Venturing to the distant continent of Africa, Vietnamese peacekeepers, backed by solid support at home, overcome challenges to fulfill their international duties. At the Air Force Division 371's airfield this September, amidst the brisk wind and golden sunlight spreading across the runway, hundreds of blue-helmeted soldiers busily prepare their luggage for a long-awaited mission.

The Australian Air Force's C1-17 is in the final stages of transporting these peacekeepers to Africa, thousands of kilometers away from Vietnam, marking the largest troop deployment of the year for Vietnam's peacekeeping forces.

The Level 2 Field Hospital No. 6, with 63 members, will replace the Level 2 Field Hospital No. 5 at the UNMISS mission in South Sudan. Meanwhile, Engineering Team No. 3, which includes 18 female soldiers among its 184 members, will take over from Engineering Team No. 2 at the UNISFA mission in the Abyei area.

Tears quickly wiped away, sweet hugs at farewell, and a red flag in their gear add a remarkably warm atmosphere. Many Vietnamese blue helmets entrust their children to grandparents or ask their spouses to "be both mother and father" as they depart on their mission.

Among the officers heading on this international duty this year are a young married couple, Captain Hoang Huu Cong Thanh (born 1994) and Lieutenant Nguyen Thi Nguyet Ha (born 1996) from Hai Duong, members of Engineering Team No. 3.

This couple is particularly notable for their youth within the group. Unlike their tearful teammates, Captain Thanh and Lieutenant Ha hold hands, sharing a moment of joy.

Many joke that besides military gear and essential items, the most significant "gear" they bring to Africa is their "better half."

Married for nearly a year, this young couple has always supported each other in their duties and training. In 2022-2023, Captain Thanh served as a Military Observer in South Sudan.

The couple set a goal to undertake this meaningful mission together while they are still young and before starting a family. The opportunity came this year when Lieutenant Ha was selected for a peacekeeping role by the United Nations. As Captain Thanh had just completed a mission abroad over a year ago, he volunteered to join his wife on this new assignment.

"With the field experience my husband has shared with me, I've learned a lot about survival skills and military knowledge," says Lieutenant Ha.

This time, Captain Thanh serves as a Civil-Military Coordination Officer, and Lieutenant Ha handles administrative duties.

Working in the Peacekeeping Department of Vietnam, Lieutenant Ha annually witnesses teammates embarking and returning with inspiring stories.

"Each year, my determination grows. I want to participate to better understand the peacekeeping duties and the policy work related to our blue-helmeted soldiers, so I can contribute more effectively when I return to my unit," shares Lieutenant Ha.

Fortunately for the young couple, both families fully support and encourage them to confidently proceed with their mission.

Not far away, Major Mai Thi Hang bids a heartfelt farewell to her family and teammates. This mission is particularly special as the airfield belonging to Division 371, where the farewell ceremony is held, is also her home unit before she was assigned as a Logistics Officer for Engineering Team No. 3.

Major Hang has long dreamed of joining the United Nations peacekeeping forces, a dream that became clearer when her unit's first teammates successfully completed their missions. With over 20 years in the military, each mission for her is not only a personal challenge but also a service to the nation, continuing her family's military tradition.

"My oldest uncle is a People's Armed Forces hero, and we have martyrs in the family. Everyone is proud of our tradition. Before departing, he even reminded me to continue writing our family's golden history," proudly recounts Major Hang.

Before leaving, Major Hang sets high expectations for herself. Above all, she aims to fulfill her family's and her agency's expectations, complete her assigned tasks excellently, and leave a positive impression on international friends, colleagues, and local residents about a peaceful and humane Vietnam.

"My son is in 10th grade and my daughter is five, both at critical developmental stages. While I have many concerns, I'm also reassured by my husband's support within the same field. He becomes a strong rear base, allowing me to depart with peace of mind," Major Hang emotionally states.

Before her departure, Major Hang and her young daughter even cut their hair short, "She's young but very understanding, often encouraging me in return."

Major Hang and her teammates underwent nearly a year of training from foreign experts, with no distinction between male and female. From English language skills, United Nations regulations, survival techniques, situation response, to understanding the political culture of the host country...

Besides the necessary gear, this time in Africa, after learning about the local soil and climate, Major Hang also brings two crepe myrtle plants, a flower akin to "summer cherry blossoms," to lessen her homesickness for her family and homeland.

The love and support from their families become a bonding force, providing invisible strength to Major Mai Thi Hang and the couple Captain Hoang Huu Cong Thanh and Lieutenant Nguyen Thi Nguyet Ha, as well as their teammates, as they confidently embark on their United Nations peacekeeping activities.

Tran Thuong - Pham Hai