(Baonghean.vn) - For nearly 15 years, veteran Ha Van Hoan has been growing cinnamon, cultivating rice, and raising chickens in the middle of the jungle. The daily life of this old veteran is almost isolated from the outside society.
The hut in the field of Mr. Ha Van Hoan, 70 years old, is about an hour's walk from Long Thang village, Hanh Dich commune (Que Phong), where there are about ten households. Surrounded by medium-height dirt mountains, which are both cinnamon plantations and protected old-growth forests. Photo: Dinh TuyenVeteran Ha Van Hoan joined the army from 1972 to 1982, held the position of Chairman of the People's Committee of Hanh Dich commune and retired "once" in 1994. Mr. Hoan said that he "settled down" in the hut since 2009. Like many elderly people in the highlands, he likes to live on the fields, choosing an isolated life to grow rice, raise chickens, and grow cinnamon. Photo: Dinh TuyenFor nearly 15 years, Mr. Hoan has grown about 6 hectares of cinnamon. Income from cinnamon exploitation has helped him buy a tractor for production, buy a motorbike for his children and renovate his house. Mr. Hoan said that the soil here is suitable for cinnamon trees. If well cared for, after 4 years, branches can be harvested. From 7 years old, cinnamon can be exploited. Photo: Huu ViAlthough he has been out of the army for over 40 years, Mr. Hoan is still very grateful for those years. His military career helped him develop discipline, spirit and the will to overcome difficulties and rise up in all circumstances. He often wakes up early to take care of the chickens, cut grass, feed the fish and take care of the terraced fields in front of the hut. Photo: Huu ViWith extensive farming, fish only eat grass, chickens are raised on the hills, Mr. Hoan said that it is only enough to meet his own needs. His biggest income is still the cinnamon plantations. "But I only have money once every few years" - Mr. Hoan laughed happily. Photo: Huu ViAfter finishing his farming work, Mr. Hoan weaves baskets to sell to the villagers. Photo: Dinh TuyenIn the middle of the jungle, this veteran's favorite entertainment is books and newspapers. He has quite a few books and newspapers in his hut. Photo: Dinh TuyenMr. Ha Van Hoan said that he personally likes the quiet life in this deep valley. Here, he can still work and produce to support his children and grandchildren while he is still healthy. Photo: Dinh TuyenMr. Hoan only returns to the village occasionally. Those are on happy occasions. He said that he is old now and needs to participate in important community activities to repay his village. Photo: Huu ViReturning to the village is also the time when the veteran enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren. Photo: Dinh Tuyen
