Speaking to us after the performance, Senior Lieutenant Phan Thi Thu Uyen confided: “Initially, I felt anxious because, as a woman with a small physique, facing opponents twice my weight, completing the sparring routine was a great challenge. But with the encouragement of my unit commander and the dedicated guidance of my teammates, I was motivated to conquer the challenge.”

Senior Lieutenant Phan Thị Thu Uyên performs martial arts at the 2026 training commencement ceremony of the 4th Military Region headquarters.

As a military medic, Uyen's passion for martial arts came naturally. Without formal training, she began by quietly observing her comrades on the training ground, memorizing each movement and technique. After work, when many others were resting, she patiently sought further instruction from her teammates and practiced each technique on her own. Those early sparring sessions were incredibly challenging. There were days when her hands and feet were bruised, and her uniform was drenched in sweat, but she never thought of giving up. Each powerful strike she delivers today is the result of countless times she was knocked down by her "opponent" and then got back up. And as her movements became more decisive and precise, her reward was not only improved skills but also encouragement, support, and recognition from her comrades on the training ground.

Not only outstanding on the training ground, Senior Lieutenant Phan Thi Thu Uyen is also remembered by her comrades for her dedication and responsibility in her professional work. Having served in a special forces unit—where training sessions are intense, harsh, and fraught with safety risks—she always proactively stays close to the troops on the training ground. Her medical kit is always ready, and her supplies of medicine and equipment are meticulously prepared so that she can immediately respond to any situation that may arise. From minor abrasions to injuries requiring emergency first aid, her calmness and precision have become a solid foundation, helping officers and soldiers confidently overcome arduous training sessions.

Senior Lieutenant Phan Thị Thu Uyên provides healthcare for soldiers in her unit.

During a conversation with officers and soldiers of the 31st Special Forces Battalion, we learned that Senior Lieutenant Phan Thi Thu Uyen is also a "source of innovative ideas" within the unit. One of her most notable innovations is the "Water Pump Clamping Device for the Preservation and Maintenance of Workboat Engines." Based on the unit's management of numerous motorboats used for training and search and rescue operations, maintenance, especially of the engines, was previously done manually, which was both time-consuming and did not guarantee quality. From this practical experience, she proposed the idea and, together with the specialized team, researched and developed the "Water Pump Clamping Device for the Preservation and Maintenance of Workboat Engines." When put into practical application, the innovation not only made the maintenance of motorboats more convenient and safer but also significantly improved efficiency, reducing the workload for the soldiers.

Behind the image of a strong and responsible female soldier on the training ground, diligently performing her professional duties, she is also a devoted mother and wife, caring for her family. Her husband is also a soldier, often away from home; her young child is just over 3 years old, so to fulfill both roles, she always skillfully balances her family life and her duties at the unit.

Commenting on his subordinate, Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Sy Ha, Political Officer of the 31st Special Forces Battalion, said: Senior Lieutenant Phan Thi Thu Uyen is a dynamic military medical officer who always excels in her professional duties and is a leading figure in the unit's extracurricular activities. With her eagerness to learn, her determination to overcome difficulties, and her perseverance in training, she has affirmed the image of a strong and capable woman in the Army, ready to conquer challenging training content, constantly learning and improving herself to grow.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/nu-quan-y-dac-cong-1033424