Following an introduction from Mr. Do Van Cuong, Chairman of the Veterans Association of Viet Hong commune, we visited the family of veteran Nguyen Hong Quang in Chao village. In their spacious and airy stilt house, numerous certificates and awards were neatly displayed.
Over cups of green tea, Mr. Quang's story helped us better understand the dedication of this resilient veteran, who always maintains a "never rest" spirit, continuing to fight on a new front - the front of economic development and building a new life.
In August 1971, 18-year-old Nguyen Hong Quang enlisted in the army, becoming a soldier in Battalion 9, Regiment 66, Division 10, fighting in the Central Highlands, Kon Tum.
In 1977, he was discharged from the army and returned to his hometown, joining the youth union of the former Viet Hong commune. Energetic, enthusiastic, and responsible in his work, in 1981 he was trusted and elected to the position of Secretary of Viet Hong commune.
For 25 years as Secretary of Viet Hong commune and 5 years as Chairman of the commune, Mr. Quang has made a significant contribution to building Viet Hong commune - a revolutionary war zone that is constantly changing and developing.
Although he retired in 2011, veteran Nguyen Hong Quang never allowed himself to rest. He continued to work, develop his family's economy, and actively contribute to building his homeland.
Leaving his stilt house, Mr. Quang led us to visit his family's Bat Do bamboo hill. At 73 years old, he still nimbly climbs the hill, tending to each thriving bamboo clump. The 1.5 hectares of Bat Do bamboo today is the result of his family's bold and pioneering decision to switch crops on their hillside land.
According to Mr. Quang, the advantage of Bat Do bamboo shoots is that although it is a perennial plant, it can be harvested from the second year onwards, is planted once, can be exploited for a long time, and has a stable market.
However, in the early days of implementing the model, he also faced many difficulties due to the hilly terrain, many locations were unsuitable for this type of tree, and the care required more effort than for previous forestry trees.
Nevertheless, the positive signs from the first harvest gave the old veteran renewed motivation.
I found this type of bamboo suitable for the local development plan, as it's well-suited to the soil, easy to grow, and provides a relatively high economic return. I started planting it in 2023, and by 2025 I had harvested over 1 ton of bamboo shoots. Currently, the plants are growing well, and this year's bamboo shoot harvest is expected to yield even more. Seeing the success of this model, many villagers have come to visit, learn, and implement the planting. To date, the entire village has more than ten hectares of Bat Do bamboo.
Not only is he exemplary in economic development, but veteran Nguyen Hong Quang also enthusiastically participates in the activities of the Veterans Association of the commune, actively encouraging members to unite and help each other develop economically and build a new life.
Mr. Do Van Cuong, Chairman of the Veterans Association of Viet Hong commune, said: “Veteran Nguyen Hong Quang has nearly 40 years of experience in local social work. After retirement, he continues to develop his family's economy effectively, especially with the model of growing bamboo shoots. This is a sustainable economic development model, suitable for the locality. The Veterans Association of the commune will continue to promote and replicate this model so that members can learn from and follow it.”
At 73 years old, with 50 years of Party membership and a 4th-degree disabled veteran status, former soldier Nguyen Hong Quang has never once thought about resting.
Mr. Quang shared: "Many people say that once you retire and have a pension, you should rest and take care of yourself. But I think as long as I have my health, I should continue to work and contribute. I should lead by example, so that others can learn from me and strive to develop the economy and build a more prosperous and beautiful homeland."
The unwavering will and tireless dedication of veteran Nguyen Hong Quang have become a shining example in Chao village today. It's not just a story of economic development, but also a testament to the spirit of responsibility, perseverance, and love for his homeland, inspiring younger generations to learn from and emulate him.
Source: https://baolaocai.vn/guong-sang-o-ban-chao-post899940.html
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