Ross Meador is a passionate advocate for children and
families. Growing up during the Vietnam War, Ross was
profoundly moved by the suffering of the Vietnamese
people, particularly the plight of war orphans. At just 19
years old, armed with a one-way ticket and $500 from a
small group called Friends of Children of Viet Nam
(FCVN), he traveled alone to Saigon, eager to make a
difference.

By the time he was evacuated from the roof of the US Embassy in Saigon on April 30, 1975, Ross and FCVN  had delivered thousands of dollars in food and supplies to orphanages throughout South Viet Nam. They also found families for hundreds of orphans, most of whom were evacuated in Operation Babylift, which is now recognized as the largest international adoption event in history and one of the most significant humanitarian efforts of in the 20th century. 

After leaving Viet Nam, Ross started a new child welfare project in South Korea and, after finishing college, he worked with the International Mission of Hope in Calcutta (now Kolcata), India. Later he attended law school at UC Berkeley and spent his legal career practicing international law. He now travels frequently, but is based in Southern California, where he is close to his three children, Amy, Leah, and Daniel.

In 2003, Friends of Children of Vietnam was nominated by Congressman Tom Tancredo for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian award. In 2005, the group was nominated for a second time by Senator Diane Feinstein. The same year, Ross was awarded the Heather Constance Noone Memorial Award for "Extraordinary Actions on Behalf of the Vietnam Babylift." 

Ross Meador’s dedication to the cause of orphaned children is evident not only in his professional pursuits but also in his personal journey, making his story a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of compassion and hope.