Bright torches in the middle of the Truong Son mountain range

Brave and resilient in combat; enthusiastic and pioneering in peacetime... these are the portraits of the veterans we met in the villages of Western Quang Tri. They are shining examples in the mountains and forests, guiding the way for many generations to follow.

In 1981, Mr. Ho Voi installed more than 4km of water pipes, providing clean water to more than 80 households. Currently, the project is still running steadily - Photo: TRAN TUYEN

Transport champion and village light-maker

The story of veteran Ho Voi (92 years old) is still mentioned by the people of La Lay commune as a symbol of the strength and intelligence of Uncle Ho's soldiers. In 1957, he joined the army in the boiling atmosphere of the nation.

In January 1966, he participated in transporting weapons and food for Division 503, Military Region 5. At that time, Ho Voi only weighed 42kg but could carry 1.6 quintals of goods, guns, ammunition, and food on his shoulders, crossing the forest to supply the battlefield.

“We transported one trip every day. We put guns, ammunition, food, and medicine in the basket and just kept going. The young man was healthy and determined to defeat the enemy, so he tried his best to carry heavy loads. At that time, anyone who could carry 1.4 - 1.5 quintals of goods was awarded the title of transport champion. I could carry 1.6 quintals,” Mr. Voi recalled.

At the end of August 1966, Mr. Voi led the way and escorted General Nguyen Chi Thanh to Hanoi to report his achievements to Uncle Ho. On September 5, 1966, he had the honor of entering the Presidential Palace. He said: "At that time, Uncle Ho told us to be determined to defeat the American invaders". After that, I continued to fight at Station 196 until the day the country was at peace ."

Returning to his hometown, Mr. Ho Voi entered the fight against poverty. In the early 1980s, A Bung commune (old) was seriously short of water. After many sleepless nights, he borrowed money, traveled to Dong Ha to buy plastic pipes and installed more than 4km of water pipes, providing clean water to more than 80 households.

Nearly half a century later, that project is still going strong, just like his heart and passion. He is also the one who brought “light to replace the stars” to Cu Tai village. In 1993, when the village was still in darkness, he borrowed money to buy a turbine generator and light bulbs to light up his family and the whole village.

In economic development, he is also a pioneer. In 2000, he was the first person to bring the following tree varieties: Hue, red Litsea, cinnamon, and rosewood to plant in A Bung commune. Up to now, his family has 2 hectares of Hue, 2 hectares of red Litsea, 2 hectares of cinnamon, and dozens of rosewood trees over 10 years old.

In addition, he also planted 1 hectare of cassava mixed with corn, more than 100 jackfruit trees, 200 banana trees and dug a freshwater fish pond with a water surface area of more than 1,000 square meters. After deducting expenses, his family earns a net profit of about 80 million VND each year. Notably, his family has 33 members but 14 are party members and 9 are university graduates.

The exemplary village elder

Right at the beginning of Hamlet 6, Khe Sanh Commune, the spacious and imposing 2-storey house of veteran Ho Van Xang (81 years old) stands out among the vast fields. When recalling the memories of a time of bombs and bullets, Mr. Xang recalls: “I joined the revolution when I was only 12 years old. At that time, I worked as a liaison, supplying food and ammunition to the troops. In 1960, I became a district guerrilla, and in 1963, I joined the local army.”

Veteran Ho Van Xang is an exemplary role model, respected by villagers - Photo: TRAN TUYEN

During this time, he and his comrades fought steadfastly in many important battles, from the fierce Route 9 and Khe Sanh battlefields to the Ba Long war zone. In particular, he was present in the Mau Than campaign in 1968, contributing to the complete liberation of Khe Sanh. In 1971, he participated in the counter-offensive campaign of Operation Lam Son 719, and continued to coordinate the fight until Quang Tri was completely liberated in 1972.

After the country's reunification, he held the position of Deputy Commander of the Nam Huong Hoa District Military Command, then Deputy Chief of Staff of the Military Command of Huong Hoa District (old). From 1985 to 2000, he was Secretary of the Village Party Cell and Vice Chairman of the Veterans Association of Huong Hoa District.

Waving his hand around the house, Mr. Xang said: “On the 7ha production land, I grow cassava, potatoes, coffee, and rice; dig 3 ponds to raise freshwater fish. Using 1,000m2 ^of garden land, I grow fruit trees.” Previously, he had a herd of 5 buffaloes and 10 cows. Later, he shared it with his relatives to do business together. Currently, Mr. Xang is the village elder and head of Hamlet 6.

Mr. Tran Ngoc Sam, Chairman of the Veterans Association of Quang Tri province, affirmed : “Veterans are the core force, rich in experience and courage in the movements of building new rural areas, eliminating hunger and reducing poverty and maintaining security and order at the grassroots level.

Especially in remote areas , many members are not only good at doing business but also exemplary in propagating and mobilizing people to comply with the Party's guidelines and policies and the State's laws . They are truly the "fire-lighters" for the community.

Aspiration to get rich from difficult land

In Phu An village, Huong Hiep commune, the journey of veteran Phan Thanh Tuyen (49 years old) to establish a career is a story full of determination in a thirsty land. Born in Thuong Hoa commune, Minh Hoa district, Quang Binh province (old), Tuyen followed his family to Huong Hiep commune to establish a career in 1997. In 2001, Tuyen got married, then followed his father to join the army at Battalion 1, Regiment 1, Division 324, Military Region 4.

The journey of veteran Phan Thanh Tuyen to establish a career is a story full of determination in a thirsty land - Photo: TRAN TUYEN

In 2003, he was discharged from the army. “At first, because we had no capital, my wife and I worked for hire to support our children’s education. Then, I boldly borrowed capital from the social policy bank to plant acacia forests and raise livestock. This was the first step in my journey to establish myself and my career,” Tuyen recalled.

From 2 cows and 1 hectare of forest at first, Mr. Tuyen gradually expanded production. At one point, his farm had up to 100 goats, more than 30 cows and 10 buffaloes. Up to now, despite adjustments to adapt to new conditions, his family still owns 4 hectares of cajuput forest, 2 hectares of cassava, 23 cows and 3 buffaloes.

Not only that, Mr. Tuyen also bought a chainsaw to exploit his own forest and provide wood cutting services for local people. In his spare time, he works as a construction worker on civil works. Each year, his family has an income of about 100 million VND.

Not only is he good at business, Mr. Tuyen also actively participates in local social activities. He also regularly propagates and mobilizes people to cultivate rice intensively, raise livestock and poultry, dig ponds to raise fish, and plant forestry trees to have a sustainable livelihood. Thanks to that, the material and spiritual life of the people of Phu An village is increasingly improved, contributing to changing the face of the highlands.

Currently, Mr. Tuyen is the Head of the Phu An Village Veterans Association. “As a party member and having been trained in the military, I do not hesitate to do anything. As long as it is good for my hometown and family, I am always ready to contribute and do my best,” Mr. Tuyen shared.

Tran Tuyen

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/nhung-ngon-duoc-sang-giua-dai-ngan-truong-son-196366.htm