Dong Hung: Strengthening the bonds of camaraderie

Years of fighting together in the same trenches, facing life and death together, have strengthened the bonds between the soldiers of Uncle Ho's Army. Returning to civilian life with different circumstances, the veterans of Dong Hung district remain close and supportive, establishing a "Comradeship Fund" to provide timely assistance, support, and encouragement to each other in overcoming difficulties and striving for a better life.

Báo Thái Bình•27/05/2025

The Dong Hung District Veterans Association presented a "Comradeship Savings" passbook to veteran Nguyen Cao Quyet from Lien An Do commune.

The warm embrace of the "Comradeship and Solidarity" home.

On the day he stepped into his new home, named "Comradeship and Solidarity," veteran Nguyen Duy Duyet from Xuan Quang Dong commune was overwhelmed with happiness as his family's long-cherished dream of having a sturdy and spacious house had finally come true. Mr. Duyet is a disabled veteran with poor health, frequently hospitalized for treatment, facing financial difficulties, and living in a dilapidated house without the money for repairs. Every time there was a major storm, they had to seek shelter elsewhere. Sharing in Mr. Duyet's plight, the Dong Hung District Veterans Association allocated 60 million VND from its "Comradeship and Solidarity" fund. With the help of relatives, local Party committees, authorities, and fellow veterans, Mr. Duyet and his wife demolished their old house and built a new ^80m² home. Veteran Nguyen Duy Duyet emotionally shared: "How happy I am to live in this warm home filled with the love and solidarity of my comrades. My family will always remember this kindness."

Sharing the joy of living in a "Comradeship House" is the family of veteran Nguyen Van Thang from Trong Quan commune. Mr. Thang fought in the Southern battlefield and returned to his hometown in 1976 after being discharged from the army. He suffered a stroke, his wife has heart disease, his children are struggling, and their old house was dilapidated and unsafe, making repairs impossible. Understanding his situation, the District Veterans Association provided 60 million VND to help Mr. Thang build a new house. His comrades helped for dozens of days demolishing the old house, and relatives contributed 43 million VND. After two months of construction, the ^24m² flat-roofed house was completed at a total cost of 103 million VND. “It is in times of hardship that the true meaning of camaraderie is revealed. It wasn't just material support, but also mutual encouragement, helping my family settle down and focus on my treatment. My family is grateful to my comrades, the Veterans' Association at all levels, and the local government for helping us build our new home,” veteran Thang shared.

Giving away savings passbooks - spreading love.

Despite his advanced age, veteran Nguyen Cao Quyet from Lien An Do commune still works as a construction worker to support his elderly father and young grandchildren. Recently, he unfortunately suffered a work accident, his health deteriorated, and his already difficult family situation became even more challenging. Based on a proposal from the commune's Veterans Association, the district's Veterans Association allocated funds from its "Comradeship Fund" to present him with a savings account worth 5 million VND. Receiving this gesture of camaraderie, Mr. Quyet emotionally shared: "In times of hardship, being visited, encouraged, and given gifts by my comrades deeply moves me. This is not just a savings account, but also a source of support, giving me strength to overcome difficulties."

Suffering from a serious illness and frail health, veteran Nguyen Van Vinh from Me Linh commune is confined to his hospital bed, rarely speaking or smiling. However, whenever his comrades visit, he becomes cheerful and engages in conversation. He was particularly moved when he received a special gift: a small savings account created with the help of his fellow veterans. “I will never forget the kindness of the veterans. The amount isn't much, but it represents a precious sentiment, giving me the strength to overcome my illness and live happily,” Mr. Vinh shared.

“One gift – a thousand hearts” Due to various reasons, many veterans in Dong Hung district are still living in difficult circumstances. Understanding and wanting to share the difficulties of their comrades, the District Veterans Association launched a fundraising campaign, which was enthusiastically supported by its members, who actively contributed funds to build the “Comradeship Fund.” With the spirit of “many small contributions make a big impact,” the veterans have built up a significant fund to implement many activities to help members in a timely manner. Mr. Pham Van Binh, Chairman of the District Veterans Association, said: The “Comradeship Fund” was established by the District Veterans Association in 2024 with the aim of supporting house construction, awarding comradeship savings accounts, and using it for visiting members facing unexpected difficulties, thereby spreading love and strengthening camaraderie. To date, veterans' association members throughout the district have contributed over 270 million VND to the "Comradeship Fund," and 30 million VND has been raised through social mobilization. The district's Veterans' Association has allocated funds to build two new houses, each costing 60 million VND, for two veterans facing housing difficulties. They have also presented 35 savings accounts, each worth 5 million VND, to veterans who have unfortunately suffered accidents, illnesses, or diseases, and given gifts to dozens of other members with particularly difficult circumstances.

In the coming period, the District Veterans Association will continue to do a good job of reviewing disadvantaged members to allocate funds for timely support, while also emphasizing the purpose and significance of establishing the "Comradeship Fund" to create resources to care for and share with more disadvantaged members, giving them more motivation to rise up in life.