After each intense training session, with sweat soaking their shirts, the officers and soldiers of Battalion 3, Regiment 1, Division 324 (Military Region 4) would seek out the warm green tea jars, kept in sturdy wooden stands in front of each platoon's porch, filled with refreshing green tea.

The tea in the rum-shaped container, kept warm, was placed in a sturdy wooden frame, like a familiar corner for the soldiers. Just pouring a small cup of tea and taking the first sip, the slightly bitter taste on the tongue seemed to invigorate the whole body. After finishing the cup, the sweat, the heat, and the fatigue vanished. These simple cups of green tea not only quenched thirst but also brought the soldiers a feeling of relaxation and peace, as if they were returning to the porch of their hometown.

Green tea - a familiar drink for officers and soldiers of Company 9, Battalion 3, Regiment 1, Division 324.

Sergeant Cao Van Long, Squad Leader of Squad 3, Platoon 1, Company 9, shared: “Green tea has a bitter taste, but that very bitterness quenches our thirst and makes us feel more refreshed. After each strenuous training session, a cup of green tea feels like we've been given a boost of energy, and our spirits are lifted as we move on to the next exercise.”

Besides relieving fatigue, a cup of green tea also helps strengthen camaraderie among comrades. During days off and breaks, officers and soldiers often gather together, pour themselves a cup of tea, and chat lively. Stories range from family and hometowns to concerns about training and work... and so on. From these simple moments, everyone understands each other better, becoming closer and more affectionate.

A moment of relaxation for officers and soldiers of Battalion 3, Regiment 1, Division 324 after training.

According to Major Trinh Van Nam, Battalion Commander of Battalion 3: “The officers and soldiers of the unit come from five provinces and cities: Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh , Quang Tri, and Hue City. Almost everyone is familiar with green tea from their hometowns. The area where we are stationed is suitable for the soil, so the unit has allocated some land for tea cultivation. The tea is grown by the soldiers themselves, absolutely without the use of pesticides or chemicals, making it very safe and nutritious.”

The green tea bushes, cultivated and cared for by the soldiers themselves, have become a source of natural, pure beverage. Drinking a cup of tea made from their own leaves, each officer and soldier feels a deeper connection to their encampment and a greater sense of responsibility in their daily work. Therefore, a cup of green tea not only carries a simple, pure flavor but also embodies the affection, hard work, and pride of the soldiers.

Alongside tea cultivation, the officers and soldiers of Battalion 3 actively engaged in agricultural production, becoming self-sufficient in food. As a result, the soldiers' meals became increasingly varied and nutritious. A warm cup of green tea, brewed in a rumina, became a highlight in their daily lives. This improved the soldiers' health and morale, contributing to the successful completion of all assigned tasks.

Text and photos: HONG KHANH CHI

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    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/coc-che-xanh-mat-lanh-tinh-dong-doi-846179