home." The Regimental Review is a ceremonial event where the entire Corps of Cadets march on Washington Parade Field in precise formation, led by the Regimental Commander. This age-old tradition instills cadets with characteristics of poise, leadership, and confidence, preparing them for future roles as Coast Guard Officers. At the recent Regimental Review on Friday, October 27, 2023, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy celebrated the exceptional achievements of Dr. James S.C. Chao, Founder of Foremost Group and of the Chao Family Foundations. The Academy, known for its dedication to service, courage, and duty, honored Dr. Chao for his lifelong dedication to environmental stewardship, safety, and maritime training. Dr. Chao's story is a remarkable testament to the American dream. Hailing from a small farming village outside of Shanghai, he became the youngest sea captain of his time at the age of 29. His legacy in the maritime industry is a source of inspiration for cadets and maritime enthusiasts alike. Dr. Chao's journey led to the founding of Foremost Group, an industry leader celebrated for integrity, reliability, and its commitment to service. As Foremost Group approaches its 60th anniversary, it continues to be an early adopter of green technology, boasting one of the world's most eco-friendly bulk carrier fleets. Dr. Chao's emphasis on seafarer training and safety on the seas has been integral to Foremost Group's success, emphasizing the importance of responsible maritime operations. Dr. Chao and his late wife, Mrs. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao, have dedicated their lives to philanthropy and education, earning recognition as a prominent and accomplished American family. The Regimental Review not only serves as a time-honored tradition but also as a platform to honor individuals like Dr. James S.C. Chao, whose dedication and achievements continue to inspire future leaders in the maritime industry.

Returning Home The Chao family at the institution’s 20th anniversary celebration Dr. James S.C. Chao and his daughters, The Honorable Elaine L. Chao and Angela Chao, returned to their ancestral land on October 17, 2015 to celebrate the 20thanniversary of the establishment of Yi-Ren Kindergarten. Yi-Ren kindergarten was named after Mr. Yi-Ren Chao, the late father of Dr. James S.C. Chao and a tireless advocate for educational opportunity in rural China. Mr. Yi-Ren Chao was born in China’s Jiangsu Province on September 19, 1905. He completed his primary studies at Jiangsu Provincial Fisheries School, and graduated from secondary school in 1929 to become a teacher at West Primary School. During the war years, he fled to the countryside to escape the occupying forces. In 1940, Mr. Yi-Ren Chao initiated an educational movement known as ‘Education Saves the Nation’, and began opening classrooms within private homes, ultimately establishing a private elementary school—Li Feng Primary School, where he served as principal. He devoted his life to making education accessible to as many students as possible, regardless of their financial circumstances, and in so doing, improved the lives of thousands of students. After a valiant battle with cancer, he ultimately succumbed on March 13, 1959, at the age of 54. Carrying the Torch Forward Mr. Yi-Ren Chao’s only child and spiritual heir, Dr. James S.C. Chao, carried on his father’s dedication to education in many different ways; through his own personal achievements; through the commitment to educationthat he passed onto his children; through the many philanthropic contributions he and his wife made to support education initiatives in America and Asia; and through founding a highly respected and reputable international shipping company, Foremost Group. Dr. James S. C. Chao and his late wife, Mrs. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao, raised six daughters who perpetuate Mr. Yi Ren Chao, their grandfather’s devotion to education as the foundation to advancement in life. Dr. Chao carried on his father’s work to improve opportunities and access to quality education for young people. A distinguished and much respected entrepreneur, industrialist, and philanthropist, Dr. James S. C. Chao never forgot his Chinese heritage, traveling to Asia to visit, lecture, and contribute in many meaningful ways to build better understanding between America and Asia. Shortly after China opened up to the world due to the Four Modernizations Program in 1978, he and Ruth established one of the first foundations in 1984, , reflecting the Chao family commitment to help enhance U. S. Asia relations through greater understanding of East and West. This Foundation has awarded thousands of scholarships to outstanding students, endowed chairs at universities, provided construction grants to four universities in Jiading district, and of course, the Yi-Ren Kindergarten which was funded with a generous gift from Dr. Chao in1995. 20 Years of Educational Excellence at Yi-Ren Kindergarten The Yi-Ren Kindergarten has remained true to its founder’s philosophies and vision of“diligent teaching and strict governance.” Its faculty is dedicated, innovative, and working harmoniously as a single unit to bring the highest level of professionalism and educational instruction to the student body. National assessments in 2003 and 2007 placed Yi-Ren Kindergarten at the top of the national league of schools. The institution’s 20th anniversary celebration was an opportunity to remember Mr. Yi-Ren Chao’s principles and his family’s commitment to their patriarch’s legacy. On this occasion, Dr. James S. C. Chao generously donated another significant gift to improve the nursery’s facilities and general district-wide programs that will improve the quality of education through innovative curricula and new technologies, as hoped in the farsighted vision of Mr. Yi-Ren Chao. Yi-Ren Chao was born in China’s Jiangsu Province in 1905. He completed his primary studies at Jiangsu Provincial Fisheries School, and graduated from secondary studies in 1929 to become a teacher at West Primary School. During the war years, he fled to the countryside and escaped the occupying forces. In 1940, Yi-Ren Chao initiated an educational movement known as ‘Education Saves the Nation’, and began opening classrooms within private homes, ultimately founding a private elementary school—Li Feng Primary School, where he served as principal. He devoted decades of his life to making education accessible to as many students as possible, touching thousands of lives. Ultimately he succumbed to cancer and passed away on March 13, 1959.

Chao Family Foundation made a gift in 2012 to support the Foreign Policy Colloquium held annually by The National Committee on US-China Relations. The Colloquium was initiated 11 years ago. Over a period of three days, Chinese graduate students from across America are brought together with the top influencers of America’s foreign policy, including think tanks, political and government officials, NGOs and corporate leaders. The seminar exposes participants to an intense examination of the intricate factors that influence foreign policy decisions. National Committee on United States-China Relations The National Committee on United States-China Relations was established in 1966 for the purpose of opening channels of communication between the US and China, chiefly to thaw out what was at the time a rather difficult relationship between the two countries. The Committee’s academic, business and civic leaders strongly believed that it was in the best interest of the US to have positive interactions with China. In a non-political fashion, the Committee initiated programs of cultural, educational and technological exchanges that would create an atmosphere for positive, stable and long-term mutually beneficial interactions. Carla A. Hills chairs a distinguished Board of Directors that consists of the most prominent corporate and political leaders of the US. Through the leadership of the board and its committees, the founding principles of the National Committee’s initiators have been preserved via a rich matrix of programs designed to strengthen communications, exchange and outreach between the US and China. Programs include: political and national security briefings, educator and student exchange programs, sister-city programs such as visits to Chinese cities and exchange opportunities for city leaders, collaborative projects to address natural disasters, collaborative work on economic and environmental sustainability issues, open exchange of intellectual and technological ideas, public information campaigns and other strategies to facilitate mutual cultural understanding and appreciation. As a member of the Young Leaders Forum of the Committee, Angela Chao was especially happy to be involved with the Chao Family Foundation’s gift to support the 2012 annual Colloquium.

As the 24th U.S. Secretary of Labor, the Honorable Elaine L. Chao is the first American woman of Asian heritage to be appointed to the United States Presidential cabinet post in American history. Serving from 2001 to 2009, she holds the record for the longest tenure as the Secretary of Labor since World War II. Elaine Chao came to the United States with her family when she was eight years old, not able to speak the language. Her parents taught her to contribute to society, and that anything was possible in America through education and hard work. She went on to earn an A. B. in economics from Mt. Holyoke College, and a MBA from Harvard Business School. Her early career was in the private sector, serving as a banker with Citicorp, and as Vice President of Syndications at the Bank of America Capital Markets Group. She was selected to receive a White House Fellowship, which led to a career in government. She has served as Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, and Director of the Peace Corps. Among her accomplishments, she established the first Peace Corps programs in the newly emerging republics of the former Soviet Union and the Baltic states. As U.S. Secretary of Labor, she oversaw record improvements for worker safety and health while promoting higher levels of competitiveness in the American workforce in the global economy. Secretary Chao has also been recognized for her leadership role in the non-profit sector. As President and CEO of the United Way of America, she restored confidence in an organization that had been tainted by ethical misconduct and financial mismanagement and abuse. Secretary Chao has received 34 honorary doctorate degrees for her many public and non-profit sector accomplishments, including opening up new pathways for women and Asian Americans. She is a respected thought leader and speaker on many issues of public interest, including employment, workforce training and strengthening America’s competitiveness. Secretary Chao also serves on the boards of public and nonprofit institutions including the Institute of Politics at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government; the Harvard Business School Board of Dean’s Advisors and Global Advisors; New York Presbyterian Hospital, and Bloomberg Philanthropies. Secretary Chao is married to the Republican Leader of the United States Senate, Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, and commutes between her home in Louisville and Washington, D. C. She also has the distinction of being the first Kentuckian to serve in a Cabinet position since 1945, and the first Kentucky woman ever appointed to the President’s cabinet.

James Chao, founder and chairman of the Foremost Group, was honored with the 2018 Lloyd's List Americas Awards Lifetime Achievement. His company, renowned for its eco-friendly ship designs, has been led by his daughter Angela, growing its advanced bulk carrier fleet. Chao's journey began in a small village near Shanghai, where his academic excellence and maritime skills led him to become a young ocean-going marine captain. He continued his education in America, leading to a notable maritime career and philanthropy, including educational scholarships through a foundation established with his wife. For a detailed read, please visit the original article: James Chao named 2018 Lloyd's List Americas Awards Lifetime Achievement winner.