Wounded soldiers in peacetime

As war invalids returning to civilian life, Mr. Tran Van Dau and Danh My, both residing in Thanh Dong commune (An Giang province), continue to contribute to their homeland in their own ways.

Wounded soldier Tran Van Dau cleans the pigsty.

Mr. Tran Van Dau and Mr. Danh My are both veterans who participated in the resistance war against the US, the war to save the country, the war to protect the southwestern border, and fulfilled their international duty to assist Cambodia.

Mr. Tran Van Dau recounted: “In 1971, I enlisted in the army, initially in Battalion 207, then transferred to Tan Hiep District Military Command. In 1977, I was ordered to fight to protect the southwestern border, and then to fulfill my international duty in Cambodia. In 1978, while on duty, I was seriously wounded by a recoilless rifle fired by Pol Pot's forces. Many of my comrades died right there in the bunker, and I had to be treated for three months. After recovering, I continued my duties until 1983 when I returned to my hometown.” At the same time, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Men – Mr. Dau's wife – quietly waited for her husband. Mrs. Men said: “We got married in 1980, and he only stayed home for one month before disappearing for three years. For three years, I only received one handwritten letter.”

Returning home after the country achieved peace, Mr. Dau and his wife faced many hardships. They only had a few rice paddies and supplemented their income by raising pigs. Balancing farming and local community work, he served as the head of Thanh An 1 hamlet, Thanh Dong commune, for 32 years (1985-2017). Now, he owns over 7 hectares of rice paddies, raises more than 100 pigs, and has been recognized as a successful farmer and businessman for many years in the commune.

He also pioneered the transformation of production, applying technical advancements such as "3 reductions, 3 increases," and "5 musts, 1 correct," contributing to changing the farming practices of the people. From "toiling under the sun and rain," the people of Thanh An 1 now apply mechanization such as drone spraying and combine harvesters, making farming easier and more efficient.

The leaders of Thanh An 2 hamlet visited war invalid Danh My (center).

In Thanh An 2 hamlet, war veteran Danh My (74 years old) is a shining example of resilience and dedication to raising his children and grandchildren. He served in combat for 12 years and was wounded seven times.

Returning to civilian life with failing health, Mr. My and his wife continued to work diligently, raising their three children to become responsible adults. Under his guidance, their youngest son, Danh Minh Thuong, became a Party member and volunteered for military service. Recently, their grandson, Danh Duy Khanh, whom he raised from a young age, also completed his military service.

Mr. Tran Van Truong, Head of Thanh An 2 Hamlet, said: "The hamlet has 72 families receiving preferential treatment, all of whom are exemplary in complying with the Party's guidelines and the State's policies and laws. Among them, Mr. Danh My is a prime example, inspiring revolutionary fervor in his children and grandchildren, and encouraging young people to enthusiastically join the army to defend the Fatherland."

Upholding the tradition of remembering those who have contributed to the nation, in recent years, the Party Committee, government, and Fatherland Front of Thanh Dong commune have paid special attention to caring for the material and spiritual lives of those who have rendered meritorious services to the revolution.

According to Duong Quang Dang, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Thanh Dong commune , the commune currently has 45 war invalids and sick soldiers; 61 people with meritorious service receiving monthly allowances; 20 relatives of martyrs; 150 people worshiping martyrs; 19 people worshiping Vietnamese Heroic Mothers; and 2 people affected by chemical toxins. All policy beneficiary families are provided with free health insurance cards, support for medical examinations and treatment, and housing according to regulations. In 2025 alone, the commune coordinated the construction and repair of 16 houses of gratitude for policy beneficiary families and relatives of martyrs.

Text and photos: TRUC LINH

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/thuong-binh-trong-thoi-binh-a424950.html