Mr. Pham Huyen Huong has retired from a nearly 40-year career in the Army. He now lives modestly, humbly, intimately, but he is very kind and helpful to everyone. In his current position as the Party Secretary of My Hiep 5 Party Cell of Phuoc My Ward, Son Tra District, Da Nang, has fulfilled his assigned tasks excellently, as well as earned the trust of local residents. He has been honored with certificates of merit from local authorties. In his family, he is both a dutiful son caring for his over 90 year-old mother and a devoted husband, tenderly taking care of his sick wife for decades.

Those who meet Mr. Huong, hear his stories, or witness his life can understand and fully appreciate his resilience, fortitude, and admirable determination. He retired as a lieutenant colonel with nearly 40 years' service in the Vietnamese Navy, but he now finds no time to rest after retirement.

Facing challenging family circumstances, he devoted his time to caring for his elderly mother and single-handedly supporting his wife, who suffered a stroke over 20 years ago. Mr. Huong also played a pivotal role in teaching his children to help them be useful and contribute to society.

“On days I know I'll be late due to work, I go grocery shopping the day before, and prepare for next day’s meals for my family. When I return home, I just need to cook. It's the same routine every day, regardless of the weather. I wake up at 4 am to prepare breakfast for my elderly mother and sick wife, then go for a workout, and return home to do household chores. Initially, these works were a bit overwhelming for me, but I quickly become familiar with household chores. When I no longer had to do it, after my wife passed away in early 2023, I felt a sense of loss and emptiness,” shared Mr. Huong.

He was admired by local residents for his remarkable ability to excel in both governmental duties and household chores. Not just managing, but he ensures each task is flawlessly executed. Over the past decade, his exemplary service as a Party Secretary was honored with two certificates of merit from the municipal Party Committee for his dedication to his tasks.

Serving as the Head of the My Hiep 5 Veterans’ Organization and a member of the executive board of the Phuoc My Ward Veterans’ Organization, he has consistently delivered exceptional performance. He was honored with certificates of merit from municipal Veterans’ Organizations at all levels.  

Mr. Huong openly expressed his work ethic, emphasizing the importance of thoroughness in every endeavor, with a focus on prioritizing community benefits over personal or family interests.

“In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in the city, amidst my family dinner, I received a call about an urgent delivery of relief goods. I immediately left home to ensure the timely provision of these essentials for local residents. The situation's urgency, compounded by a strict lockdown in the city, meant no delays were acceptable, not even for a brief meal. Though I returned to my cold dinner, the fulfillment of my mission brought me happiness and satisfaction, which was ultimately gratifying,” he narrated.

When queried about the fear of exposure to the virus, especially considering the vulnerability of his elderly mother and sick wife In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic in the city, he responded resolutely, “Fear is natural. Yet, as a soldier and party member, it's imperative to be at the forefront of the city's COVID-19 fight, setting an example for others."

Mr. Huong's principle is about building trust with the people, understanding their desires and needs. Consequently, his effective implementation of grassroots movements has garnered public consensus, leading to notable achievements in local emulation movements. This approach has turned his residential area into a bright spot in economic and social development at local level.

Reporting by TRONG HUY - Translating by HOAI TRANG