Military dream

Sung A Hong is the third child in a family of four siblings. Both parents are farmers. Hong's family's life is closely linked to the fields and simple meals. Hong recalls her difficult childhood: "The distance to school every day, both ways, is nearly 4km. There were days when I had nothing to eat for breakfast and had to go home hungry until noon. The road to school was steep and mountainous. When it rained, I had to wade through mud, and when it was sunny, I was covered in dust." Understanding her family's situation, Hong always tried to study hard.

Although the family was poor, the parents always encouraged their children to go to school. While the older siblings studied high school far from home, Hong still had to go back and forth every day because she could not afford to stay at the boarding school. Difficulties piled up but Hong never gave up. After finishing high school, through the encouragement of teachers and relatives, Hong was determined to take the entrance exam to the Military School. Initially, she chose to take the A block exam, but later her Geography teacher encouraged her to try her hand at the C block exam to enter the Political Officer School. The first year, Sung A Hong did not achieve her wish, but she did not give up. The following year, Hong continued to study for the exam and achieved an impressive score: 29 points, passing the entrance exam to the Political Officer School.

Sung A Hong (second from left) received a gold medal at the 2024 National Defense Sports Festival. Photo provided by the character

Captain Ngo Van Cong, Political Commissar of Company 20, Battalion 7, Political Officer School shared: “Sung A Hong has an extraordinary will and determination. He has tried and made every effort to achieve the achievements he has today. Hong is also a shining example for his comrades and teammates to follow.”

Training hard to break the army record

The moment Sung A Hong crossed the finish line will probably forever be imprinted in the memories of those present at the 2024 National Defense Sports Festival. When there were only a few meters left, Sung A Hong seemed exhausted, his body wobbled, as if his legs no longer obeyed his will. But with extraordinary determination, Sung A Hong still tried step by step, determined not to collapse before the finish line to complete the final sprint.

His teammates surrounded Hong, some anxiously calling out: “Hong, open your eyes! Open your eyes!”; some helped to put the bag on the bike, some helped to remove the gun... making everyone present choke up. When asked how he felt at that moment, Hong just smiled gently and said something that made everyone admire: “At that moment, I probably didn’t run with my feet anymore, but with my will. In my head, I only thought: How can I run really fast, to reach the finish line early, to bring achievements to myself and to the school”. It was not just a physical race but a race of spirit, of pride and an unyielding will. The image of Sung A Hong is a beautiful symbol of perseverance, hard work and constant effort.

It can be said that entering the army is a new journey with many harsh challenges. As a student from the highlands, Hong's physical strength when he first entered the school could not compare to his peers. He was often in the group with weak physical strength, having to wake up 40 minutes earlier than his friends to practice separately. Hong shared: "At first, there were days when my muscles ached, I was tired, I didn't want to eat, I didn't want to exercise. But every time I thought about my parents and my dream of wearing a military uniform, I told myself I had to try harder."

With the dedicated and strict guidance of Lieutenant Do Thanh Tien, the Platoon Leader, Hong gradually improved her physical strength and technique. She started participating in the 3,000m obstacle course in her second year. This is a sport that requires a combination of many skills: Running, swimming, overcoming obstacles, technical operations with weapons, full equipment such as guns, ammunition boxes, hats, shoes... Training takes place every day, regardless of sunny or rainy weather. She always thinks: "I don't want to be taller than others, just taller than myself yesterday". Because of that determination, Sung A Hong tried her best. There were days when Hong practiced running continuously for 1 to 1.5 hours, then had to do personal hygiene and follow the rules. Despite the high training intensity, she never wanted to give up because her love of exercise and her resilient spirit helped her overcome.

In 2024, Sung A Hong won a gold medal at the National Defense Sports Festival in the 3,000m armed obstacle race. This was the first time this event was held and Sung A Hong was the first person to set a record of 14 minutes and 30 seconds. Not stopping there, in 2025, she broke her own record, winning a school-level gold medal with a time of 13 minutes and 54 seconds.

Hong always believes that: "Nothing is impossible if you are determined enough". To prepare for the 2026 military-level sports festival, she continues to set goals to surpass herself every day. Every morning, Hong checks her own achievements, records them and finds ways to improve. The pressure of a person carrying the expectations of the collective is not small, but Hong always keeps herself optimistic and positive. When asked about the secret to success, Hong smiled and shared: "I just try every day. Every day I do better than yesterday, I am happy".

Perhaps, it is this modesty and perseverance that has created the image of a determined Sung A Hong in the eyes of teachers and teammates. Looking back on the past, from a highland student, many days going to school hungry, having to climb steep forest roads to get to school, then becoming a confident and determined officer training student in the army, to see that no circumstance can subdue a great will. Sung A Hong is not only an example of determination to overcome difficulties but also a profound lesson in perseverance and endurance.

HONG NGUYEN

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/phong-su-dieu-tra/cuoc-thi-nhung-tam-guong-binh-di-ma-cao-quy-lan-thu-16/tu-cau-be-chan-tran-len-ray-den-van-dong-vien-doat-huy-chuong-vang-833237