On the journey to bring early spring to the soldiers and people on the southwestern islands, Hai Duong Newspaper reporters had the opportunity to meet the children of Hai Duong who are carrying out the task of protecting the Fatherland on the remote islands every day and every hour.
Try to do the job well
Before boarding ship 526, we listened to Colonel Luc Duc Tien, Deputy Commander of Naval Region 5, Head of the Working Group, announce some contents of the trip. Despite the howling sea wind, Colonel Tien's voice was still clear and coherent, attracting everyone to listen attentively.
Immediately, I recognized the very familiar voice of Hai Duong. It turned out that Colonel Luc Duc Tien was from Hoa Binh commune (established when 2 communes Binh Dan and Lien Hoa, Kim Thanh were merged).
During the trip, I had many chances to talk with Colonel Tien with the affection and closeness of a fellow countryman.
As a native of Hai Duong working in Naval Region 5, the Deputy Commander knows this sea area by heart. Mr. Tien said that in Naval Region 5, there are a number of officers and soldiers who are Hai Duong's children who are day and night protecting and defending the sea of the Fatherland. Despite the great geographical distance and many comrades having to leave their hometowns, the officers and soldiers of Dong province have successfully completed their assigned tasks. Having the opportunity to meet our fellow countrymen, we always visit and encourage each other to overcome difficulties, make efforts to contribute and fulfill our tasks.
When arriving at Nam Du Island, visiting Radar Station 600 of Regiment 551, Command of Naval Region 5, the working delegation was given the song “Legend of Hoang Sa, Truong Sa” by professional soldier Captain Pham Van Cuong. Captain Cuong is the only doctor at this radar station, from Doan Ket Commune (Thanh Mien). For the past 16 years, Captain Cuong has been performing the task of examining and treating patients, ensuring the health of all officers and soldiers, and helping the people on Nam Du Island.
"I remember most in 2012, I gave emergency treatment to a student from An Son Primary School who had an epileptic seizure at midnight. After first aid, I followed the boat to the mainland for emergency treatment and successfully treated him," said medic Cuong about a memory of his career.
Mr. Cuong's wife, Ms. Ngo Thi Lua (from Thai Binh), is working at the An Son Commune Health Station. Mr. Cuong and his wife are like "rare treasures" with the responsibility of ensuring the health of soldiers and civilians on the island.
"Every day on the island for me usually starts early and ends later than on the mainland. Calm weather, calm seas, and health and safety of soldiers and people on the island are what we want most. The trust of superiors, the love of teammates and people on the island are the motivation for me to strive to complete the assigned tasks well," Ms. Lua shared.
Rear support
For more than 13 years, Major Nguyen Doan Nam, Deputy Captain of Squadron 512 (from Thanh Quang Commune, Thanh Ha) has worked in Naval Region 5, which is also the time his family has always looked forward to the distant island. Due to the nature of his work, the number of times Nam can visit his family each year can be counted on the fingers of one hand.
Ms. Nguyen Thu Ha (Mr. Nam's wife) is working at Kinh Mon Town Medical Center and is also quite busy with work. To make him feel secure at work, she always tells herself to try to do everything. They encourage each other with their voices, laughter over the phone, or previously with letters sent from the island to the mainland. Understanding her husband's hard work, Ms. Ha always tries to take care of the housework, take care of her parents-in-law and children's education.
“Although it is hard, I am very proud to be the wife of a navy soldier. The long distance makes it difficult for me to see my husband, but what is that private feeling when he is performing the noble duty of firmly protecting the sacred sovereignty of the sea and islands of the Fatherland,” Ms. Ha shared.
At Nam Du Lighthouse Station, there are two men, Dong Van Thang and Dong Van Hai, both from Quang Trung Commune (Tu Ky). There is a lighthouse about 300 meters above sea level. Dong Van Hai got married in Kien Giang and has been working as a lighthouse keeper for more than 6 years. Hai shared that life here is isolated from the mainland and far from residential areas, so there are many difficulties. There is no electricity and fresh water is scarce, so life is quite difficult. To have water for daily use, they have to save every drop of rainwater.
Dong Van Thang has only been in the profession for over a year. His wife and two children are still in Tu Ky. When he finishes his shift and misses his wife and children, Thang calls home to ask about his family. Thang often shares on social media, reads Hai Duong newspapers, and watches TV to update news from his hometown. Thinking that his work has made a meaningful contribution to helping fishermen navigate safely at sea, Thang wants to stick with this profession for a long time.
The children of Hai Duong are officers, soldiers, and those who are on duty on the outpost islands of the Fatherland. They have always strived to fulfill their duties well, wholeheartedly turning towards the rear, their homeland Hai Duong.
Personal feelings combined with love for the country have added strength, becoming a solid support for them to confidently complete their missions on remote islands.
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