The old soldier 'keeps the fire' of solidarity

Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, there are still people who silently contribute with all their perseverance and warm hearts, becoming a support, connecting the village and neighborhood, and fostering the people's trust. That is retired army Colonel Nguyen Thanh Van, currently the President of the Veterans Association of Quyet Thang Ward - a simple, determined old soldier who always maintains the qualities of "Uncle Ho's Soldier" in everyday life.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Van, Chairman of the Veterans Association of Quyet Thang Ward, is always dedicated to the Association's work.

In the morning, in the small room of the Veterans Association of Quyet Thang Ward, the clock struck exactly 7 o'clock. Mr. Van sat at his desk, meticulously arranging papers, reviewing the work schedule for a new day. He had kept that disciplined habit since his military service. Although retired, he still worked meticulously, decisively, always paying attention to every small detail to complete the common work.

His teammates and comrades in the Association often affectionately call him “the keeper of the solidarity fire”. Because in any meeting, activity or when coming to each member’s family, he never comes with the spirit of “a leading cadre”, but comes with listening and sharing. In those gentle words, there is a lifetime of experience – nearly 36 years of dedication in the army, growing from an ordinary soldier until retirement.

Returning to his hometown, instead of enjoying a leisurely old age, he continued to shoulder important responsibilities for the community. He used to be the village party cell secretary, and is now the Chairman of the Veterans Association of Quyet Thang Ward. In every role, he "rolled up his sleeves" with the people, donated land to build roads, went to every alley, met every house to encourage people to maintain order and build a cultural life. When mentioning him, people often immediately remember the military recruitment seasons.

He and the Veterans Association persistently visited each household, especially those with children of military age, to advocate and propagate the Law on Military Service. With members, he emphasized exemplary behavior; with young people, he instilled in them the pride of wearing the soldier's uniform. Quyet Thang Ward has fulfilled 100% of its military recruitment targets for many years in a row, and the quality of military recruitment has been increasing, partly due to his positive contributions.

Long Hong Ngoc, a young man in Nam Thanh residential group, who volunteered to join the army, shared: The encouragement and motivation of the veterans' association members, especially Uncle Van, gave me more determination to join the army and continue the tradition of my father and brothers.

Veterans of Quyet Thang ward on the new rural road.

Talking about his contributions, local people still talk a lot about the story of mobilizing members to donate land to build roads. In just a few years, the Ward Veterans Association has called on 84 households to donate over 2,800m² of land, worth more than 3 billion VND.

Without imposition, without orders, just with prestige and heart, he turned the advocacy into voluntary actions of the people. The newly opened roads not only changed the appearance of the city, but also made the village and neighborhood closer.

Not only good at lobbying, Mr. Van is also known as the “cool mediator” of the village. Many small disputes, seemingly difficult to resolve, but when he is around, misunderstandings are resolved with reason and sincerity.

Many times, loud voices were replaced by handshakes and smiles. Mr. Nguyen Van Son, a resident of Go Moc hamlet, said: With Uncle Van, big things become small, small things become nothing. We love him because Uncle Van lives honestly, without bias, without seeking personal gain.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Van (standing in the middle) reconciles the conflict between two families in Go Moc hamlet with reason and sincerity.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Van and the war veterans of Quyet Thang ward also pioneered in mobilizing people to support key projects such as: Bac Son extended road, Nam Thanh urban area or Traditional Medicine Hospital.

For Mr. Van, “keeping the fire” of solidarity is not something big, but starts with the smallest things. From propagating the law to reconciling conflicts in the neighborhood, all are to preserve solidarity and cultivate people’s trust.

Nearly 40 years of being attached to the army uniform, and then many years of continuing to participate in local work, Mr. Van is like a quietly burning light. Not bright, not noisy, but persistent and warm, illuminating the way for the young, extending comradeship, and fostering solidarity in the community.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/202509/nguoi-linh-gia-giu-lua-doan-ket-83c2904/