Veteran, wounded soldier Man Duc Lam

PANO - Veteran, wounded soldier Man Duc Lam in Ngan Cau village, Cho townlet (Yen Phong district, Bac Ninh province) has always been upholding high determination and iron will of an Uncle Ho’s soldier to contribute to poverty alleviation in his native land for more than three decades since his demobilization.

His great efforts have been paid off and he could lead his own family and many other households in the village out of poverty. This won him the respect and love of the villagers.

Lam joined the army in February 1975 and fought in Regiment 64 of Division 320B. After the Liberation and Reunification Day (30th April), in November 1977, his regiment moved to the southwestern border province of Tay Ninh. In a fight against troops of the Pol Pot’s genocidal regime, Lam was severely wounded in Kampong Cham province of Cambodia and in 1979, he demobilized, Lam returned home while his family was experiencing a very difficult life. The heavy burden of supporting a big family with elderly parents; his 6 younger brothers and sisters in their school age and his pregnant wife rest on the shoulders of the returned wounded soldier.

Lam had to make ends meet by all means. Every day he got up early and cycled to Dong Xuan and Bac Qua open markets (Hanoi) to buy things to resell at the market in his home town. He even bought fishing tools to find more food for the family, made ice cream for sale, set up repairs shop for electronic devices, bicycles, motorbikes, etc. His hard working, strong determination, and economical life style, Lam could save a considerable sum of money to buy houses and organize weddings for his brothers and together with his wife to bring up his 4 sons.

In the year 2000 to Lam was elected to be a deputy head of the village’s cooperative. Being busy with all sorts work to support his own family, Lam could still manage to fulfill his job, earning the trust and respect of the villagers. Then, due to poor health, he resigned from the position in 2003. He then persuaded his wife and children to set up a small business offer service backdrops and facilities for weddings and funerals in the locality. In 2007, he bought a machine to provide construction materials transport and farm work services with high quality.

Never losing faith in what he wishes to do, he confided, “The army life has taught me perseverance and brought me unyielded will in living and working. That is the very secret of my successes!”

Translated by Huu Duong