Yang Mao commune was formed by merging the former communes of Cu Dram and Yang Mao, covering a vast area of ​​over 562 km² . With 19 villages and hamlets and a population of 16,843, 82.5% of the residents are ethnic minorities. Despite the large land area, the lives of the people remain difficult, primarily relying on agricultural production. In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), the presence of the soldiers of Uncle Ho's army serves as a source of moral support and a bridge connecting joy to families still facing hardship.

The "Zero-Cost" stall provided over 1,200 gift packages to people in need during the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026.

From early morning, the road leading to the center of the commune was bustling with laughter and chatter, even though the spring rain still lingered. Hundreds of people, from young to old, gathered at the meeting point with radiant faces. Amidst this lively atmosphere, Senior Lieutenant Le Van Long, Political Officer of the Communications Company (Dak Lak Provincial Military Command),   Holding the hands of the village elders, he led them to the "zero-cost" stall. He chatted with the villagers fluently in their own language, meticulously guiding them step by step to ensure everyone could easily receive their gifts. Corporal Y Phuc Bkrong, from the Reconnaissance-Mechanized Company, carried bags and bundles, helping the elderly carry heavy sacks of rice, then turning to guide the villagers. Wiping away the beads of sweat from his forehead, Y Phuc smiled kindly: "Seeing the villagers happy makes me feel like Tet (Vietnamese New Year) has arrived. Helping the village in any way is the greatest happiness for us."

The appeal of this special stall has led more than 500 households to personally select essential items. From gas stoves and new cookware sets to bags of rice, bottles of cooking oil, packages of candy, boxes of instant noodles, new towels, and new clothes, everything has been carefully prepared so that each family can have a more comfortable Tet holiday.

Leaders of the Dak Lak Provincial Military Command and local authorities presented gifts to the people.

Happiness is sometimes so simple, like how Mrs. Tran Thi Hoa hugged her new set of pots and pans and carried 10 kg of rice. She emotionally shared that this Tet holiday, her family has less worry thanks to the new cookware and delicious rice donated by the soldiers. Sharing the same joy, Ms. H'Dang Ksor also received a gas stove just as her old one broke down, and a bag of new clothes. She confided: "The soldiers understand our people's needs very well; they gave us exactly what we needed, helping us save a significant amount of money and ease the burden of Tet preparations."

Understanding that health is the most valuable asset for people to work and produce with peace of mind, the Provincial Military Command also organized free medical examinations and health consultations for nearly 300 people. Here, military doctors and medical staff took the time to listen and provide thorough advice to each case. Mrs. Tran Thi Hoi, 80 years old, from Nhan Yang village, suffers from osteoporosis and high blood pressure. The doctors provided medication and advised her on daily food choices and how to avoid strenuous work. She said emotionally, “Today I received a medical examination, medication, and even gifts; I am truly grateful for all the kindness of the soldiers.” Similarly, Mrs. H'Lim Niê, 75 years old, from Tul village, after receiving advice on how to rest to alleviate her persistent back pain, had a look of relief on her face as the new year approached.

The "Spring in Zone 5: Solidarity - A Warm Tet for the Military and the People" program provided over 1,100 gift packages to local people, 15 bicycles to poor students, totaling over 1.4 billion VND, and a series of other meaningful activities. The Dak Lak Provincial Military Command also coordinated with other units to distribute 2,000 leaflets on legal awareness, provided free haircuts for over 200 children and residents; organized a flower-laying ceremony at the memorial monument for martyrs in Yang Mao commune; and visited and presented gifts to the Party Committee, government, agencies, units, departments, and mass organizations of the commune.

The spirit of spring was further enhanced when soldiers guided 200 households in displaying the national flag. Alongside this, activities such as rice cake wrapping competitions, volleyball matches, and traditional folk games created a vibrant cultural atmosphere, strengthening the bond between the military and the people. All of these efforts were directed towards the goal of building a civilized life at the grassroots level.

Lively folk games and traditional bonfires.

Colonel Dinh Van Hung, Political Commissar of the Provincial Military Command, affirmed: “This activity carries profound political, social, and humanitarian significance, reflecting the national principle of ‘drinking water, remembering the source.’ This is an opportunity to strengthen the close-knit relationship between the military and the people, and for the entire political system to join hands in sharing difficulties with poor people in remote areas, so that ‘no one is left behind.’ Through this, we cultivate revolutionary ideals, build a strong national defense system, and establish a solid ‘people's support’ in the cause of protecting the Fatherland.”

As night fell, the flickering campfire and joyful singing filled the air amidst the mountains of Yang Mao, marking the end of a day of heartfelt celebration filled with camaraderie between officers, soldiers, and the local people. It seemed as if Tet (Vietnamese New Year) had arrived earlier. Yang Mao felt warmer and more complete thanks to the affection and responsibility of those who "come from the people."

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/doi-song/mang-tet-som-den-yang-mao-1026554