The young soldier maintains peace along the border of Nghe An province.

Footprints of frontline soldiers fighting drugs

Born in Mon Son commune – a land rich in revolutionary traditions in western Nghe An province – Lo Anh Tu harbored an early dream of wearing the green uniform of a border guard. His journey from the cadet cadet class of Military Region 4 to the Border Guard Academy forged in him unwavering courage, discipline, and a deep love for the nation's borders.

In 2021, he was transferred toTam Hop Border Guard Station- The area is unique, with rugged mountains and forests, a scattered population, and drug traffickers constantly trying to sneak across the border. As the Team Leader of the Anti-Drug and Crime Team, and also the Deputy Secretary of the Youth Union, he is always a pioneer, daring to think and act, setting an example in all tasks. Anh Tú always chooses the most difficult and challenging tasks. In one conversation, he said: Border guards not only protect the border and boundary markers but also must maintain peace in every small village and every home of the people.

In the fight against crime, especially drug trafficking, Captain Tú's resourcefulness and decisiveness are clearly demonstrated. He recounts that some missions have become unforgettable memories, involving nights spent trekking through the jungle with his teammates, ambushing suspects under rocks, and meticulously studying their patterns of activity to strike effectively and safely, ensuring the absolute safety of both the force and the suspects.

One of his notable assignments was participating in the pursuit and arrest of suspects in a major drug trafficking ring dismantled in Quynh Luu (April 2025). However, he modestly stated: "In that case, the suspects were quite aggressive and reckless, but thanks to the smooth coordination with the professional forces, we seized 12,000 synthetic drug pills and one block of heroin." In addition, he also encouraged people to surrender 7 homemade guns and 3 gun barrels, eliminating the risk of insecurity and disorder at the grassroots level.

In just the past year, he and his team handled dozens of violations of border regulations, confiscating timber and firecrackers, and imposing administrative fines totaling tens of millions of dong. Specifically on the drug front – an area always fraught with danger – he collaborated with other forces in combating numerous major cases, arresting 18 suspects and seizing over 90,000 synthetic drug pills, heroin, and other dangerous items such as homemade guns, motorcycles, and cars.

These heroic deeds were not only the result of bravery, but also the persistent efforts of a young soldier who dared to confront danger to maintain peace on the border.

Being close to the people, helping the people - the qualities of young Party members in border areas.

If the missions demonstrate the fierce determination of the soldiers on the front lines, then the image of the "big brother" in the unit serves as a pillar of support for the younger soldiers. The exemplary conduct, simplicity, and responsibility of the Deputy Secretary of the Youth Union branch earn the respect of his comrades. Corporal Lang Cong Vi whispered: "Brother Tu is both serious in his work and sincere in his life; he is the clearest example for us to follow."

Under his guidance and organization, the Youth Union of Tam Hop Border Guard Station, in coordination with the Commune Youth Union, implemented many practical activities: assisting in house construction, harvesting crops, clearing roads, and mitigating the effects of floods… These small but persistent actions helped to further strengthen the image of border guards and make them more closely connected to the local people.

Captain Lo Anh Tu, in the daily life of the local people, exudes a sense of closeness and enthusiasm. In Tam Hop, he is not only a border guard officer but also "a son of the village," always there whenever the people need him.

He also effectively connected with many social welfare programs, creating "sources of warmth" that spread throughout the community. From the "Spring Border Guard Program to Warm the Hearts of the People" distributing 1,500 gift packages, to campaigns to collect warm clothes and Tet gifts, and building "Houses of Charity"... all bear the mark of this young officer. Hundreds of warm clothes, dozens of small projects, and hundreds of millions of dong have been mobilized to help many families overcome difficulties, especially during the harsh rainy and flood days in the border region.

The head of Pha Lom village, Mr. Xong Ba Cho, confided that the villagers cherish him like family: "Uncle Tu helps the people with farming, building houses, and providing warm clothes for the children in winter. The villagers consider him like a close relative."

Titles are not the goal, but a well-deserved recognition for persistent efforts. For three consecutive years (2023-2025), Captain Lo Anh Tu was recognized as an outstanding soldier at the grassroots level and a typical young face of the Nghe An Border Guard. He also received numerous Certificates of Commendation from the Border Guard Command, the Provincial People's Committee, the Provincial Fatherland Front Committee, and the Nghe An Provincial Youth Union for his outstanding achievements in performing his duties.

Lieutenant Colonel Truong Tan Bien, Political Officer of Tam Hop Border Guard Station, proudly stated: “Comrade Lo Anh Tu is a young officer with competence and good character, always upholding a sense of responsibility, daring to think, daring to act, and daring to take responsibility. In all tasks, he is proactive, energetic, and plays a leading and exemplary role.”

At 31 years old, this young officer is still diligently continuing his journey along the border. Each successful case, each house built, each smile shared with fellow citizens… all contribute to the beautiful picture of the green-uniformed soldiers – those who silently maintain peace on the nation's frontier.