The beginning of "meal of love"

At 3am, when the lights were still flickering in the fog, the kitchen of Regiment 114 was already brightly lit. The neatly dressed cooks moved rhythmically between rows of shiny stainless steel tables. The steady sound of knives and chopping boards mixed with the steam rising from the boiling pots of soup. The sweaty faces still wore bright smiles, even though the work had begun before the sun had even risen.

The cook prepares meals for the soldiers.

“The kitchen is the heart of the unit,” Lieutenant Colonel Dao Thi Kim Cuong, Head of Logistics and Engineering of Regiment 114, shared as we toured the kitchen area. The spacious, airy space with clean white ceramic tiles that are cleaned daily, the walls painted in a light cream color create a cozy feeling, and the large windows are opened wide to welcome the sunlight and wind. Ceiling fans rotate regularly, cooling the air on hot summer days. Posters about food safety and hygiene and slogans encouraging logistics work are posted in the corners of the walls.

The processing area is divided into many clear areas: separate areas for processing meat, fish, and vegetables, a cooking area and a table for storing processed food, and an automatic rice steamer system neatly arranged in a separate corner... Although there are not many modern devices like other units, everything is arranged scientifically and cleanly according to food safety and hygiene standards. In particular, a board to monitor the quality of daily meals is prominently displayed, where soldiers can give comments and evaluations after each meal - a simple but effective initiative to improve the quality of collective meals.

Check food quantity before cooking.

“In the past, our kitchen was very simple, but thanks to the attention of our superiors, now the facilities have been significantly invested. Our goal is to bring soldiers meals that not only ensure nutrition but also remind them of the taste of family,” added Lieutenant Colonel Dao Thi Kim Cuong.

Scientific meals, ensuring nutrition

A weekly menu board was hung solemnly on the wall. Today, the soldiers’ lunch consisted of braised pork and eggs, stir-fried okra with garlic, sour soup, and dessert. Familiar dishes, rich in the flavors of home, but prepared according to a methodical, scientific process.

“We identify the quality of meals as a key factor to ensure the health of soldiers. Each meal must not only be delicious but also nutritious, hygienic and economical. That is the command from the heart of a logistics soldier,” shared Captain Truong Quang Hau, Kitchen Manager.

Soldiers serve meals.

It is known that in order to provide delicious meals for the soldiers, the logistics department regularly coordinates with the medical staff to develop menus suitable for the season, the training characteristics and the physical condition of the soldiers. Calories, proteins, fats, and vitamins are carefully calculated to ensure that each soldier has enough energy for the intense training days.

During intense training days or special missions, the menu is always adjusted accordingly. Meals are supplemented with energy-rich foods such as meat, eggs, and other nutritious vegetables and fruits. Even soldiers who require special diets for health reasons are given careful attention, with separate portions carefully prepared according to the instructions of the military doctor.

A meal full of camaraderie

At exactly 11am, the gong signaling mealtime rang. Soldiers from the rest rooms quickly lined up neatly and orderly, gathering in the dining hall. The food trays were neatly arranged on the tables. According to the regulations, each tray was for 6 people, with full menu items.

The meal was filled with laughter and conversation. The soldiers sat together, enjoying their meal while discussing their morning exercises and everyday stories. The military culture was evident in the way they maintained order and hygiene, finished their allotted meals, and cleaned up together after the meal.

New soldiers eat after training.

“When I first joined the army, I thought the communal meals would be simple, but I didn’t expect the food to be rich and varied every day. Today’s soup is like what my mother cooks at home,” Private Chiem Cao Nguyen, Squad 1, Platoon 1, Training Company, Regiment 114 shared.

Sharing his feelings, Private Vo Thanh Nhan, Soldier of Squad 1, Platoon, Training Company, Regiment 14, could not hide his emotions: “Every time we eat braised fish, braised pork with eggs or stuffed tofu, we often joke that we are “home”. The atmosphere of the meal helps us bond more closely together.”

Observing all around, we realized that in the meal there was not only the taste of food, but also the warm camaraderie. This was a precious source of spiritual energy, a bond that connected the young soldiers with the green uniform, with the unit and with the noble mission of protecting the Fatherland.

Major Vo Hoang Thong, a cook, shared: “At 3 a.m., when the entire barracks were still asleep, we woke up. The job of feeding soldiers requires meticulousness, diligence, and love. We consider soldiers as brothers and sisters in the family. Every day we try to cook delicious and clean food. We are very happy when the soldiers eat all the rice in each meal.”

Behind the fragrant pots of rice and the delicious dishes are the dedication and silent sacrifices of the logistics soldiers. They are not only talented "head chefs" but also the ones who inspire and motivate their teammates through each delicious and nutritious meal.

Meals after training sessions are not only about nutrition, but also about the affection and connection between young soldiers and their units.

Meals after hard training sessions are not only about nutrition, but also about the affection and connection of young soldiers with their units. With their dedication and camaraderie in every meal, the logistics soldiers of Regiment 114 have been creating a warm common home, where “military meals” fully carry the flavor of home.

When we left the unit, the image that remained in our minds was the rosy faces and bright smiles of the young soldiers after lunch. In that intimate space, the sincere words of a newly enlisted soldier echoed: "Here, every meal reminds me of home, but also makes me feel like this is home. The food here is truly as delicious as my mother's cooking...".

That simple yet touching saying made us realize that: The camaraderie and the thoughtful care of commanders at all levels gradually turned nostalgia into motivation, turning the unit into a second home - a place to nurture love for the Fatherland from the simplest things.

Story and photos: TRUNG NGHI

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/bua-com-chien-si-am-tinh-dong-doi-dam-tinh-que-huong-827707