Dr. My-Le Wolter Makes A Community Difference
My-Le Wolter is a chiropractor in west Houston with plans to build a clinic closer to Houston‘s Vietnamese American areas. She’s the daughter of a former ARVN helicopter gunner and the wife of a former US Marine who now serves as a member of the Houston Police Department Patrolman SWAT team. Her mother was pregnant with her in April 1975 when her dad secured space in a helicopter for the family to escape from Vietnam. She realizes the unique situation surrounding her origins as she was conceived in Vietnam but born in America.
Most important to Wolter is working to make a positive impact on Houston’s Vietnamese American community.
What about your growing up made you become active in the community?
My father’s family was from North Vietnam and when it fell to the Communists his dad stayed in the north while his mother brought him to the south. The civil war in Vietnam truly tore my family apart but my dad grew up loving freedom. He wouldn’t live anywhere where he and his family could not be free.
When he told me how we were able to land on an American aircraft carrier and how they took care of my family including my pregnant mom with blankets and medical care it made me realize the debt I’ll always owe and never repay to America and its military. It is because of my father and mother’s courage and patriotism I am passionate to make a difference by church and community activity.
Where did you grow up and what made you want to be a chiropractor?
We first were at Camp Pendleton, California. Ultimately we ended up in Huntsville where my father found work as a machinist with Baker Hughes.
We were one of only two Vietnamese families. I studied biology at Sam Houston State and began working for a chiropractor in The Woodlands. I want to help people feel better through natural remedies, which is what it is that chiropractors do.
As the daughter of an ARVN veteran what led you to marry a policeman?
I was raised to respect military service and law enforcement but I never thought I would fall in love with a soldier or a policeman. While attending a charity event at Ocean Palace I met my future husband John who was working security there. John is different than the stereotypes of those that usually pursue those professions. He is soft-spoken, gentle, and compassionate and supports my activity in the Vietnamese American community.
A lot of your attention is now on VANG. What is VANG?
I’m working as a volunteer for VANG which is the Vietnamese American National Gala which is a national celebration of Vietnamese heritage and pride that will be held this May 18th, 19th, and 20th in conjunction with Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
VANG is the premier Vietnamese American gathering in the nation, which showcases Vietnamese Americans’ professional achievements and community contributions from coast-to-coast. The gala brings together thousands of elected officials, corporate sponsors, community and business leaders and regular Vietnamese American citizens committed to a common vision of celebrating the best of being a Vietnamese American.
What are some of your other charity activities in the community?
My husband and I are active members at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church and our involvement with charity within our parish is important to us. For more than four years we have been volunteering at The Children’s Festival helping to organize ‘Healthy Kids Zone’ which teaches children about life style choices in the foods they eat and the things they do or know that promote health.
The Sunday before Christmas, along with other chiropractors and the Boys & Girls Clubs, we bring underprivileged inner city Houston youth to enjoy ice-skating at the Galleria. Helping children and especially those that are less fortunate than others is important. When we first came to America we did not have much but we succeeded because someone was there for us. I want to be there for others.
Are there problems associated with being a Vietnamese American woman married to a Caucasian man?
As a police officer John has a history in Houston’s Vietnamese American community that predates our relationship. He’s spent years answering calls to Vietnamese businesses and attending Vietnamese events. He attends VANG events with me. He supports my involvement and it is fortunate that John is comfortable with the Vietnamese American culture.
What does TET mean to you and your family?
Even though we live in America, Tet is still sacred to my family and I. We wear new festive clothing and meet for big family meals. We give gifts and red envelopes with money. It’s special for us to be together to wish each other happy new year and I hope this year ahead we all can celebrate achievement and joy.
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