To ensure thoughtful meals for the construction forces, the Naval Academy coordinated with local authorities, specifically the villages of Tra Co 2, Suoi Da, and Ha La Ha (Bac Ai commune), to provide cooking support for the soldiers. Immediately after the request was made, many families enthusiastically responded, readily contributing their time and effort to prepare meals for the troops.
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| Ms. Phan Thanh Chi carefully washes the food in preparation for the meal. |
From early morning, as construction work begins, a bustling atmosphere fills the small yard of Ms. Phan Thanh Chi's family (Ha La Ha village). Ms. Chi shares that every day she wakes up before 5 a.m., traveling nearly 10 kilometers to the market to select fresh ingredients. Around 9 a.m., she starts preparing the food, picking vegetables, cooking meat and fish, washing rice, and then busily preparing each dish by the fire. Watching the rising smoke and the aroma of the food, the atmosphere becomes even more warm and full of the affection that the local people have for the young soldiers.
After each meal, seeing the soldiers enjoying their food, Ms. Chi couldn't hide her joy: "Seeing the soldiers working so hard, enduring the sun and rain, I feel so much compassion for them. Cooking slightly affects my personal work, but I always try my best to arrange everything so that the soldiers have delicious meals. Every day I ask them what they want to eat and if the taste is to their liking so that I can change the menu the next day. Being able to contribute a small part of my effort makes me very happy and proud."
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Naval Academy cadets deliver meals to the unit's encampment.You may also like |
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| The young trainees received their meals with the help of local residents. |
In Tra Co 2 and Suoi Da villages, the atmosphere of preparing lunch was equally bustling. Some were picking vegetables, others were lighting the stoves, and still others were seasoning the food… Laughter and conversation seemed to dispel the scorching heat of the central coastal region, creating a warm, family-like atmosphere. Ms. Tran Thi My Dung, who was directly involved in cooking, expressed: “Seeing the trainees, who are the age of our children and grandchildren, working under the sun, makes us feel so sorry for them. So, the whole family pitched in, each lending a hand to prepare a decent meal, hoping that they will have the strength to complete their tasks.”
Lieutenant Colonel Dinh Van Thanh, Deputy Battalion Commander of Battalion 2, Naval Academy, in charge of the construction force, said: “This time, the Naval Academy is responsible for building three housing units. We consider this a task with profound humanitarian significance, demonstrating the responsibility and heartfelt affection of the soldiers for the people. The attentive care and assistance of the local people, especially the warm meals, are a great source of motivation, giving strength to the officers and cadets to resolutely complete the mission excellently.”
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| Ms. Phan Thanh Chi and the trainees are chatting. |
During each meal, simple, everyday stories are shared: how tiring work was today, whether the soup was to their liking, whether the braised fish was flavorful enough… These simple, sincere questions have become a bridge connecting the soldiers and the people, helping them to understand, feel closer to, and love each other more.
No need for expensive or elaborate dishes, just a simple family meal with green vegetables, braised fish, a bowl of hot soup… yet it encapsulates deep affection. Meals served under the eaves, next to houses nearing completion, further demonstrate the strong bond between the military and the people. In the memories of every officer and cadet of the Naval Academy, this land not only marks days of hard work but also retains the lingering taste of warm meals shared between the military and the people.
Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/xa-hoi/chinh-sach/bua-com-am-tinh-quan-dan-1042986














