With her advanced age, Mrs. Ngan's steps were somewhat slow, but she maintained a steady gait, her voice firm, and her eyes bright. Her hair had turned white with age, but her smile still held the generosity of a soldier from her younger days. Mrs. Ngan was simple and reserved, especially when speaking of her contributions to society. However, her living room told a different story; the neatly displayed certificates and awards bore witness to her persistent efforts, sense of responsibility, and undying passion.
Approaching 80 years old, Ms. Ha Thi Ngan remains enthusiastic about social work and charity. Photo: Phuong Lan
Born in 1946, at the tender age of twenty, Ms. Ngan volunteered to join the resistance against the Americans. From 1964, she served as a military medic in the An Giang Provincial Military Command, caring for wounded soldiers. After 11 years of fighting and 24 years of service in the army, rising from a battlefield nurse to a captain, Ms. Ha Thi Ngan lived up to her oath as a soldier of Uncle Ho's army. In 1996, she was awarded the Second Class Resistance Medal by the President of Vietnam.
After the country was completely reunified, the former female soldier continued to demonstrate her abilities on a new front. For nearly 14 years, she held the position of director at important units such as Thoai Son Foodstuff and Thoai Ha Company (An Giang), applying her management experience and the discipline of a soldier to ensure stable development of her units. Regardless of her position, whether on the battlefield or in the business world, she maintained her seriousness, responsibility, and dedication.
Upon retirement, it seemed she would enjoy her old age, but the flame of dedication of this veteran only grew stronger. Since 2008, Ms. Ngan has become the "soul" of the Association for the Support of Disabled People, Orphans, and Poor Patients in Thoai Son District (before the merger). With her prestige and perseverance, she contributed to raising the association's fund from its initial meager capital to nearly 4 billion VND after more than 10 years of fundraising.
From that fund, dozens of heart surgeries were supported, some cases receiving up to 100 million VND. Many houses were donated to impoverished comrades. The charitable ambulance of the Association for the Support of Disabled People, Orphans, and Poor Patients in Thoai Son District, driven free of charge by her former comrade, has become a means of timely assistance for the poor needing to go to the hospital, ensuring no one is left stranded due to lack of transportation costs.
Currently, Ms. Ngan still plays a core role in the Thoai Son Commune Veterans Association. Despite many changes in organization and her advanced age, she remains steadfast in her soldierly spirit and her journey of sharing with the community. "Seeing poor patients have money to buy medicine, successful heart surgeries, and veterans receiving better care makes me very happy," Ms. Ngan shared.
Perhaps it is this happiness that helps Ms. Ngan rekindle her enthusiasm to continue fulfilling her mission as a Party member, a soldier in everyday life. Currently, she also sponsors two underprivileged female students in the local area, providing each with 2 million VND per school year from her pension.
“Ms. Ha Thi Ngan is an exemplary veteran, enthusiastic about association work. Despite her advanced age, she still keeps the flame burning, focusing on social activities. She helps comrades in difficult circumstances and other less fortunate people with all sincerity,” said Huynh Tan Duc, Chairman of the Thoai Son Commune Veterans Association.
PHUONG LAN
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/tuoi-80-van-ben-bi-lam-viec-thien-a469209.html
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