These days, the rain in the mountainous region of South Central Vietnam continues unabated. Although the floodwaters receded many days ago, thick layers of mud and debris still cover the entrances to the villages of Tinh Son, Trung Hoa, and Tay Hoa in Son Hoa commune, Dak Lak province. The people are busy cleaning up and restoring their lives after this devastating natural disaster. And amidst this chaos, the green uniforms of the officers and soldiers of the 375th Air Defense Division reappear, bringing with them sharing, encouragement, and determination to help the people overcome this calamity.

Colonel Nguyen Minh Duc, Political Commissar of the 375th Division, presents gifts to encourage the forces on duty assisting the people in Son Hoa commune.

In implementing the "Quang Trung Campaign" launched by the Prime Minister to support localities in overcoming the consequences of floods and heavy rains, the 375th Air Defense Division deployed its forces to assist the people according to the motto "Golden workdays - precious work hours" with the general spirit of urgency, speed, and effectiveness.

During this operation, 230 officers and soldiers of the Division marched nearly 500km to Son Hoa commune. To ensure rapid progress and quality, the unit organized 7 construction teams and one support team, mobilizing the maximum number of highly skilled personnel. The teams were fully equipped with construction tools such as hoes, shovels, wheelbarrows, trowels, construction tools, boots, raincoats, gloves, etc.

Soldiers from the 375th Air Defense Division helped Mr. Nguyen Thanh Phong's family in Trung Hoa village, Son Hoa commune, with steel reinforcement and pole pouring.

Despite the muddy terrain, prolonged rain, and slippery ground, for nearly a week the soldiers have persevered, remaining in their positions, determined to complete the most important tasks of the first phase of house reconstruction.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Tu, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Division and Commander of the force assisting the people, said: "As soon as we arrived in Son Hoa, the unit proactively received materials, distributed skilled personnel to each item appropriately, and took advantage of nighttime hours when the weather was favorable to speed up progress."

At Mr. Le Khac Gia's house in Tinh Son village, the old foundation was almost completely washed away by the flood. In the early days, the soil was still muddy, and each shovel stroke splashed mud onto their clothes, but the officers and soldiers still took turns digging the foundation and transporting materials. By the end of the second day, the foundation of the first house was completed, straight and sturdy despite the persistent rain.

Soldiers from the 375th Air Defense Division mixed concrete and poured foundations for houses to help local people.

At Mr. Nguyen Van Huong's house construction site, the ground was deeply excavated and needed careful reinforcement before pouring the foundation. The soldiers carried bags of cement, their feet slipping in the rain, falling but getting back up to continue working. They worked day and night. Thanks to their efforts, by Wednesday afternoon, the foundation of the fifth house was completed – ahead of schedule despite the harsh weather. Moved by the soldiers' spirit, Mr. Huong shared amidst the drizzling rain: "Seeing you all working tirelessly in the rain, I feel so much compassion for you. With the soldiers here, we feel much safer."

By the fourth day, the units had poured foundation pillars, built stonework, and poured foundation beams for 7 houses; at the same time, they helped the people build 200m of concrete road, 70m² of yard, repair 20 sets of tables and chairs, clean the cultural center area and inter-village roads, and organize cultural exchange activities with the people.

For almost a week now, the soldiers, accustomed to the harsh conditions of the training grounds, have become extraordinary "builders," laying the first bricks for the new homes of the flood-affected people. Their sleeping quarters are sometimes just temporary shelters, meals are eaten quickly during short breaks; their clothes are constantly getting wet. But everyone is excited because the crucial foundations have been completed with guaranteed quality and ahead of schedule. The villagers are confident they will have their new homes in time for Tet (Lunar New Year).  

Tomorrow, each officer and soldier of the 375th Division will continue erecting pillars, assembling formwork, building walls, and constructing roofs—important tasks of the next phase. The journey is still long, but the first week has already created a high level of determination, leaving a positive impression on the people of Son Hoa.

Amidst the stormy weather of the South Central mountainous region, the image of the steadfast soldiers of the 375th Air Defense Regiment staying close to the people and the area has become a source of spiritual support for the flood-affected communities. The sweat soaked in mud today will be exchanged for smiles and reunions under new roofs when Tet (Lunar New Year) arrives and spring comes.

During an inspection tour to encourage the forces assisting the people, Colonel Nguyen Minh Duc, Secretary of the Party Committee and Political Commissar of the Division, emphasized: "The workload is enormous, and there is not much time left. Therefore, you must be even more determined, working quickly, efficiently, safely, and decisively. This is a campaign without gunfire, but we must achieve a resounding victory to bring joy to the people, especially those families who lost their homes after the historic storms and floods."

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/nuoi-duong-van-hoa-bo-doi-cu-ho/tuan-dau-o-son-hoa-bo-doi-375-dung-nen-mong-niem-tin-1016380