Veterans on a new 'front'

QTO - After leaving the military, many veterans in Quang Tri did not choose a life of leisure but continued to embark on a new "front," the front of economic development. With the resilience of soldiers, they persevered in labor, production, and economic development, contributing to the construction of new rural areas and spreading the qualities of Uncle Ho's soldiers in peacetime.

In recent years, the movement of war veterans competing in labor and production to develop the economy has become a bright spot in many localities in the province. Many members have boldly transformed the structure of crops and livestock, built farm and household farm models, expanded trades and services, gradually increasing their income, stabilizing their lives, and contributing to job creation for many local workers.

Veteran Dinh Xuan Chien (born in 1966), residing in Si village, Tan Thanh commune, is a prime example. In 1988, he was discharged from the army and returned to his hometown, carrying with him the spirit honed during his time in the military and a desire to succeed in everyday life. In his early years, Mr. Chien participated in youth union activities, serving as the branch secretary and later as a commune official. Despite his busy schedule, he remained concerned about economic development, especially after starting a family in 1990.

With no capital and little experience, Mr. Chien started with small-scale pig farming. At that time, the pens were makeshift, his experience was limited, the market was uncertain, and disease was always a threat. There were times when pig prices dropped, making his farming business very difficult. But the spirit of a soldier wouldn't let him give up. No matter how many failures he encountered, he would recalculate, learn from his mistakes, learn new techniques, accumulate capital, and gradually expand the scale of his operation.

Many economic models developed by veterans have yielded practical results, contributing to increased income and creating a ripple effect in the community - Photo: D.V.

Starting with just a few pigs, Mr. Chien persevered and successfully built a stable livestock farming model. Currently, his farm raises 14 sows and nearly 70 fattening pigs, maintaining a commercial production model. Thanks to his focus on farm hygiene, disease prevention, selective breeding, and the application of appropriate farming processes, the farm generates a stable income of approximately 500 million VND per year, contributing to job creation for many local workers.

"Mr. Chien is an exemplary member, excelling in business and always upholding the qualities of a soldier of Uncle Ho's army. Not only does he focus on developing production, but he is also ready to share his livestock farming experience and support other members to improve their lives. Currently, he is the head of the pig farming group of the Tan Thanh commune's professional association," said Dinh Trung Kien, Chairman of the Tan Thanh Commune Veterans Association.

From specific models at the grassroots level, it can be seen that the emulation movement for economic development among war veterans throughout the province continues to be maintained and promoted, thereby fostering a spirit of camaraderie, solidarity, and mutual assistance. All levels of the association clearly identify economic development as an important task, directly linked to the goal of sustainable poverty reduction, improving the lives of members, and contributing to local development.

Beyond simply encouraging members to improve themselves, the Veterans' Association at all levels actively promotes and encourages cadres and members to participate in local socio-economic development programs; especially the national target program for building new rural areas, sustainable poverty reduction, and patriotic emulation movements. Many veteran members not only excel in business but also set exemplary examples by donating land for road construction, contributing labor to infrastructure development, maintaining security and order, and building a cultural life in residential areas.

One of the key pillars supporting the economic development of its members is policy-based credit. The various levels of the association have closely coordinated with relevant agencies to strengthen inspection, management, and effective use of loan capital; at the same time, they have guided members in developing appropriate production plans, avoiding scattered investments, and improving the efficiency of capital. As of March 2026, the province had 685 savings and loan groups, with 27,061 veteran households borrowing; the total outstanding debt reached over 2,062 billion VND, with overdue debt at only 0.05%.

Thanks to funding and support from the veterans' association, many economic models run by veterans continue to develop. Numerous production, business, and service establishments have been formed and expanded, creating jobs for local workers, contributing to increased income, and promoting the restructuring of the rural economy.

"The emulation movement for economic development among war veterans not only aims to improve the lives of its members but also carries profound political and social significance. This is a practical way to continue promoting the qualities of Uncle Ho's soldiers in peacetime, contributing to strengthening the people's trust in grassroots movements, and making an important contribution to socio-economic development and the construction of new rural areas. In the coming time, all levels of the association will continue to focus on supporting members with capital, technology, and production experience, replicating effective models; linking the emulation movement with the key tasks of the locality, creating motivation for members to rise sustainably," affirmed Tran Ngoc Sam, Chairman of the Provincial War Veterans Association.

D. Vân

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/xa-hoi/202605/nhung-cuu-chien-binh-tren-mat-tran-moi-6823085/