The family of comrade Le Van Tha, Chief of the Border Militia Post in Ca Trot Hamlet, Khanh Hung Commune, Vinh Hung District, has a stable life, which is also the common joy of Tha's family and his teammates. Having been attached to the militia post since its establishment, comrade Le Van Tha has always been responsible and dedicated to his assigned tasks, and has repeatedly achieved achievements in the fight against and prevention of crimes on the border. However, few people know that his home base still faces many difficulties. His wife works as a worker far away, so she only comes home once every two to three months on weekends. His two young children have to be taken care of by their grandmother. Understanding the situation, in 2020, the Long An Provincial Military Command supported and created conditions to build a spacious house for his family near the border militia post in Ca Trot Hamlet.

Raising fattened cows at Hung Dien permanent militia post (Tan Hung, Long An).

Thanks to the help of his teammates in many working days and the financial support of 100 million VND from Military Region 7 and 40 million VND from Long An Provincial People's Committee, the house was completed and put into use with an area of ​​120m2 . The floor and walls are tiled, creating a clean and airy space for the children to play and study. Since having the new house, Mr. Tha's wife decided to quit her job as a worker and join the militia force with her husband at the border militia post in Ca Trot hamlet, keeping a corner of the border peaceful. Touched by the affection of his comrades, local Party committees and authorities for his family, Mr. Le Van Tha shared: “The house is the dream of my wife and I for a long time. I don’t know what else to say, but I would like to deeply thank the care and help of the Commander of Military Region 7, the Military Command of Long An province, the authorities at all levels as well as my comrades for my family. My wife and I will always try to complete the assigned tasks well to contribute a small part to the work of protecting national border sovereignty and building a peaceful life at the border.”

At the Tan Hung district border, comrade Nguyen Thanh Trung considered the post as his second home to carry out training missions with his teammates, prepare for combat, patrol to protect the area and help people in the border area. Sharing his life, comrade Trung said: “In July 2022, my family received 60 million VND from the Long An Provincial Military Command to build a house of military-civilian affection. Since having a new house, family life has been more favorable. In my heart, I always think that I must try to fulfill my assigned tasks and build family happiness so as not to disappoint the care of my teammates and everyone.”

Militia soldiers harvest products to improve their lives.

Along with the "Comrades' House" model, the "Production capital support for militia posts" model has also been effectively implemented by the Long An Provincial Military Command in recent times.

Amid the scorching May sun of the border region, the system of growing gardens at the militia posts still retains its green color. At the Binh Thanh permanent militia post, Moc Hoa district, entering the main gate, on both sides, on the combat fortifications, the system of gourd and squash trellises laden with fruit is ready to be harvested. Behind the barracks is planned an area for growing fruit trees such as bananas, guavas, grapefruits; growing green vegetables and a livestock area combined with fish ponds. Comrade Pham Chi Thanh, Squad Leader of the Binh Thanh permanent militia post, shared: "Today's achievements of the post are thanks to the help of superiors in supporting capital to increase production. Previously, in 2022, the District Party Committee and People's Committee of Moc Hoa district supported the post with 9 breeding cows to give to the soldiers".

For the Hung Dien militia post in Tan Hung district, the “Fattening Cows” model brings high economic efficiency. Taking advantage of the abundant food source from the grasslands and waste products from the corn processing factory, each time, the post buys 20 calves from a local cooperative and fattens them for 1 to 1.5 months, then sells them back to the cooperative. The profit for the post is from 700,000 VND to 1 million VND/head. From there, the post has a fixed source of capital for reproduction, improving the lives of soldiers.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Nhu Hieu, Commander of Tan Hung District Military Command, said: “Tan Hung District has 3 border militia posts: Hung Ha, Hung Dien B and Hung Dien. To improve the living conditions of officers and soldiers, the District Military Command has advised the District Party Committee to invest funds to repair barracks and support increased production for the posts. In addition, the People's Committees of border communes have proactively supported and socialized capital, materials... to help the posts. Accordingly, the total support fund for the 3 posts is more than 1.3 billion VND”. With these practical and effective models, the material and spiritual life of soldiers has been improved. That has contributed significantly to building defense strength on the border line.

Article and photos: BIEN CUONG