A soldier sows trust at the frontier

For ten years working closely with the Party Committee, local authorities, and people of Thanh Hoa commune, Bu Dop district of former Binh Phuoc province, now Thien Hung commune, Dong Nai province, Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Danh Tuan, Deputy Head of the Mass Mobilisation Team under Tan Thanh Border Guard Station (Dong Nai Border Guard Command), has devoted his efforts to new-style rural construction and social welfare. His dedication and exemplary conduct have brought profound changes to local life, strengthening the trust of border residents.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Danh Tuan and residents of Thien Hung commune on the concrete road he helped mobilise to build and install solar-powered streetlights. Photo: Dang Tung

Guided by President Ho Chi Minh’s teaching that “Skillful mass mobilization leads to success in all tasks,” Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Danh Tuan has always demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility, stayed close to the grassroots, maintained close ties with the people, and patiently encouraged them to join hands for the common good.

A heart devoted to the people

Since 2015, when he was assigned from Thanh Hoa Border Guard Station to assist Thanh Hoa commune, Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Danh Tuan has served as Deputy Head of the commune’s Communications and Mass Mobilisation Board. He has consistently followed the ideology, morality, and lifestyle of President Ho Chi Minh as a guiding principle for action.

In the drive to build new-style rural areas, he has taken the lead in encouraging local households to donate land and expand roads, transforming the face of the border countryside in recent years. In 2022, he persuaded residents to donate 1,500 square metres of land and voluntarily remove 70 rubber trees, 15 cashew trees, and several other crops to widen and upgrade about 10 kilometres of dirt and asphalt roads. He also mobilized people to build 900 meters of concrete roads in hamlets 1, 3, and 4, as well as more than 830 meters in other areas, with a total value exceeding 74.7 million VND.

In addition, he initiated the “Lighting up rural roads" model, calling on villagers to contribute funds to install 43 solar-powered streetlights along a two-kilometre stretch of road, worth nearly 46 million VND. At night, the light from these poles not only brightens the way but also illuminates the people's sense of safety and trust. He also campaigned to install 9 security cameras, which helped authorities promptly detect and prevent violations, thereby maintaining local security and order.

In 2024 alone, he successfully mobilised various resources to enhance cultural life and community safety. He raised over 27 million VND to purchase a projector and 15 million VND for sports equipment at the commune cultural centre. He also promoted the purchase of health insurance, road building, and the “Saving for Others” movement, collecting 11.8 million VND in support of northern residents affected by natural disasters.

In 2024, Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Danh Tuan was honoured as an exemplary individual in studying and following President Ho Chi Minh’s ideology, morality, and lifestyle. As a responsible officer who always fulfils his duties, he serves as a vital bridge between the people and the authorities, helping to build a strong all-people border defence posture along the nation’s frontier.

NGUYEN VAN LANH, former Deputy Secretary of Thanh Hoa Commune Party Committee (now Thien Hung Commune)

Matching words with deeds, for the benefit of the people

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Danh Tuan also places great emphasis on poverty reduction and social welfare. In 2022, he provided technical guidance to help four local households escape poverty and encouraged disadvantaged students to stay in school. Thanks to his efforts, four students who had dropped out returned to class, spreading the spirit of mutual support throughout the community.

During 2021–2025 period, he has been recognised by the former Thanh Hoa Commune Party Committee as an exemplary officer in following Uncle Ho’s teachings. As Secretary of Hamlet 1’s Party cell, he has directed numerous grassroots movements, strengthened local political systems, and consolidated the great national unity bloc to ensure border security and order.

For Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Danh Tuan, effective mass mobilisation comes from sincerity and faith in the people. "Words must go hand in hand with deeds, and all must serve the people's interests," he said, always leading by example and showing tireless dedication. He actively guides residents in applying science and technology to production, helping to improve their livelihoods, earning their trust and affection.

Over the years, he has voluntarily donated nearly 30 million VND from his personal funds to build the commune's cultural house, purchase projectors, install curtains, assist northern residents affected by Typhoon Yagi (September 2024), support the poor, and purchase sports equipment for the community. To him, these contributions may be small, but they help nurture the unity and the bond between soldiers and the people.

Spreading faith at the frontier

According to Mai Cong Danh, head of Hamlet 1, Thien Hung commune, “Local people regard him as one of their own. His commitment and exemplary work in mass mobilisation have strengthened the bond between the army and the people, ensuring timely assistance and reinforcing trust in the Party and authorities.”

Major Nguyen Minh Hoang, Deputy Political Commissar of Thanh Hoa Border Guard Station, affirmed: “From 2015 to 2025, comrade Nguyen Danh Tuan has been an outstanding example in mass mobilisation and community development. He is always exemplary, dedicated, and provides effective advice, contributing to the strengthening of people's trust.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Danh Tuan humbly says that what he does is simply the duty of a Party member and a soldier of Uncle Ho. “I only hope that people will continue to trust in the Party and the border guards. When the people are secure and prosperous, the border will remain strong,” he said.

Border guard Nguyen Danh Tuan exemplifies the image of a soldier in the new era: loyal, exemplary, and wholeheartedly devoted to the people. His shining example continues to spread trust and nurture the aspiration to build a prosperous and peaceful Dong Nai border region.

“Comrade Nguyen Danh Tuan always shows high responsibility, sets an example, and takes the lead in following Uncle Ho’s teachings.”

Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Thanh Nien, Head of Tan Thanh Border Guard Station

By Dang Tung – Translated by My Le, Thu Ha