With each person having their own idea and each unit having its own theme, the "Tao Quan" (Kitchen God) program and cultural performance celebrating the Lunar New Year 2026 by the Youth Union branch promise to bring many interesting surprises.

- Your Majesty! In 2025, despite facing numerous difficulties and challenges, with youthful energy, a spirit of unity, and high determination, the 12.7mm Anti-Aircraft Artillery Company always received and successfully completed its assigned tasks. Participating in the swift "Quang Trung Campaign" to help the people of Hoa Thinh commune, Dak Lak province, rebuild their homes after the historic flood, the unit completed the project ahead of schedule, finishing 5 days early. Many officers and soldiers received commendations and certificates of merit from the 5th Military Region Command, the 315th Division, and the local Party committee and government!

- Hey, Air Defense Minister, the Heavenly Court already knows all about these matters. You just need to report the weaknesses that the unit will focus on addressing in the coming year.

Taking care of flowers in preparation for the Lunar New Year at the Youth Union Branch 2, Youth Union of Regiment 143 (Division 315, Military Region 5).

On the afternoon before Tet (Lunar New Year), on their air defense outpost, officers and soldiers of the 16th Air Defense Company (143rd Regiment) were busy decorating the area, cleaning up fortifications and trenches, while attentively watching members of the youth union's performing arts team rehearse the "Tao Quan" (Kitchen God) show. Occasionally, they would burst into laughter at the witty banter and playful exchanges between the actors playing the Jade Emperor and the Air Defense Kitchen God, subtly criticizing the bad habits of some people in their daily lives.

Responding to the competition launched by the Youth Union of Regiment 143, which included sculpting mascots, composing couplets, creating wall newspapers and photo newspapers, wrapping banh chung (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes), arranging the five-fruit tray, and decorating for Tet (Vietnamese New Year), the soldiers have been racing against time to complete the final tasks. According to the plan, from the 27th day of the 12th lunar month, officers and soldiers will participate in lively folk games such as blindfolded goat catching, throwing the ball, stick pushing, tug-of-war, target shooting, pouring water into bottles, and dart throwing with prizes. On New Year's Eve, by the warm fire, the soldiers will roast cassava and boil sweet potatoes while eagerly competing in quizzes with prizes, listening to the unit commander read New Year's greetings; the platoons will set up "connecting points" between the "front lines and the rear" for soldiers to chat and wish their families a Happy New Year; and then watch the live television program celebrating New Year's Eve and listen to the Party and State leaders' New Year's greetings.

On the morning of the first day of Tet (Lunar New Year), after the flag-raising ceremony and receiving lucky red envelopes, the soldiers will gather at the reservoir area to cheer on the teams competing in pedal boat races, rescue boat races, lion and dragon dances, traditional folk singing, and stilt walking... With the spirit of "morning exercise, afternoon sports , evening singing and dancing," the unit will be filled with the sounds of loudspeakers and drums during Tet. Officers and soldiers whose relatives and friends come to visit and wish them a Happy New Year will be welcomed warmly and thoughtfully.

Naturally, "celebrating the New Year without forgetting our duties," during the peak period before, during, and after Tet, the Party Committee and command of Regiment 143 consistently emphasized and strictly implemented patrol, guard, combat readiness, and security protection work at all agencies and units. Officers and soldiers all understood their duty well, standing firm day and night, for the peace and happiness of the people.

I remember, on the night before Tet (Lunar New Year) in the year of the Snake, on top of Ma Phuc hill, after completing their mission, the soldiers in the target protection patrol team were invited by Lieutenant Vo Son Hai, Platoon Leader of Platoon 4 (Company 2, Battalion 1), to eat ginger jam to ward off the cold. Seeing Corporal Y Can Bdap (a soldier in Squad 3, Platoon 4, Company 2) looking pensive and less talkative than usual, Lieutenant Vo Son Hai kindly said, "Missing home, aren't you? Here, let me lend you my phone so you can call home and talk to your wife and children and encourage them."

Seeing his family members and especially hearing his child babble "Dad," Y Can Bdap was greatly uplifted. When confiding in his wife, because his comrades were around, he used shortwave speeches in the Ede language to keep his private feelings secret. However, after nearly a year of eating, sleeping, and working together under the same roof, many soldiers in "B4" had memorized phrases like: "I love you so much!", "Do you miss me?", "I want to live with you forever" in the Ede language. When his comrades caught him red-handed, Y Can Bdap was no longer embarrassed; on the contrary, he felt happy and proud to have always received the care, support, and encouragement of everyone throughout his time in the military.

“A soldier's spring is simple. A few homemade green sticky rice cakes”… The cheerful lyrics truly reflect the spirit of the soldiers of Regiment 143. With their youthful energy, love for their unit, and responsibility to the Fatherland, they have been silently dedicating themselves, contributing to protecting the peace and security of the people as they celebrate the spring and Tet holiday.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/than-thuong-tet-linh-1025890