Old but not outdated

- In peacetime, the veteran community in the province continues to uphold the spirit of a soldier through practical contributions to social life. They demonstrate the qualities and solidarity forged in wartime in the cause of national construction and development.

Officials from the Ky Lua Ward Veterans Association disseminate legal information to their members.

Even after leaving the military, the veterans in the province consistently set a good example by participating in local movements and campaigns, from maintaining security and order at the grassroots level to developing the economy and building new rural areas.

Working together to develop the economy.

Veteran Vu Dinh Tuong (born in 1958), from Hamlet III, That Khe Commune, is one of the exemplary individuals who have risen through self-reliance to develop their economy in their hometown. Due to difficult family circumstances, after being discharged from the army and returning to his hometown (in 1982), Mr. Tuong began searching for ways to develop his economy.

In the early days, Mr. Tuong and his wife ran a small business at the market, earning an unstable income that was insufficient to cover their family's living expenses. In 1997, he started a business selling bottled mineral water but failed due to lack of experience. Undeterred, he shifted his focus to purchasing agricultural products such as glutinous rice, corn, soybeans, peanuts, and fruits. By 2016, Mr. Tuong had expanded his business and opened a grocery store.

Mr. Tuong shared: "Although I started my business late, I always believed that 'determination leads to success.' I spent more than three months surveying and researching the market to choose the right products to suit local needs. Each year, in addition to selling nearly 1,000 grocery items, I also purchase about 200 tons of agricultural products from local farmers to supply the market. My business model also helps create jobs for four local workers and brings in a profit of 250 to 300 million VND per year."

Veterans association members in Hung Vu commune introduce their economic model of growing medicinal plants.

Not only Mr. Tuong, but generations of veterans, after being trained in the military, all possess the spirit of self-reliance and self-improvement - the unwavering spirit of "Uncle Ho's soldiers," overcoming all difficulties to rise up and achieve legitimate wealth.

To foster this spirit, the Veterans' Associations at all levels in the province have continuously encouraged and motivated members to develop the economy, linking labor with community life. Currently, the entire association has 1,073 effective economic models with an average income of 100 to 600 million VND/year/model, creating jobs for nearly 4,000 local workers.

Alongside encouraging members to strive for economic development, the Veterans' Associations at all levels in the province have also become a solid support system, helping members access capital more easily. Through entrusted lending from the Social Policy Bank, the association currently manages 372 savings and loan groups with a total outstanding loan balance of over 1,000 billion VND. In 2025 alone, the entrusted capital reached 244.369 billion VND, achieving 136% of the set target.

The movement to build association funds continues to be effectively maintained, with 100% of branches having funds, averaging 520,000 VND per member. From these funds exceeding 10 billion VND, the associations at all levels have provided interest-free or low-interest loans to members, creating conditions for disadvantaged veterans to confidently invest in livestock farming, crop cultivation, and expanding production. These practical supports help members stabilize their lives and gradually develop a sustainable economy.

Exemplary on all fronts

Not only are veterans in the province pioneers in developing family economies, but they also consistently play a leading role in all community activities, faithfully adhering to and promoting the Party's guidelines and the State's policies and laws.

Mr. Nguyen Van Quan, Chairman of the Provincial Veterans Association, stated: With the tradition of "Uncle Ho's soldiers," veterans have always been a core force, leading the way in local movements and campaigns. The associations at all levels have identified the task of encouraging members to uphold exemplary conduct and community responsibility as a continuous mission, from economic development and rural development to participating in maintaining security and order.

Veterans in Tam Thanh ward launch a general environmental cleanup campaign.

This is also a key solution for effectively implementing the movements "Veterans helping each other reduce poverty and excel in economic activities" and "Exemplary veterans". When each member takes the lead in labor, social activities, and practical work in the community, they not only spread the spirit of overcoming difficulties but also contribute to building a civilized, safe, and sustainable locality.

For example, in response to the "Forever Grateful to Uncle Ho" tree-planting campaign, from the beginning of 2025 to the present, members at all levels have planted more than 100,000 trees; contributed more than 14,000 man-days to dredging canals, building irrigation systems, repairing roads, and cleaning the environment. Many members have also voluntarily donated 3,601 m² of land for the construction of infrastructure and welfare facilities, demonstrating a spirit of responsibility and proactive action.

"With the tradition of 'Uncle Ho's Soldiers,' veterans have always been a core force, setting an exemplary example and leading the way in local movements and campaigns. Veterans' associations at all levels have identified the task of encouraging members to uphold exemplary conduct and community responsibility as a continuous mission, from economic development and rural development to participating in maintaining security and order."

Mr. Nguyen Van Quan, Chairman of the Provincial Veterans Association

That exemplary spirit has also spread to social movements. Veterans' associations at all levels have mobilized members to contribute nearly 2 billion VND to various funds launched by the central and local governments. Specifically in the work of eliminating temporary and dilapidated houses, veteran members have donated 115 million VND and contributed 2,600 man-days of labor, working together to demolish 300 houses for members facing housing difficulties.

In addition, many veterans are also members of grassroots mediation teams. Since the beginning of the year, these members have successfully mediated 120 cases of internal conflicts among the people; they have also coordinated patrols and guard duties during holidays and border patrols over 100 times with more than 1,000 members participating.

Always deeply aware of his responsibility as a soldier of Uncle Ho, Mr. Hoang Van Tung, a veteran from Na Lau village, Hoang Van Thu commune, actively participates in raising awareness among the people about complying with the law. Mr. Tung shared: "As a veteran living on the border, I clearly understand that protecting the border is not only the responsibility of the functional forces but also requires the joint efforts of every citizen. Every month, I participate with the border guards in patrolling, clearing the border, checking border markers, controlling trails and openings, and reminding people not to illegally enter or exit the country, or transport prohibited goods across the border. I believe that these persistent efforts are a way for me to continue contributing to safeguarding the sovereignty and border security of the Fatherland."

Even after leaving the military, generations of veterans in the province continue to uphold the qualities of Uncle Ho's soldiers: exemplary conduct, unwavering determination, and leadership in all community activities. They retain the spirit of soldiers, spreading a sense of responsibility and self-reliance, contributing to building trust and a united, civilized, and vibrant homeland, becoming a pillar of support and a shining example for succeeding generations.

Source: https://baolangson.vn/giu-tron-khi-phach-nguoi-linh-trong-thoi-binh-5066797.html