They are truly resilient roses in Abyei, a barren and disputed land in the heart of Africa whose people are facing harsh living conditions, scorching winds and dust.
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Setting aside personal concerns, the Vietnamese female peacekeepers carry determined smiles and national pride as they depart on their mission. |
Overcoming emotional and physical barriers
Leaving behind young children and elderly parents, these female soldiers transformed personal emotions into motivation. They embarked on their mission with pride and determination, carrying confident smiles rather than sorrow.
In Abyei, they faced harsh conditions, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C, scorching heat, and dry-season dust storms. Clean water shortages and disease risks further challenged their daily lives. Adapting to such an environment required immense physical and mental endurance. Guided by the spirit that “where there is hardship, there is the resilience of Vietnamese female soldiers,” they have turned these challenges into high resolve.
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Despite the dust storms and scorching sun of Abyei, Vietnam’s “steel roses” continue to shine, demonstrating the steadfast spirit of Uncle Ho’s soldiers. |
Quiet dedication far from home
The endurance of these "steel roses" shines in Engineering Company Rotation 4’s logistics kitchen. Despite outdoor temperatures reaching 40°C and intense heat from cooking stoves, Non-commissioned Major Nguyen Thi Van Anh and her team tirelessly prepare meals for hundreds. Their smiles persist through the heat, knowing quality food helps comrades ease homesickness.
At the field clinic, nurse Non-commissioned Major Hua Thi Duoc monitors a feverish soldier returning from a worksite. Even late at night, military medical staff remain bedside. Combining professional expertise with motherly care, they heal physical ailments and provide emotional support for soldiers stationed far from home.
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The intense heat from the logistics kitchen does not diminish the dedication and positive spirit of the female soldiers of the Engineering Company Rotation 4. |
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The care of female military medical staff serves as a calming “remedy,” easing hardships on the harsh frontline. |
Beyond their professional duties, the Vietnamese female blue berets quietly spread compassion to the local community. Through friendly smiles, the distribution of clothing and school supplies to children, and efforts to deliver clean water to residents, they demonstrate that kindness and humanity are powerful languages capable of bridging differences and easing hardship in this challenging land.
A pillar of strength for entire unit
Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Cong, Political Commissar of the Engineering Company Rotation 4, expressed pride in the contribution of the Vietnamese female peacekeepers. He emphasized that their presence is an indispensable element that brings great “soft power” to the unit. “They not only excel in logistics and military medical work, but also serve as peace ambassadors in people-to-people diplomacy. Through their silent sacrifices and strong will, they soften the harshness of this land and help unite the entire unit to overcome every challenge,” Cong stated.
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Beyond providing practical gifts, Vietnamese female blue berets also bring warmth and compassion to children in conflict-affected areas. |
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Each drop of clean water delivered by Vietnamese blue berets reflects their spirit of sharing, helping relieve the thirst of local residents. |
Vietnamese female peacekeepers are truly the most resilient and radiant roses. The journey of the female soldiers of the Engineering Company Rotation 4 in Abyei is not only a vivid testament to the qualities of women in the Vietnam People’s Army, but also a touching story of humanity that will continue to inspire along this line of peace.
By Hai Yen (from Abyei)
Translated by Mai Huong