The starting point of a "meal of love"

It was only 3 a.m., and while the electric lights still flickered in the fog, the kitchen of the 114th Regiment was already brightly lit. The cooks, neatly dressed, moved rhythmically between rows of gleaming stainless steel tables. The rhythmic clang of knives and cutting boards mingled with the steam rising from the simmering pots of soup. Their faces, glistening with sweat, still wore bright smiles, even though work had begun before sunrise.

The cooks prepare meals for the soldiers.

“The kitchen is the heart of the unit,” Lieutenant Colonel Dao Thi Kim Cuong, Head of Logistics and Technical Services of Regiment 114, shared with us as we toured the kitchen area. The spacious, airy space features a clean, polished white tiled floor that is cleaned daily, light cream-colored walls creating a warm atmosphere, and large windows that let in sunlight and fresh air. Ceiling fans rotate steadily, cooling the air on hot summer days. Posters promoting food safety and hygiene, along with slogans encouraging logistics work, are displayed on the walls.

The processing area is divided into several distinct sections: separate areas for preparing meat, fish, and vegetables; a cooking area and a table for displaying prepared food; and an automatic rice steamer system neatly arranged in a separate corner… Although it doesn't have as many modern devices as other units, everything is arranged scientifically and cleanly according to food safety and hygiene standards. In particular, a prominent board for monitoring daily meal quality is displayed, where soldiers can provide feedback and evaluations after each meal – a simple but effective initiative to improve the quality of collective meals.

Check the food quantities before cooking.

"Previously, our mess hall was very simple, but thanks to the attention of our superiors, the facilities have now been significantly improved. Our goal is to provide soldiers with meals that are not only nutritious but also evoke the taste of home," Lieutenant Colonel Dao Thi Kim Cuong added.

A scientifically sound and nutritionally balanced meal.

A weekly menu was prominently displayed on the wall. Today, the soldiers' lunch consisted of braised pork with eggs, stir-fried okra with garlic, sour soup, and dessert. Familiar dishes, full of the flavors of home, but prepared using a systematic and scientific process.

"We believe that meal quality is a key factor in ensuring the health of our soldiers. Each meal must not only be delicious but also nutritious, hygienic, and economical. That is a command from the heart of a logistics soldier," shared Captain Truong Quang Hau, kitchen manager.

The soldiers are serving and distributing meals.

It is known that, in order to provide delicious meals for the soldiers, the logistics department regularly coordinates with the medical corps to develop menus suitable for the season, the specific training requirements, and the physical condition of the soldiers. Calorie, protein, fat, and vitamin intakes are carefully calculated to ensure each soldier has enough energy for strenuous training days.

During intensive training sessions 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 requiring special diets for health reasons receive careful attention, with individual portions meticulously prepared according to military medical guidelines.

A meal filled with camaraderie.

Precisely at 11 a.m., the bell signaling lunchtime rang. Soldiers from their quarters quickly lined up neatly and orderly, gathering at the mess hall. Meal trays were already neatly arranged on the tables. According to regulations, each tray served six people, with all the dishes on the menu.

The atmosphere at the meal was cheerful, filled with laughter and conversation. The soldiers sat together, enjoying their meal while discussing their morning exercises or everyday stories. Military culture was evident in their discipline, cleanliness, finishing their portions, and helping each other clean up after the meal.

New recruits eat their meal after training.

“When I first enlisted, I thought communal meals would be simple, but unexpectedly, the dishes are varied and change every day. Today's soup tastes just like the one my mother cooks at home,” shared Private Chiêm Cao Nguyên, Squad 1, Platoon 1, Training Company, Regiment 114.

Sharing similar feelings, Private Vo Thanh Nhan, a soldier in Squad 1, Platoon, Training Company, Regiment 14, couldn't hide his emotion: "Whenever we eat braised fish, braised meat with eggs, or tofu stuffed with meat, we often joke that we're 'coming home'. The atmosphere at mealtimes helps us bond more closely."

Upon observing the scene, we realized that the meal was not just about the taste of the food, but also about the deep camaraderie among the soldiers. This is a precious source of spiritual energy, a bond that connects the young soldiers to their green uniforms, to their unit, and to the noble mission of protecting the homeland.

Major Vo Hoang Thong, a cook, shared: “At 3 a.m., while the entire barracks were still asleep, we were already awake. The job of feeding the soldiers requires meticulousness, diligence, and a loving heart. We treat the soldiers like our brothers and sisters. Every day we try our best to cook delicious and clean meals. We are very happy when the soldiers finish all their meals.”

Behind the fragrant rice and flavorful dishes lies the dedication and silent sacrifice of the logistics soldiers. They are not only talented "head chefs" but also inspire and motivate their comrades through each delicious and nutritious meal.

The meals after training sessions are not just about nutrition, but also about affection and the bond between young soldiers and their unit.

The meals after strenuous training sessions are not just about nutrition, but also about affection and the bond between young soldiers and their unit. Through dedication and camaraderie shared at each meal, the logistics soldiers of Regiment 114 have created a warm and welcoming home, where "military meals" carry the full flavor of home.

As we left the unit, the image that lingered in our minds was the rosy cheeks and radiant smiles of the young soldiers after their lunch. Amidst that warm atmosphere, the heartfelt words of a newly enlisted soldier rang out: “Here, every meal reminds me of home, but it also makes me feel like this is home. The food here is truly as delicious as my mother’s cooking…”

That simple yet touching statement made us realize that: the camaraderie and thoughtful care of commanders at all levels had gradually transformed our longing into motivation, turning the unit into a second home – a place that nurtured love for the homeland from the simplest things.

Text and photos: TRUNG NGHIA

    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