One weekend, the small house of Lieutenant Colonel Vo Quoc Nam, 97th Battalion, 4th Military Region Headquarters, was filled with laughter and conversation. His comrades came to visit Vo Thi My Dung, a little girl who had just returned after a long period of treatment. Looking at Dung's smile, few would know that she had gone through a difficult battle against her illness.

Representatives from the Committee on Population, Family and Children of the Ministry of National Defence visited and presented gifts to the families of military personnel belonging to the 5th Naval Special Forces Brigade (Special Forces Corps). Photo: TRUNG HIẾU

In 2018, at the age of 12, Dung noticed her eyesight deteriorating. The examination results shocked her family: she had a germ cell tumor—a rare disease. The following months were a long series of treatments, medications, and hospitalizations far from home. Just as her health began to improve, doctors discovered she had pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal gland dysfunction, and elevated liver enzymes. From then on, the Central Endocrine Hospital No. 2, nearly 400km from home, became her frequent destination, more so than her own home. And it was during these most difficult times that, alongside the love and support of her family, she received unwavering support from her unit. Leaders and commanders facilitated Nam's time to care for his daughter during each surgery or special treatment. The Committee on Population, Family and Children of the Ministry of National Defense provided the family with 19 million VND. While not a large sum compared to the long-term treatment costs, it embodied the deep compassion of her comrades, giving the family renewed strength.

The story of Captain Ngo Ngoc Son's family, who works at the Training Center of the Artillery and Missile Command, also moved many people. When she was seven months pregnant, Hoang Thi Mai (Captain Son's wife) was informed by doctors that the fetus had a congenital heart defect (atrial septal defect). Anxiety filled the waiting days. But with calmness, love, and faith, the couple were determined to be there for their child.

Before turning one year old, Ngo Hoang Minh Khang underwent two major surgeries and spent many months in the hospital. The sleepless nights in the hospital corridors and the numerous surgical consent forms were incredibly challenging. Fortunately, his family received encouragement from his superiors and colleagues, as well as a 25 million VND donation from the Committee for Population, Family and Children of the Ministry of National Defense. Now, Khang's health has gradually stabilized; he eats well and sleeps peacefully. His smile has become a great source of comfort for his family and colleagues at the workplace.

These two small stories are just glimpses into the heartwarming picture of the entire army's compassion. Every year, the Committees for Population, Family, and Children at all levels visit and support thousands of disabled children, children in particularly difficult circumstances, children of martyrs, orphans, etc., with a total budget of over 10 billion VND. This funding comes from the generosity of officers and soldiers throughout the army through the Ministry of National Defense's Children's Protection Fund. This is not only material support but also an affirmation that behind every soldier there is a caring and protective home front.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Thuy Hoa, Chief of the Office of the Committee on Population, Family and Children of the Ministry of National Defense, in the coming time, the unit will continue to promote propaganda and raise awareness about the implementation of policies and laws related to children; strengthen the socialization of assistance for disabled and orphaned children, creating a friendly environment so that they can receive better care and have fuller access to essential policies and services.

"Children are the happiness of the family, the future of the country"—this message is not just words but has been concretized through the close policies and practical actions of Party committees and commanders at all levels throughout the army in recent times. This concern has created a solid foundation for each soldier to work with peace of mind; because behind them is a well-cared-for home, and behind each child overcoming illness is the warm embrace of family and the camaraderie of comrades.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/cham-lo-nhung-mam-xanh-1029102