The soldier was honored to participate in missions A70, A50 and A80 three times in a row.

Senior Lieutenant Khuat Quang Dat is currently working at the Air Defense - Air Force Academy - Photo: NVCC

Having attended the 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory, to the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and the reunification of the country, and now the 80th anniversary of the successful August Revolution and National Day September 2, the biggest change in Dat is his courage and maturity. From a student who was still confused, he found his health more resilient, more mature, more determined, and more confident in the path he had chosen to follow.

From a boy in the "Capital of Soldiers" to the love of the soldier's uniform

Born and raised in the "Capital of Soldiers" (old Son Tay town), his house not far from the Air Defense - Air Force Academy, Quang Dat often watched the soldiers since he was little. The blue uniforms more or less impressed the boy.

Through historical films, as well as school lessons, Quang Dat learned that the Air Defense - Air Force is a force with a heroic tradition, protecting the sky of the Fatherland.

His father was a veteran who had participated in many campaigns, so the family always wanted Dat to continue his unfinished wishes. As the youngest child, he was also oriented to study near home.

Along with personal aspirations, the love for the military uniform was gradually nurtured, and then Quang Dat decided to participate in the army draft.

Quang Dat is proud that the air defense - air force is a force with a heroic tradition, protecting the sky of the Fatherland - Photo: NVCC

Dat remembers the first days of training at the Army Officer School 1. From a student who only knew how to go to school every day and help his parents with chores around the house, it took him a while to get used to a schedule, high-intensity training, cold showers all winter, and marching dozens of kilometers under the hot sun.

"Once during a march, suddenly a woman standing on the side of the road ran after us with a smile, quickly stuffed guava and sugarcane into our hands and kindly said: Children, eat this to quench your thirst. Later I found out that she also had a son working in the army, so whenever a marching group passed by, she was always waiting to invite them," Dat said.

From a new student, Quang Dat was honored to participate in missions A70, A50 and A80 three times in a row. The first time in A70, although proud, there was also a lot of pressure and anxiety. However, the love of his fellow countrymen was like a warm embrace.

Quang Dat at mission A50 - Photo: NVCC

"During my days in Dien Bien, for the first time I truly felt the love of my fellow countrymen for Uncle Ho's soldiers. I lived in the heroic atmosphere of Dien Bien Liberation, our soldiers marching back, amidst the blooming flowers in the Northwest, filled with joy ," Dat said.

Dat said, on the occasion of A50, when he walked through the Independence Palace (HCMC), living in the atmosphere of liberating the South and unifying the country, he felt the warmth, kindness, and care of the mothers in the South for the soldiers in the North. That moment helped him understand more about the value of peace and be grateful for the sacrifices of his ancestors so that today's generation can live in prosperity.

"Going among the people" how to "keep the people's hearts" forever

For Quang Dat, A80 is a very special occasion, taking place at the right time when the whole nation is entering an era of growth. His family also has many relatives contributing to this event, so the feeling is even more sacred.

"Wearing the sky-blue uniform, walking in the windy Ba Dinh Square, admiring the most modern equipment, I better understand the value of independence and freedom, clearly see the growth of the People's Army and am more aware of my responsibility in maintaining independence, completing the task of protecting the Fatherland, and building a regular, elite, and modern army," he said.

Quang Dat (second from left) and his teammates participate in mission A80 - Photo: NVCC

Dat said that practicing A80 at the Vietnam Ethnic Culture and Tourism Village was in harsh weather conditions, "Son Tay sun, Ba Vi clouds", with some days the road surface temperature reached nearly 50 degrees Celsius.

"High intensity training, continuously for many hours, makes everyone tired. However, we are always aware of our honor and responsibility, and determined to overcome difficulties to complete the task," Dat shared.

This journey has many memories with his teammates. Dat will always remember the time when his leg hurt but he still tried to complete the movement. A teammate quietly changed positions to hide his limp, then helped him rest. "That left me with a special feeling, a sacred comradeship that I will always cherish," he shared.

"Seeing the eyes, smiles, affection and trust of the people for the army, I suddenly thought that "walking among the people" must do something to "keep the people's hearts", to always be trusted and loved by the people is the most important thing", Dat proudly said.

Quang Dat is happy in the arms of the people - Photo: NVCC

During the great festivals of the country, Dat sent a message to the young generation that peace is not easy to achieve, to maintain peace one must be strong - strong in mind and strength. Today's young generation should show patriotism through practical actions: study, practice, live responsibly and always know how to overcome all circumstances.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/chang-quan-nhan-vinh-du-3-lan-lien-tiep-tham-gia-nhiem-vu-a70-a50-va-a80-20250826233313695.htm