Ca Lo border hamlet, home to nearly 200 Dao ethnic residents, is among the poorest in Khanh Xuan Commune, Cao Bang Province. Moved by the difficult living conditions of local people, Major Le worked with local agencies and organizations to launch the “Lighting up the Border Area” program. The initiative brought dozens of solar-powered lights, rechargeable lamps, national flags, and maps of Vietnam to villagers, with total support worth more than 4,400 USD.
Working alongside fellow officers and soldiers, Le also cooperated with local authorities on a project aimed at helping disadvantaged children stay in school. Through the program, 14 children received financial support and 15 others were encouraged to return to their studies.
“I have always thought about how I can help ease the hardships faced by local people. When I first started working with ethnic minority communities, I faced many difficulties beca use of the language barrier. I carried a notebook every time I visited villages. Whenever local people talked to me, I carefully wrote down the words so I could listen, understand, and learn. It took me about six months before I truly began to integrate with the community,” said Le.
As an officer in charge of mass mobilization, Major Le has actively advised his unit and local authorities in implementing programs on socio-economic development, elimination of substandard housing, new-style rural development, and poverty reduction. He has also worked side by side with local people during harvest seasons and agricultural production sessions.
In addition, many meaningful activities have been organized, including “Youth Month,” “March at the Border,” flag-raising ceremonies at national border markers, and free medical check-ups and medicine distribution for residents, as well as youth projects such as “Livelihood Gardens.”
Truong Ngoc Hoan, Secretary of the Party Cell of Na Chao hamlet, said these initiatives have greatly improved living conditions in border areas. Local residents now feel more secure settling down, stabilizing their livelihoods, and supporting border guards in safeguarding national sovereignty and border security.
“Nguyen Vu Le is very dynamic, creative, and close to local people. He works closely with residents, pays attention to them, and actively explains Party guidelines and State policies and laws. He also helps people develop the economy so they can enjoy a happy life. In our hamlet, sugarcane is the main crop. Le guided us on cultivation methods and production techniques, and directed his comrades to assist local farmers with harvesting,” Hoan said.
Major Nguyen Vu Le has received numerous certificates of merit and commendations for outstanding achievements in his work. In 2023, he won First Prize in the “Mass Mobilization” contest organized by the Cao Bang Provincial Party Committee, achieved an excellent ranking in a competition for political teachers organized by the Border Guard High Command, and was recognized as one of the 10 Outstanding Young Faces of the Border Guard Force. He was also honored as a Promising Young Military Figure of the army in 2023. In 2024, Major Le was conferred with a Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister for his outstanding achievements in studying and following President Ho Chi Minh Ho Chi Minh’s ideology, morality, and lifestyle.
Lieutenant Colonel Ta Duy Ha, Political Commissar of Xuan Truong Border Guard Station, said, “Le is dynamic and enthusiastic toward local people. He consistently demonstrates the qualities, capabilities, and professionalism of a border guard soldier. His efforts and dedication are highly appreciated and loved by the people, which has helped strengthen cooperation between local communities and border guard forces in protecting national sovereignty and border security.”
It is his empathy for the hardships faced by ethnic minority communities in border areas that has enabled Major Nguyen Vu Le to meet every challenge and successfully fulfill all assigned duties.
“The station is our home, the border is our homeland, and ethnic minorities are our brothers and sisters. This principle is closely tied to the activities of the border guard force. Based on that spirit, we can effectively carry out mass mobilization work. The recognition from authorities at all levels motivates me to continue striving harder to deserve the trust of local authorities and especially the people living in border areas,” Le said.
Major Nguyen Vu Le is a brilliant example in patriotic emulation movements within the border guard force. His dedication and contributions help firmly safeguard national sovereignty and border security in the new context.
