The moonlit path leads the way.

Rising from hardship

Twenty-three years ago, the poor Thai ethnic couple Luong The Tai and Lu Thi Luan in Moi village, Chau Phong commune (now Chau Phong village, Hung Chan commune) welcomed their first daughter in their dilapidated house hidden behind a row of trees at the end of the village. They named their eldest daughter Hieu, and then Thao, hoping their children would grow up to be filial and virtuous, using that as a foundation to overcome adversity and escape the hardships of life in this land still fraught with difficulties.

Luong Thi Hieu's childhood was marked by hardship, as her family was classified as a poor household for many years. The main breadwinner, Mr. Luong The Tai, despite suffering from Hepatitis B, had to work as a laborer in Bac Ninh, while Hieu's mother worked freelance in their hometown, struggling to provide for her children's education in their makeshift house.

There were times when the young girl couldn't help but feel envious seeing her peers living comfortable lives. However, understanding the hard work and sacrifices of her parents, Hieu refused to give up. Hieu told herself that only through education could she change her destiny, so that she could later repay her parents and provide for her younger siblings.

The silent sacrifices of his family bore sweet fruit when, in 2021, Hieu excelled, becoming the top student in the humanities and social sciences at the Ethnic Minority Boarding School No. 2 in Nghe An province, ranking among the top 3 highest-scoring students nationwide, and entering the People's Security Academy.

At the People's Security Academy, Luong Thi Hieu not only excelled in her studies, but her youthful journey also shone with pride, honed through arduous emulation movements. The young female cadet was honored to be selected to participate in two large-scale national parade and march training sessions (A70 and A80). Those months spent on the training grounds, sweating and toiling under harsh weather conditions, forged an iron will. In particular, her efforts to overcome all her limitations during the A80 mission earned her a commendation from the Minister of Public Security for outstanding and exceptional achievements.

On the day Hieu graduated with honors and received his job assignment, all the family's hardships seemed to vanish. Recalling that moment, Mr. Luong The Tai emotionally recounted: "At that time, I was working as a laborer in Bac Ninh when I received the news from my son: 'Mom and Dad, I've received my job assignment in Nghia Hanh commune.' Hearing that news, I was overjoyed and so moved that I burst into tears alone in my rented room."

Stay close to the people, be true to your filial piety.

Armed with honed skills and an impressive track record, Hieu took up her post at the Nghia Hanh Commune Police Station with a childhood dream: to contribute to the development of her homeland alongside the ethnic minority community. Nghia Hanh is home to a large Thai ethnic community, so being assigned there felt like a homecoming for Hieu. During the recent "National Security Day" event, immersing herself in the heartwarming cultural rhythms of the local people, the female lieutenant couldn't hide her emotions: "Seeing my ethnic costume there, I was surprised and deeply moved. My blood boiled, telling me that this is definitely the place I must dedicate myself to and strive for."

Lieutenant Luong Thi Hieu's dedication and hard work were evident from the very first days of her assignment. Despite being a woman and working in a mountainous area with many difficulties, Hieu never considered it a barrier. She adopted the motto of "going deep and being close to the people." The female lieutenant believed that only by truly becoming familiar with the customs and traditions of the local people could a security officer truly understand and gain the trust and support of the people to successfully complete their duties. It was this closeness and sincerity that helped Hieu quickly win the hearts of the people. Mr. Nguyen Nhat Tuan, the head of Mon Son hamlet, proudly said: "Comrade Hieu is very energetic, kind, amiable, and especially approachable. Thanks to this, the people feel more secure and trusting, especially knowing that they have a police officer who is from their own hometown."

Having experienced a childhood surrounded by poverty, Hieu understands better than anyone the hardships and deprivations faced by his fellow villagers. This empathy stemming from his own background has driven him to constantly worry about and readily share with his compatriots who are still struggling. Taking advantage of his rare moments of rest, even at night, under the moonlight, Hieu personally goes around collecting old clothes and books, bringing them to Mon Son hamlet – a particularly impoverished hamlet in the commune – to donate to the poor Thai people. Witnessing his kindness and compassionate actions, Mr. Vi Van Tuan, a resident of the hamlet, expressed his hope: "The demeanor of a police officer is truly admirable. I hope Comrade Hieu will continue to contribute to making this area even more peaceful."

Despite her strength and enthusiasm for her work, deep down, the young female lieutenant still harbors a deep longing for her family. Putting aside commendations and titles, Hieu's greatest dream right now is incredibly simple. "I will work hard and save up to build a sturdy house for my parents so they have a place to shelter from the sun and rain. Their current house is dilapidated, and I'm very afraid of thunderstorms and strong winds." Hieu confided.

Through simple actions, the ideal of dedication of this young female security officer is demonstrated by her love and filial piety towards her family and her quiet, daily efforts to serve in the community. Amidst the mountains and forests of western Nghe An province, the flower named Luong Thi Hieu rises from hardship, spreading its fragrance through sincerity.

In the misty night of Mon Son, where the stilt houses are shrouded in fog, the female police officer's patrol footsteps continue tirelessly. Though the road ahead is still fraught with difficulties, this female security officer of the Thai ethnic group has never faltered. For along the path Luong Thi Hieu has chosen, there is always a bright moonlight illuminating the way – the pure light of her youth dedicated to serving the mountains and of a heart full of filial piety.