A role model soldier in times of peace

Returning from the northern border front with a 2/4 disability, it seemed his journey of service had come to an end. Yet, this wounded soldier began a new battle—one on the economic front. In the once-barren land of Bau Reng in Dong Son Ward (formerly part of Bac Nghia Ward, Dong Hoi City), a place few would venture to, he built a remarkable story of determination, faith, and a steadfast commitment to learning and following the example of President Ho Chi Minh. That soldier is war veteran Dang Van Luan.

Born in 1962, Dang Van Luan showed a strong sense of patriotism from a young age. At 19, he joined the military. By the end of 1985, he was deployed to the northern border to defend the country. After three years of clinging to cliffs and enduring fierce combat, Lieutenant Luan was wounded and discharged from the army.

Veteran Dang Van Luan shares memories of his years in military service. Photo: L.T

He returned home with not only physical injuries but also the heavy burden of wartime memories. “In 1988, I was seriously injured in battle. For a time, I thought I might not survive. During three months of treatment at Military Hospital 103, I kept reminding myself: I’m still young, I still have time to strive. I couldn’t allow despair to take over. I had to overcome the pain and keep moving forward,” he recalled.

After getting married in 1989, he began working to support his family. But life was not easy. His household fell into hardship. His wife and two children were seriously ill, and both farming and livestock efforts failed. Still, he kept faith in agricultural work. That faith, along with sheer determination, helped him rise above adversity. In 1999, starting over with very limited capital, he reclaimed a piece of barren land in Bau Reng. The land responded to his hard work. Within a year, his family was no longer classified as poor and gradually became more stable.

Today, after nearly 30 years of relentless effort, Dang Van Luan has reaped the fruits of his labor. His 11-hectare farm thrives with a variety of crops and livestock. He regularly experiments with new breeds and farming techniques. Recently, he tried raising black apple snails, planting over 1,000 Siamese coconut trees, and growing corn in the off-season. All of these have yielded good results. He now plans to test potato cultivation in the same area.

Beyond building his own livelihood, he actively shares his knowledge and techniques with others in the region. Thanks to his guidance, many households in Bau Reng have gained the confidence and know-how to pursue similar agricultural ventures.

“I’m a wounded veteran with 65% health loss. You could say I’m broken. But the discipline and spirit I gained in the army gave me the strength not to be defeated. Once the mind is clear, no matter how hard things get, you can overcome them,” he shared. More than just supporting his own family, he has remained deeply committed to the community. Over the years, he has helped raise funds and contributed to building houses for policy beneficiaries and families in need. In times of natural disaster, he is among the first to organize relief efforts.

His support goes beyond financial help. He listens, encourages, and stands beside others through their hardships. For him, helping others is part of fulfilling the duty of a soldier of President Ho Chi Minh, even in peacetime. Though no longer on the battlefield, he remains devoted to his homeland and country.

The off-season corn garden planted by veteran Dang Van Luan is expected to be harvested in the coming days. Photo: L.T

For Dang Van Luan, learning from and following the example of President Ho Chi Minh is not about slogans, but about small, daily actions: working hard, being honest, sharing with others, and staying responsible to the community. His dedication has been recognized many times, most notably with a Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister in 2021.

Speaking about him, Luong Kim Chung, Chairman of the Dong Son Ward Veterans’ Association, said: “Comrade Dang Van Luan is a shining example of the saying ‘wounded but not useless.’ He has long been one of our most active veterans, leading by example not only in local campaigns but also in social work. His character reflects the true spirit of a soldier in peace.”

Dang Van Luan is one of more than 9,000 wounded veterans living in Quang Tri Province, quietly overcoming hardship each day and bringing hope to those around them. Once they carried rifles to defend the nation; now, they nurture new life with resilience, self-reliance, and the same desire to contribute. Their journey continues—quiet yet full of purpose. And through their courage and humility, they prove a timeless truth: A soldier’s strength shines not only in war, but even more brightly in peace.

In 2024, the Provincial Veterans’ Association and its local branches focused on strengthening organizational capacity and expanding membership. By the end of the year, the province had 176 grassroots-level associations and 805 affiliated branches, with a total membership of 32,261.

Throughout the year, the association at all levels played an active role in supporting the Party, the government, and the people. It promoted education on revolutionary ideals and national traditions for the younger generation, and actively countered distorted narratives, hostile views, and misinformation, helping to safeguard the ideological foundation of the Party.

The association also led and participated in various campaigns and emulation movements aimed at boosting productivity and supporting rural development and urban renewal. The “Veterans Helping Each Other to Escape Poverty and Excel in Business” initiative helped lift 113 households out of poverty, reaching 305.4% of the annual target.

Members across the province contributed 7,832 square meters of land, donated VND246 million, and mobilized 9,780 volunteer workdays for community sanitation, village road maintenance, canal dredging, and planting 6,150 new shade trees. The association also built 16 houses for veterans in need and presented 3,573 gifts worth a total of VND2.427 billion to disadvantaged members. In addition, they visited and gave gifts to 1,001 new military recruits.

Looking ahead to 2025, the Provincial Veterans’ Association and its branches will continue to promote their role and contribute to the success of the Party congresses at all levels for the 2025–2030 term. They will work to mobilize resources to eliminate substandard housing and organize meaningful activities to mark major national holidays throughout the year.

Le Thuy - Ngoc Mai