Officers and soldiers of Tien Hai Border Guard Station donate vegetables to residents of Hon Giang Island. Photo: THU OANH
One March morning, as the sun was just rising, the officers and soldiers of the Tien Hai Border Guard Post were busy harvesting vegetables. Bundles of green cabbage, water spinach, jute mallow, and other greens were washed, sorted, and neatly tied. Baskets of fresh vegetables were quickly transferred to small fishing boats of local fishermen, cutting through the waves towards Hon Giang Island.
Amidst the vast sea and sky, the ship carried fresh vegetables and the soldiers' affection for the local people. When the ship docked, the villagers were waiting. Radiant smiles, warm handshakes, and cheerful greetings filled the air, warming a corner of the island. Tien Hai commune is a coastal border area facing many difficulties. The small islands are far from the mainland, and travel depends on the weather. Therefore, food sources, especially fresh vegetables, are always scarce. Vegetable prices are often high and unstable, making meals even more challenging for many families.
The "Military-Civilian Solidarity Vegetable Garden" model was established as a practical solution. Captain Nguyen Thanh Phuong, Deputy Political Officer and Secretary of the Youth Union at Tien Hai Border Guard Station, said: "Utilizing the resources from our own vegetable gardens to support the people is a suitable approach given the actual conditions. It both enhances the unit's production efficiency and contributes to sharing the difficulties faced by people on small, remote islands. This not only improves the lives of the people but also enhances the effectiveness of civilian outreach work and strengthens the solidarity between the military and the people in the border and island areas."
The Tien Hai Border Guard Post, established in 1989, is tasked with managing and protecting the sovereignty and security of the maritime border in the Hai Tac Archipelago, comprising 18 islands of varying sizes, including 7 inhabited islands. In addition to its professional duties, the unit considers community outreach a crucial task contributing to the development of a comprehensive border defense system integrated with a strong people's security posture. To ensure the model's effectiveness, the unit's Youth Union actively promotes and mobilizes 100% of its members to participate. Specific tasks are assigned, from preparing the land and sowing seeds to caring for and harvesting the vegetables. As a result, the vegetable garden consistently thrives, ensuring high yields and quality.
Lieutenant Lam Duc Phat, Head of Administrative Control Team and Deputy Secretary of the Youth Union at Tien Hai Border Guard Station, shared: “This model not only provides vegetables but also gives officers and soldiers the opportunity to directly visit the local area, inquire about, and understand the lives of the people. Through each trip, the bond between the military and the people is strengthened, creating consensus and trust among the people towards the border guard force.” From the beginning of 2026 until now, once a month, after harvesting, the vegetables are sorted, packaged, and transported to remote islands. The recipients are selected openly and transparently, prioritizing poor and near-poor households. Each time, 80 to over 100 kg of vegetables are handed directly to 30-50 households. In mid-March 2026, Tien Hai Border Guard Station organized its third donation drive on Hon Duoc Island, Hon Giang hamlet, with over 100 kg of vegetables for 50 households.
These simple gifts brought practical joy to the people on the remote island. Mr. Danh Thang, head of Hon Giang hamlet, said: “The people on the island are very happy to receive vegetables from the soldiers. Although it's not much, it's very precious, because it's difficult to grow green vegetables on the island and the price is also high. We hope the soldiers will continue to support us.” Mr. Danh Giau, a resident of Hon Duoc island, shared: “My family is struggling, so receiving vegetables like this is wonderful. Having more vegetables saves us money on groceries. Thank you very much to the soldiers.” Ms. Thi Kim also couldn't hide her joy: “Green vegetables aren't always available here, so receiving them like this is very precious. We hope to receive them again from time to time.”
The boats carrying vegetables to the islands by officers and soldiers of the Tien Hai Border Guard Post not only transport food but also carry the affection and responsibility of soldiers towards the people in the coastal border region. This small but meaningful act has contributed to spreading a positive image of the Border Guard in the hearts of the people, building a strong foundation of public support in the sea and islands of the Fatherland.
THU OANH
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/vuon-rau-gan-ket-quan-dan-a480992.html
Comment (0)