Support from Distant Islands: The Warm Hearts of Soldiers

Soldiers of the Vietnamese Navy have sent a gift of 10 million VND from the Truong Sa Islands, thousands of nautical miles away, to the bedside of Mr. N.T.S (34 years old, Lac Son commune, Phu Tho province) at the Center for Resuscitation (National Hospital for Tropical Diseases). This gesture of support has further instilled hope in the patient and spread the warmth of the military-civilian relationship. The story began during a visit by a medical delegation from the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases to the Truong Sa archipelago in July. Beyond their duties of medical examination, technique transfer, and support for soldiers and civilians in Truong Sa, the medical professionals also shared stories from the mainland. These included tales of impoverished patients battling serious illnesses and families suddenly facing destitution due to accidents or disease. Even with health insurance, they still incurred additional costs for non-covered medications, travel, accommodation, and caregiving throughout their treatment. Dr. Pham Van Phuc, Deputy Director of the Center for Resuscitation and a member of the delegation, vividly recalls his conversations with the officers and soldiers of Truong Sa Fleet 01. "When we spoke about the plight of poor patients, many soldiers were deeply moved. They asked for more details about the patients' conditions and families, and immediately agreed to donate. The men responded very quickly; everyone wanted to contribute a small part to share with the patients." What moved Dr. Phuc even more was that the officers and soldiers contributing to the donation were themselves facing the sun, wind, rough seas, and dangers to protect the sacred sovereignty of the nation, with living conditions and healthcare still facing considerable difficulties. "The lives of the soldiers at sea are very hard, but they are always optimistic. What I admire is that despite many hardships, they always think of their fellow countrymen first and are ready to share with those facing greater difficulties," shared Dr. Phuc. Through the connection facilitated by the delegation and the hospital's Social Work Department, the collective officers and soldiers of Ship KT-709 sent 10 million VND to Mr. N.T.S.'s family. While this sum may not be enough to cover the entire prolonged treatment costs, for the elderly mother who stays by her son's side daily, it is an invaluable source of encouragement. When personally handing over the gift to the family, Dr. Phuc said he was truly choked up. "This gift is not merely financial support. It was sent from Truong Sa, from a sacred part of our homeland. We on the mainland always turn our attention to the islands. But through this story, I feel even more strongly that those on the frontline, facing the wind and waves, also always turn towards the mainland with all their affection." Upon receiving the gift, the elderly mother was silent for a long time. She said that during days of near despair due to her son's prolonged hospitalization, the sharing from the soldiers from the distant islands had given her family the faith and strength to continue accompanying their son on his treatment journey. For her, the gift not only eased the immediate burden but also served as precious encouragement during the most difficult times. From Truong Sa to Mr. N.T.S.'s sickbed, the gift from the naval soldiers has crossed thousands of waves, bringing the warmth of the military-civilian bond. It is this affection that brings the islands closer to the mainland and makes Truong Sa not just a territorial marker in the sea, but also a source of beautiful acts of kindness, imbued with human sentiment. By Minh Tam