Helping the people – command from heart

Recently, heavy rains have caused localized flooding in many areas of Dong Nai province, affecting residents’ lives. Each time this happens, officers and soldiers of the province’s armed forces strive to help the people overcome the consequences of natural disasters.

The province’s armed forces help to carry Ho Thi Bach Tuyet and her son, both suffering strokes, out of the floodwaters.

These acts continue to highlight the noble qualities of Ho Chi Minh’s soldiers in the hearts of the people, while also contributing to the fulfillment of the army’s functions. Despite knowing that challenges, hardships, and even life-threatening risks lie ahead, the soldiers and officers always place the people above all, at the center of their priorities to fully realize their noble mission – “helping the people is a command from the heart” Uncle Ho's soldiers.

Braving floodwaters to help the people

On the night of August 20, prolonged heavy rain caused localized flooding in several communes, namely Xuan Que, Xuan Lap, Long Thanh, Binh An, and wards, including Phuoc Tan, Long Hung, Long Binh. Rising floodwaters caused local inundation and isolation. The local armed forces promptly reported to the Regional Defense Command 1 (RDC1) – Long Thanh and coordinated with functional forces to rescue residents.

Upon receiving the information, more than 30 soldiers and officers immediately arrived to assist residents in moving property, relocating people to safe shelters, and organizing guards to protect residents’ assets.

Recalling this event, Colonel Nguyen Tong Que, Secretary of the Party Committee and Political Commissar of RDC1 – Long Thanh, shared: “When we received the flood report at around 9 p.m, we immediately dispatched forces to coordinate and reach the dangerous areas, finding the fastest ways to help people, in line with the spirit that ‘helping the people is a command from the heart’ of Uncle Ho’s soldiers.”

According to Colonel Nguyen Tong Que, only a few days later – around mid-September, localized flooding occurred again in Thanh Minh hamlet, Phuoc An commune, isolating residents in Thanh Minh, Bau Bong hamlets, and other areas. The RDC1’s soldiers and officers and Phuoc An commune’s armed forces, along with other functional forces, worked through the night to evacuate residents, move property, livestock, and poultry to safe locations, and deployed personnel to maintain security in the affected areas.

Also working through the night to evacuate residents and move property from dangerous flood zones in Thien Hung commune on September 21, 27 soldiers and officers from the commune Military Command and support forces from RDC3 – Dong Xoai were timely present to help residents overcome the consequences of the disaster.

Recalling that night, Chief of Thien Hung commune Military Command Le Van Giap said: “While on duty at the unit, we received a report that floodwaters were rising rapidly, inundating four households with 17 people in Group 5, Hamlet 6, Thien Hung commune. Notably, among them were Ho Thi Bach Tuyet (75) and her son, both suffering strokes and unable to walk. The commune Military Command promptly coordinated to carry and evacuate the mother and child to safety.”

During the same period, several areas under RDC 1, 2, 3, 4 experienced localized flooding due to heavy rains, directly affecting residents’ lives.

Directly commanding forces to assist residents in overcoming the consequences of the flood on November 12, Colonel Tran Phuong Dong, Commander of RDC 2 – Long Khanh, emphasized: “Upon receiving reports of flooding and requests to help residents overcome the disaster, we immediately dispatched forces to assess the situation, coordinate, and directly provide assistance. Once the situation was assessed, the armed forces of RDC 2 – Long Khanh and local authorities worked together to relocate residents to safety and move property…”

Living up to the legacy of Uncle Ho’s soldiers

According to Colonel Vo Thanh Danh, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Commander of Dong Nai Provincial Military Command, due to climate change, unpredictable rains and floods have caused local isolation in many areas, making residents’ lives difficult. Accompanying and sharing with the people during incidents, the provincial armed forces’ officers and soldiers and localities promptly arrived to assist, regardless of day or night, with the motto: “People come first and above all”; helping residents is “a command from the hearts of Uncle Ho’s soldiers.”

Colonel Vo Thanh Danh added that helping the people, besides being “a command from the heart,” is also a deep emotion, as natural as a soldier’s breath. For every army officers, soldiers in general and the provincial armed forces in particular, protecting and helping the people is a responsibility and a heartfelt duty, undertaken without concern for hardship or danger. This reflects the close bond between the military and civilians, highlighting the noble qualities of Uncle Ho’s soldiers as a steadfast pillar always alongside the people, earning their trust and respect.

“Helping the people becomes not only a task but also a call from the heart, stemming from love and deep compassion of soldiers for the people. It embodies the spirit of dedication and sacrifice for the people, forming a part of the culture and noble character of the Vietnam People’s Army. Under any circumstance, from natural disasters and floods to combat or epidemic prevention, it remains a sacred duty that cannot be refused by Uncle Ho’s soldiers.”

Colonel Vo Thanh Danh, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, Commander of Dong Nai Provincial Military Command

 

Ho Thi Bach Tuyet, 75, from Hamlet 6, Thien Hung commune, and her son, who suffered strokes, emotionally shared after being carried to safety by provincial armed forces: “I was sleeping when I heard the heavy rain, and very quickly the water rushed into our house. We were fortunate to be helped by the soldiers and brought out of danger, so both of us were safe.”

Another case was Ho Van Thong from An Binh Hamlet, Binh An commune, who tearfully recalled the moment he was rescued by the provincial armed forces: “At noon on August 22, my 7-year-old grandson and I were evacuated from a dangerous flood zone by the soldiers. We deeply appreciate and cherish Uncle Ho’s soldiers – the Vietnam People’s Army…”

By Nguyet Ha – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha