In a remarkable display of community spirit and support, police officers in Trung Son commune, Thanh Hoa province, are actively working to improve the living conditions of vulnerable families in their area. Recently, Lieutenant Ha Van Duc, an officer stationed at the Trung Son Commune Police, alongside the Chairman of the commune's Red Cross Society, has taken the lead in directing the construction of a new house for Mr. Luong Minh Thach, a veteran facing significant hardships.
Mr. Thach, who was born in 1956, has lived in a dilapidated wooden house that poses a serious risk of collapse. After serving in the military and working in various local positions for over 20 years, including Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the Veterans Association, he now finds himself in a precarious situation. At nearly 70 years old, with impaired vision in one eye and no pension due to insufficient years of social insurance contributions, he and his wife struggle to make ends meet.
In March 2025, Lieutenant Duc was reassigned to the Trung Son Commune Police following the closure of the Quan Hoa District Police. Despite his short time in the role, he has made significant strides in connecting with the community and addressing the needs of those less fortunate. His efforts have garnered him respect and admiration from the locals.
During a recent visit to Ta Ban village, Duc encountered two young children left alone at home, showing signs of neglect. The children, siblings of Ms. Ngan Thi Dien, who is currently incarcerated for drug-related offenses, were living under dire conditions. Their mother has four children; one lives with their father in the South, while the eldest daughter works in Hanoi to support her siblings. The two youngest children were left in the care of their disabled grandfather, who is over 70 years old.
"When I entered their home, I found that their rice jar was empty, and they had only a bottle of fish sauce and some basic household items," Duc recounted. Recognizing the severity of their situation, he reported the matter to his superiors and sought assistance through social media to provide essential goods and support for the children.
Thanks to the generosity of benefactors, over 12 million VND was raised through the Trung Son Commune Red Cross Society to help the children. This money has been placed into a savings account managed by the children's older sister, ensuring they have some financial security.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Duc's attention to Mr. Thach's plight led him to seek assistance for building a new home for the veteran. The Red Cross Society mobilized support, and within a short period, they received over 67 million VND from various donors. Many individuals and businesses have pledged to provide roofing materials and bricks to ensure the house's completion.
"I am very happy and moved that the commune police and local authorities are helping me build a new, sturdy house," Mr. Thach expressed, reflecting the gratitude shared by many in his situation.
The community's involvement doesn't stop there. Pham Ba Tuyet, the head of Pao village, noted that when the local police and Duc began their fundraising efforts, the community rallied together, offering their labor to assist in the construction. It is estimated that the new 60 square meter house will be completed within 15 to 20 days, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the community.
Lieutenant Le Hai Hoang, Deputy Head of the Trung Son Commune Police, mentioned that their unit also takes responsibility for providing regular support to children like Luong Van Tu, a 10-year-old boy living with his elderly grandmother, who is over 80 years old and unable to care for him properly.
Ngô Sĩ Tâm, the Secretary of the Trung Son Commune Party Committee, highlighted the significant changes in the area since the establishment of a formal police presence. Previously known for its complex security challenges, especially concerning drug-related issues, the community has seen a marked improvement in safety and stability.
As Mr. Thach's family prepares for their new home, many other families in Trung Son commune still live in inadequate housing conditions. The local government is currently working to identify these families and develop plans to mobilize resources to assist them in building sturdy homes.
In a separate initiative, soldiers from Trung Ly Border Station have also been actively supporting families in need, such as Mrs. Luong Thi Hom in Tao village. Under Directive 22-CT/TU, which aims to assist families facing extreme difficulties, the soldiers have taken it upon themselves to help construct homes for those who cannot afford the expenses.
Trung Ly commune, home to 11 Mong villages, faces challenges due to its remote location. Many families live far from the commune center, making the cost of building materials significantly higher. Most households receiving assistance under the directive are unable to cover any additional costs beyond the 80 million VND provided.
In a touching moment, Mrs. Len Thi Nghéo had to withdraw from the support list, stating, "I am old and live alone. I want to give my place to families with more children who need a house more than I do." This selflessness highlights the community's spirit of sharing and support.
Lieutenant Quan Dinh Thao, a deputy political officer at Trung Ly Border Station, shared that their team, consisting of six soldiers, is currently assisting Mrs. Hom with leveling the ground, transporting materials, and constructing her new house. The project is expected to be completed within two months.
Loc Van Thoai, another resident of Tao village, expressed his gratitude, stating, "Having a new house means my children can have a proper education, and my elderly parents can feel secure. Thank goodness for the soldiers' help; otherwise, we wouldn't know when we could build a house."
These collaborative efforts between the police, soldiers, and local communities not only provide shelter but also foster a sense of unity and mutual support among the residents. As Thao emphasized, "We see this as our political duty and responsibility as border soldiers."
As the local authorities continue to implement initiatives like Directive 22-CT/TU, a total of 121 houses have been built, transforming the lives of many families in need. Each completed home symbolizes not just shelter but also the enduring spirit of community solidarity and support.
