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Upon arriving at Song Tu Tay Island, they seized the brief opportunity to engage with the officers and soldiers. The delegation sat together beneath the shade of lush greenery, sharing warm and lively conversation. The atmosphere quickly became cheerful, with questions such as: "How are you all doing? Do you miss home often? Does anyone have a girlfriend or boyfriend? After discharge, will you miss the island, and what are your plans for the future?" Through these friendly, affectionate exchanges, the soldiers opened up, speaking naturally, simply, and endearingly.

Female naval academy cadets talk with soldiers on Song Tu Tay Island.

Major Tran Thi Lan, a medical officer at the Naval Academy, shared: “We had the opportunity to interact and chat with the officers and soldiers here. Although the time was short, we could feel the hardships they endure on the island. When we spoke with them and shared our thoughts, the soldiers were initially shy, but gradually became more confident, expressing their hopes and future aspirations, and sharing stories about life on the island, their family circumstances, and more.”

One soldier from Ninh Hoa confided: “My family is struggling, and we have only a few members. After completing my military service, I plan to learn a trade so I can support my family and take care of my parents.” Another soldier from Nghe An expressed: “After being discharged from the army, I will choose a suitable trade to help my family and strive to become an exemplary citizen in my hometown.”

A heartfelt embrace from the mainland to the soldiers of Truong Sa.

When asked about his future, Sergeant Pham Quang Long, a soldier stationed on Song Tu Tay Island, replied: “I am determined to study hard to pass the entrance exam for the Political Officer School. After graduation, I hope to serve in the Navy so that I can return to contribute on the islands.”

On Son Ca Island, as the delegation from the Naval Academy was disembarking, the officers and soldiers could already be seen from afar preparing to welcome them. When the motorboat docked at the harbor, bright smiles lit up their sun-tanned faces, greeting the delegation with warmth and sincerity, as though welcoming family members returning to the island.

Officers and cadets from the Naval Academy chat with soldiers on Song Tu Tay Island.

Upon taking their first steps on Son Ca Island, each officer and student in the delegation was deeply moved and pleasantly surprised by the island’s well-maintained and orderly appearance. During the visit, they met and conversed with Sergeant Do Minh Tuan from Vinh Long province. Sergeant Tuan confided: “Before enlisting, I graduated from the College of Industry and Trade in Ho Chi Minh City. My time serving on the island holds many memories, it is the love and support of my comrades. Now, as I prepare for discharge, I already feel the longing for the island and my fellow soldiers. Later, when I return to my hometown, I will continue the work I studied to help my family and contribute to building a stronger and more prosperous homeland.”

As the time came for the delegation to bid farewell to the officers and soldiers on the islands they had visited, emotions ran high. Each officer and student of the Naval Academy delegation was touched by the heartfelt words of advice, the warm handshakes, the embraces, the affectionate glances, and the shared hope that the dreams of the soldiers stationed on these remote islands would one day be fulfilled. As the welcoming delegation departed from the port, the officers and soldiers remained steadfast at their posts, continuing their duty day and night to firmly safeguard the sovereignty of the nation’s seas and islands.

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