Local people have become accustomed to calling retired Colonel Trinh Ngoc Van, the Former Deputy Political Commissar of the Da Nang Border Guard Command as ‘The tireless bird’ due to his unwavering dedication to local communities during his military service and retirement, regardless of the roles he undertook, he  remained unswerving in his commitment to serving the community. He is currently the Deputy Head of the Liaison Committee under the Da Nang Border Guard after retirement.

Retired Colonel Trinh Ngoc Van

Having spent over 30 years in the Da Nang’s border guard force, Mr. Trinh Ngoc Van has been an exemplary party member who had strong relationships with his military unit. Not only officers and men of his military unit but also residents living in the city’s coastal border area loved him for captivating and impactful models and programs developed by him.

One of his meaningful ideas was practical support given to local victims of typhoon Chanchu in 2006. The powerful storm had a devastating effect on South Central Coast of Viet Nam. At that time, Mr. Van and officers of the Hai Van Border Station faced a sleepless night at the Nam O coastal village in Lien Chieu District after the devastating storm in order to develop the most effective solutions to provide practical support for affected residents.

Another his initiative was the construction of a multifunctional public house that serves as a storm shelter and offers free medical check-ups and medicine to local residents. This house is also a place to store books about Viet Nam’s border guard laws and preserve village cultural heritage.

With approval from relevant local agencies and the support of donors, the ‘Kim Lien cultural residential area’ has been built at a total cost of VND 5 billion.

The construction of this residential area not only created a positive impact on local residents, but also had a profound humane meaning, leaving a good impression on the local government and people.

Retired Colonel Van (first, from left) visits a war veteran.

Mr. Van has retired from an over 30-year career in the Army. He now lives modestly, humbly, intimately, but he is very kind and helpful to every one. In his current position as the Deputy Head of the Liaison Committee under the Da Nang Border Guard, Mr. Van has created many positive changes in the association's outdoor activities.

Mr. Van is the tireless bird on his journey to bring benefits to local communities.

Reporting by B.TAO - Translating by T. AN