(VOVWORLD) - Veteran Ngo Xuan Tu of Hanoi has spent 20 years on the battlefield. After being discharged from the army, he returned home and established a vocational training workshop, providing jobs and stable income for many disadvantaged individuals.
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 War veteran Ngo Xuan Tu takes photo with the wife of a martyr after helping her repaint her house in Ha Nam Province. (Photo: VOV2) |
Veteran Ngo Xuan Tu was born in 1946. In Long Bien ward, he is known as a generous and dedicated man who is active in charity work. Here are some people admiring his kindheartedness.
"My parents are farmers. When I came to Hanoi, Mr. Tu covered my food and housing expenses, which greatly eased my family’s financial burden."
"Mr. Tu is a kind-hearted person. I will continue to follow in his footsteps."
In 1965, while still a student, Tu applied to join the army, but was rejected for being underage.
“Some of classmates joined the army and sacrificed their lives. Though we studied together, we were not the same age. Some were recruited into the army earlier. Following President Ho Chi Minh’s call, I volunteered to join the army,” Tu recalled.
His patriotism urged Tu to write a letter of application in blood. Seeing how motivated he was, the recruiters made an exception and accepted him into the army. During a battle in Quang Nam province in 1969, Tu was seriously injured and was transferred to the North for treatment. Less than a year after recovering, he requested to return to his unit, and marched back to the South to continue fighting. He continued to serve in the military until his retirement in 1985.
Although he was a war invalid with 78% health impairment, Tu rarely rested. Whenever he could, he returned to the battlefield to search for the remains of his fallen comrades. "I feel destined to search for my comrades. During a trip to find the remains of martyrs in Vinh Phuc, the local people recognized and warmly welcomed me."
For years, Tu has searched for and returned to their families the remains of numerous martyrs. He feels a responsibility because he believes he survived and came home to enjoy years of peace thanks to those comrades who sacrificed their lives and protected him.
Tu has tried to support people who are poorer and less fortunate. He has helped at least 400 people by opening a printing shop.
"In 2014, I sold part of my land to open a printing shop that has provided vocational training and jobs for many people. Selling the land was not enough, so I had to borrow money from my relatives and friends, and even take out a bank loan," said Tu.
Tu lets students with financial difficulties stay in his home and covers their daily living expenses.
"I’ve been here for 17 years. My parents divorced when I was two years old, and Mr. Tu took me in. I’m currently studying at the Vietnam National University of Agriculture," Ngo Tuan Phuc from Bo Trach district, Quang Binh province, said.
 In 2022, Mr. Tu donates 30 bicycles to disadvantaged students at Chinh Ly Secondary School in Ha Nam Province. (Photo: VOV2) |
For 17 years, Tu has treated Phuc as a family member. Tu has also taught him to live responsibly and give back to the community.
"I’ve gone with Mr. Tu to many places to do charity work. He has taught me honesty, compassion, self-discipline, and a responsible way of living,” said Phuc.
Ca Van Huynh, a student from Son La, who is currently studying at the Hanoi College of Foreign Languages and Technology, also comes from a difficult background. During a charity trip to Son La, Tu met him and offered help.
“My mother met Mr. Tu when he did charity work in my hometown. When I came to live at his house, he gave me free accommodation and meals. I’m striving to be a good person and contribute to society," said Huynh.
Veteran Tu’s house is a shelter and a source of support for disadvantaged students. He is spreading love and compassion in the community.