The soldier on the new front line

(Baonghean) - In Dien Chau district today, there are many entrepreneurs and owners of integrated farming systems (VAC) who are former soldiers. Former soldier Tran Ngoc Lieu in Dien Hong commune is one of them. In combat, he was brave, heroic, and unafraid to sacrifice himself; in civilian life, these admirable qualities are being applied to economic development…

Enlisting in 1974 at the age of 18, Mr. Lieu joined the Navy as a communications officer. During the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign, Mr. Lieu had the honor of participating in the main force from the East, attacking Saigon on the day of national liberation (April 30).

Veteran Tran Ngoc Lieu

The indescribable joy of setting foot on the liberated land of Saigon has become an unforgettable memory for him. The pride of participating in the liberation army on April 30th flows through his stories: The joy of his comrades and the people of Saigon on that day was indescribable. The people of Saigon raised the red flag with a yellow star, pictures of President Ho Chi Minh, and shouted "Long live the liberation army!", welcoming the soldiers like brothers and sisters and readily offering their assistance. After participating in the liberation of South Vietnam, Mr. Lieu continued to fight in the liberation of Cambodia. In 1984, he was discharged from the army as a 2nd/4th degree disabled veteran. During his ten years in the military, he was awarded many prestigious titles such as: the Order of Military Merit, the Order of Glorious Soldier, and the Hero of National Defense…

Veteran Tran Ngoc Lieu with his carpentry shop.

Returning to his hometown, he continued working as a laborer at the Cau Bung Rice Mill and retired in 1993. His health was poor, and with four children of school age and relying solely on a few acres of rice paddies, life was very difficult. However, with the spirit of a soldier, forged in the harsh military environment, he gained the willpower, determination, and faith to overcome poverty. In the 1990s, when Dien Hong commune encouraged its people to develop the local potential and strengths of the area along National Highway 1 to develop the economy in the direction of trade and services, Mr. Lieu discussed with his wife the idea of ​​moving from the village to the highway to start a business. Initially, he only had enough capital to open a small shop selling drinks and snacks to passersby and tourists.

With his diligent nature, he took on many other jobs to earn extra income. Having saved some capital, he bought a plot of land near the bridge. Having a business location and recognizing the high demand for seeds and fertilizers from the local people, he switched to selling agricultural supplies. Later, he expanded into the construction materials, mechanical engineering, and fine art woodworking businesses in Dien Hong commune, with capital reaching billions of dong. With the upright character of a soldier, his business was very reputable and fair, and his goods were always of high quality, attracting many customers from within the district and neighboring districts. Following in his footsteps, many families in Dien Hong invested in businesses near National Highway 1, thus creating a bustling commercial area near the Loi Bridge today.

Returning to civilian life and diligently pursuing economic activities, the spirit of a "soldier of Uncle Ho" remains intact in veteran Tran Ngoc Lieu. He, along with other members of the Dien Hong Veterans Association, actively participates in maintaining security and order and in mediation work within the residential area. All four of his children have graduated from university and become successful doctors, architects, and entrepreneurs. For these contributions and efforts, his family received a certificate of merit as an exemplary family dedicated to learning from the local Education Promotion Association and was selected as a model veteran family by the local Veterans Association.

Text and photos:Mai Giang