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Capt. Nguyet Anh honored with U.N. Peacekeeping Medal |
From classroom to conflict zone
I met Nguyet Anh in 2019 during a military training course in Son Tay, Hanoi. Back then, she was a gentle-looking language instructor at the Army Officer Candidate School No.1. Several years later, in April 2023, I was surprised to see her confidently wearing the uniform of Vietnam’s peacekeeping force, preparing for the deployment to South Sudan in January, 2025.
When I saw a video of herself driving a five-ton armored vehicle across rugged terrain in South Sudan, all my previous notions of her fragility vanished.
Nguyet Anh told me about the whole process to obtain her armored vehicle license. She had to drive through rough, winding roads that easily turned muddy during the rainy season and complete ten continuous loops. According to her, any slip of the steering wheel could cause her to lose control.
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The Vietnamese blue beret and South Sudanese women and children |
Physical fitness, once her greatest weakness, became a priority. She trained daily, from running, swimming, and strength workouts to meet the requirements of missions in a harsh international environment.
Those efforts paid off. She quickly adapted to the heat and isolation of South Sudan. Living in a container with only one door, at temperatures reaching 40–50°C, she had to limit opening the door to avoid insects and snakes carrying deadly diseases. Occasional stray bullets from nearby clashes also posed a threat.
Capt. Anh shared that her role as a Military Observer required frequent patrols, some as far as hundreds of kilometers into remote areas. These missions, often 5–7 days long, involved dozens of U.N. peacekeepers. She was usually the only woman.
With no chance for proper hygiene or rest, long marches of 10–15 kilometers, dry rations from Vietnam, and working through illness became familiar.
For her outstanding performance, she has received the U.N. Peacekeeping Medal after just three months, an award typically granted after six months since deployment. She was also the first Vietnamese officer selected for the mission’s Military Observer Training Team.
Reaching the vulnerable
A month after arriving in Juba, she volunteered for Yei, an area plagued by civil strife and refugee crises. Observing the lives of women and children in camps, she realized how vulnerable they were, often going without education, unprotected, and at risk of abuse.
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Capt. Nguyet Anh taking care of a South Sudanese child |
She proposed increasing patrols from one to three times daily and visited refugee camps and schools in Terekeka, engaging in community development projects. She advocated for children’s rights, gender equality, and women's role in peace-building. In every place she visited, she spoke with students, especially girls, and offered encouragement, giving them hope for a brighter future.
At Bright Future School, newly opened, she and her colleagues opened life skills sessions and encouraged students to overcome difficulties and keep studying. Her deed inspired many students to obtain good academic records to help their community in the future.
“I want every child, especially girls, to know they can shape their future,” Nguyet Anh said. “Education is their way to rise above hardships and bring change.”
Her reports have led to improved patrols, nighttime security posts, public awareness campaigns, and the formation of community self-defense groups. Notably, she has connected with humanitarian groups to conduct long-term support projects, such as building classrooms, supplying medical kits, and teaching life skills to women and children. These efforts have enhanced the effectiveness of the U.N peacekeeping operations in the region.
Small hands, lasting impact
Among her most meaningful initiatives was teaching local children how to wash their hands, which is crucial in a region where diseases are rampant.
According to Nguyet Anh, at first, the girls were shy, unsure around a foreign woman. But her warm smile and gentle approach gradually built trust.
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Capt. Nguyet Anh instructing children on how to wash their hands properly |
Under the scorching sun, she prepared soap and water, patiently demonstrating each motion. Their initial hesitation turned into joy as they handed her their small palms.
Force Commander in UNMISS Lieutenant General Mohan Subramanian remarked, “We value Senior Captain Vu Nguyet Anh’s professionalism and dedication. She has built trust between peacekeepers and the community, strengthened civil–military cooperation, and inspired young female officers from around the world. Her contribution will leave a lasting mark.”
As her mission continues, Capt. Nguyet Anh remains committed, “We only live once, better to shine brightly than fade away. I live each day asking what value I can bring to the people here. This is more than a mission; it’s a light of hope and faith for this land.”
By Thu Thuy, Nguyet Cat
Translated by Tran Hoai