The person who "ignited" the flame of arts and culture for soldiers.

Late in the afternoon at the auditorium of the 5th Division (Military Region 7), Tay Ninh province, the air was filled with lively singing. On stage, the "amateur singers and actors" performed powerful and decisive dance moves. Amidst the troops, with his small, agile figure, Nguyen Thanh Trieu (born in 1993, residing in Binh Minh ward, Tay Ninh province) - a young choreographer who has been associated with the Division for over ten years - was enthusiastically guiding the soldiers in practicing the cultural program to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the 5th Division (November 23, 1965 - November 23, 2025).

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Trieu (far left) and the team from the 5th Division won first prize in the 2024 Military Region 7 Armed Forces' Skilled Mass Mobilization Competition.

The fate of becoming a "fire starter"

Nguyen Thanh Trieu's connection with the 5th Division began in 2014, when he was a student at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry. During a trip with his university to the affiliated unit for a cultural exchange, the young student first met the soldiers of the 5th Division. "At the time, I simply thought it was an experience trip, but unexpectedly, it became a connection that has kept me attached to the unit until now," Trieu recalled.

Trieu was born and raised in Tay Ninh – also where the 5th Division was stationed. His mother was a member of the Ninh Son ward's (now Binh Minh ward) performing arts troupe since 1971, and his father was a former officer working at the Provincial Military Command. Perhaps that's why his love for art and pride in being a soldier were formed early on.

In addition to his main job, he is also a collaborator and actor at the Tay Ninh Provincial Center for Culture and Arts, and a choreographer at the Tay Ninh Provincial Center for Youth Learning and Activities. This background has helped him become a passionate "artistic inspiration" for young soldiers of the 5th Division.

Nguyen Thanh Trieu and Lieutenant Bui Thanh Tu, a professional soldier, together with the First Prize flag at the 2024 Lullaby and Folk Song Festival of the Armed Forces of the Military Region.

Having spent many years with the 5th Division, Trieu realized: "Art in the military environment is not simply about performance, but also a way to inspire spirit, willpower, and camaraderie. Art is the breath, the thread that binds people closer together, especially between soldiers and the people."

From then on, he became a companion and a key figure in connecting the collective spirit. As a young Party member, he understood even more clearly the value of Party loyalty, discipline, and solidarity within the military. Each time he heard about the glorious traditions and history of the unit, he became even more attached to the place that had become a deeply ingrained part of his personal journey.

Lieutenant Bui Thanh Tu, a professional soldier and staff member of the 5th Division's Cultural Center, shared: "Whenever there's a competition or a major event, Lieutenant Trieu always takes the time to come back to the unit to help with the rehearsals, adjusting every movement and every costume. There were nights when we practiced until almost 11 pm, and he was still cheerful, encouraging everyone to keep trying."

Silent dedication, brilliant achievements.

Although he didn't wear a military uniform, Nguyen Thanh Trieu chose a unique way to "enlist"—dedicating himself to the cultural and artistic movement of the 5th Division. He choreographed, directed, and coached soldiers on stage skills, helping them perform with more confidence and professionalism.

For him, "the soldier on stage is also the soldier on the training ground" - performances must have charisma and truly reflect the spirit of "Uncle Ho's soldiers".

Thanks to that dedication, the arts and culture movement of the 5th Division has continuously achieved many outstanding results: the B Prize at the Mass Art Festival, the Second Prize at the 2023 Excellent Women's Union Cadre Competition organized by Military Region 7; 3 First Prizes at the competitions for skillful mass mobilization, young propagandists, lullabies and folk songs in the armed forces of Military Region 7 in 2024, along with many other awards at the provincial level such as the B Prize at the "Workers, Farmers, and Soldiers" Mass Art Festival of Tay Ninh province in 2024.

Currently, he also designs and assists with costumes for the performing arts troupes of Military Region 9 and Military Region 7, contributing to improving the quality and professionalism of their cultural programs.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Trieu (in white shirt) and the performing arts team take a break after practice.

Lieutenant Colonel Phan Hoai Quyet , Deputy Political Commissar of the 5th Division, commented: “Nguyen Thanh Trieu always lives and works with a sense of responsibility and dedication. Although not officially part of the unit, his participation has brought new life to the cultural and artistic activities of the 5th Division, helping young soldiers become more confident, united, and optimistic. Thanks to him, each activity and each program has its own unique character, being both professional and distinctly military.”

For ten years, although never a soldier, Nguyen Thanh Trieu was a true comrade in the hearts of the soldiers of the 5th Division – the one who kept the flame of spirit alive. On stage, he was a choreographer and director. Behind the lights, he was the one who silently instilled passion and pride in generations of young soldiers. And perhaps that's why his comrades affectionately called him by the endearing name: "The leader of the soldiers' arts and culture."

Dao Nhu - Hoang Danh

Source: https://baolongan.vn/nguoi-thap-lua-van-nghe-cho-linh-a206216.html