Officers and soldiers take care of the apricot garden

On both sides of the road leading to the barracks are rows of Lagerstroemia trees planted in large jars, very aesthetically pleasing because of the motifs symbolizing the colors of military uniforms, decorated on the jars. Stepping into the unit's campus, the heat is gradually cooled down by the shade of the trees. Rows of Acacia trees, Bougainvillea, Pine, Sua, Lagerstroemia, Mulberry, Mango, Black Star, Coconut, etc., planted in suitable locations, are growing full of vitality.

Leading guests around the unit grounds, Lieutenant Colonel Le Van Son, Political Commissar, and Captain Ho Minh Phu, Deputy Political Commissar of the Mobile Training Battalion, stopped several times to talk about the “life of trees” with deep emotions. There are trees that are 5 years old, along with many trees that are 2-3 years old. Many rows of rosewood and pine trees were newly planted before Tet and are being carefully cared for.

“This patch of sim is planted not only to cover the hills with green, creating a beautiful landscape when the sim flowers bloom, but also to be a typical image of the border. The rows of black star trees we planted provide shade, and also use the wood to make model teaching aids for use in training. The patch of cajuput trees stretching high and spreading shade on the other side is to shade the weapons depot. The row of mango trees in front of the soldiers' houses is nearly 5 years old, not only providing shade but also providing fruit. Especially, during breaks, officers and soldiers can sit on stone benches, chatting with each other under the shade of the trees in the unit park, further strengthening the bond of comradeship and teamwork,” Lieutenant Colonel Le Van Son shared.

Previously, the Training - Mobile Battalion was stationed on Dien Bien Phu Street (Hue City). More than 5 years ago, the unit moved to Huong Tho Commune. When it first arrived, this place was bare hills, barren land, and harsh weather. Winter was cold and windy. Summer was the peak of hot days, sometimes reaching 43 degrees. "Covering barren land with green, creating lots of shade, building a green, clean, and beautiful landscape, is one of the important tasks set by the unit's command and must be carried out fundamentally, sustainably, and effectively, to contribute to ensuring a favorable living environment; ensuring the health of officers and soldiers to perform all tasks well, especially training and combat readiness tasks" - Lieutenant Colonel Le Van Son and Major Nguyen Tuan Tai, Battalion Commanders of the Training - Mobile Battalion said.

In addition to the budget for purchasing varieties of shade trees, landscape trees, and perennial fruit trees, officers and soldiers have spent a lot of sweat and effort to take care of them. The apricot garden with more than 1,000 trees over 4-5 years old has been cared for with all the responsibility and effort of the officers and soldiers.

Major Nguyen Tuan Tai said that every year, more than 100 new soldiers come to the Training and Mobility Battalion for training, before taking up their duties at units on the two border lines. The shade of the trees regulates the air, “protecting” the officers and soldiers after hours of hard training on the training ground. That is an extremely meaningful thing.

But it is even more meaningful when each new "class" of soldiers coming here "leaves" their sweat, effort, and contributes their own part in taking care of the trees, so that the trees become greener and greener; the unit's landscape becomes greener, cleaner, and more beautiful. "Through taking care of the trees, building the environmental landscape, the officers and soldiers in the unit in general, and the new soldiers in particular, practice their health, love, and work skills, and mature more comprehensively" - Lieutenant Colonel Le Van Son said.

Article and photos: Van Toan