The happy road to Tung Cot Tau valley

(Baonghean) - In the early summer sun, the young men in green self-defense shirts enthusiastically cleared the way.

This is a regular activity of soldiers in the historic homeland of Tra Lan in Con Cuong district, in the program of joining hands with people to build new rural areas.

Weather information from the radio said that there would be a cold spell with thunderstorms that would sweep down the mountainous region of Nghe An. Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Thao Truong - Commander of the Con Cuong District Military Command, heard the news and worriedly said: "I'm just afraid that I won't be able to complete the plan". That was the worry about the plan to open a road into a valley that is the production area of ​​the Thai people in Chi Khe commune. If it rains, the plan will have to stop and be postponed.

Con Cuong militia force helps people open roads to raw material forest growing areas. Photo: Ho Phuong

The Con Cuong District Military Command’s campaign to help people build new rural areas has entered its second phase with the participation of soldiers and militia from 6 communes in the district with more than 300 soldiers participating. Previously, in mid-March, there was a campaign to help people open roads. The number of soldiers participating was over 300.

But it seemed that the weather was in their favor. On the last morning of the road construction campaign, the weather was sunny and beautiful. The militiamen excitedly carried hoes and shovels into the Tung Cot Tau valley, a production area of ​​Lien Dinh village, Chi Khe commune.

The valley, which covers an area of ​​over 100 hectares, has been a production area for the locals for about half a century. It used to be a rice field, but later became a mahogany and livestock growing area. Difficult roads are still the main reason why this valley, which is less than 1.5 km from the commune center, has not been able to develop its economic efficiency. The mahogany gardens have been forced to lower their prices by traders due to difficulties in transportation. Therefore, when there was a policy to open a road into the valley, everyone supported it.

In his sweat-soaked uniform, District Military Commandant Hoang Quoc Vien felt as if a burden had been lifted as the last meters of road were gradually completed. He said: The rapid progress, in addition to favorable weather, was also thanks to the support of the local people who owned land along the road. When the road was built, after only one or two meetings, nearly ten households agreed to donate land and trees to pave the road.

One of the households that donated the most land was Mr. Lo Van Cu's family, Lien Dinh village (Chi Khe). Sitting in the middle of a small, shabby hut on the road leading into the valley, Mr. Cu confided: "I am a farmer, and I also hope to have a wide road. So when I saw that the road was about to be built and the cadres came to ask for land and trees, I happily accepted... People must join hands with the government and the army!"

It was early noon, on the red dirt road leading into the valley, young men's faces were shiny with sweat. The sound of hoes and shovels, the sound of laughter made the space seem to light up in the early summer sun.

Having just left the army in early 2017, Lang Van Doan is a soldier of the youngest militia team in the border commune of Mon Son. For him, helping people build roads, ditches, etc. was a regular activity while he was still in the army. However, this was the first time, as a militia soldier. Thanks to that, in addition to training and working hours, he had the opportunity to penetrate the lives of the villagers at the training site. "Learning about the lives of the people after training hours is a good thing. Through that, I will become closer to them" - Lang Van Doan shared. He seems to be more mature in his thinking than his 21 years of age.

Con Cuong district militia helps people open roads in 2017. Photo: Ho Phuong

Also coming from a border area, participating in helping people, Mr. Le Van Ty, in Khe Bu village, Chau Khe commune, showed great enthusiasm. This Dan Lai man used to be a member of the Nghe An Military Command. Since joining the army in 2012, Mr. Ty has always been with the militia team of Chau Khe commune to help people in annual training sessions. When asked about his feelings about the activities with people to build new rural areas, he said: "I am young, so participating in helping others is a joy. See you again in the next sessions to help people."

The working atmosphere lasted until 11 am. At this time, the bumpy road with dirt and rocks left by the excavator 2 weeks ago had been leveled. "In about 2 more working sessions, trucks can enter the xoan gardens of the people in the valley" - a commune commanding officer happily calculated. During the short break before lunch, young soldier Lang Van Doan talked about his future plans: "I will learn a profession so that I can work at home and join the commune militia. After that, I will think about getting married".

At this time, the early summer sun had become intense. After the break, the militia soldiers returned to the communal meal that had been prepared in a small village nearby. To have meals for the militia soldiers, the villagers voluntarily contributed rice, firewood, vegetables, etc. Soldiers like Ty and Doan were familiar with these acts of kindness from the people. They called them meals of military-civilian affection. All fatigue would be dispelled when gathering together for that warm meal./.

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