I am a veteran who enlisted in the army at the end of 1973 and has made a modest contribution to my country by having been trained in the army for many years. Looking back on the 70 years of life, time flies, many past events have been diluted by the years, only an accident on the eve of discharge, with the passage of time, but more and more clearly presented in my mind.
In the fifties of the last century, I was born in a mountain in the Xiangxi region. My parents worked hard in the fields, while I grew up in a closed environment in my hometown, where transportation was difficult. As the third of five siblings, I was able to successfully complete high school with my father's support in my family. However, due to my family's financial difficulties, I was unable to achieve my dream of going to university.
In the summer of 1973, I graduated from the high school class of the commune high school, and I had no choice but to return to my hometown in the face of the fact that I could not go to university. As the eldest son in my family, I was obligated to devote myself to my parents' farm work. However, my desire to explore the outside world remains undiminished. After a family discussion, I expressed my desire to join the army to my family, and with the support of my father, I embarked on a military journey.
On December 26, 1973, I officially left my hometown and embarked on a new journey to join the army. In the recruit company, I always remembered my father's entrustment and worked hard to adapt to the new military environment. After three months of basic training, I became an excellent recruit and was assigned to the third squad of a platoon of the machine gun company. In my new position, I studied humbly and actively integrated into my comrades-in-arms.
In March 1976, I took over as the leader of the third shift. Two years later, due to my outstanding performance in the army, I was promoted to the rank of platoon commander of the machine gun company. During this military experience, I deeply felt the importance of the duties of the squad leader. In February 1977, I decided to leave the army early because I thought there were limited opportunities for development in the army and that it might be better to leave early.
When I was about to be discharged from the army, during a park rescue, I rescued a boy who had drowned. It was a small act of heroism, but it changed my fate. Mayor Yu was grateful and sent a letter to the army commending my actions. However, I kept a low profile on the outside world, thinking it was just a small thing.
After that, I continued to rise through the ranks in the army, becoming a platoon commander in a machine gun company in March 1979, and later serving as company commander, deputy battalion commander, battalion commander, and deputy regiment commander. While performing well in the army, in June 1977 I became acquainted with Tang Xiaoyue, a female teacher who was teaching at a nearby elementary school. Our relationship gradually sublimated, and we married in March 1979.
In 1992, I was discharged from the army and returned to my hometown to work, Xiaoyue also retired, and we began a happy retirement life. Thanks to my family, leaders, comrades-in-arms and the cultivation of the green barracks, I have also made certain achievements in local work.
Today, Xiaoyue and I are enjoying a happy retirement, and every day is full and enjoyable. Life is full of opportunities, as long as we face them bravely, act positively, and persist in working hard, we can create our own miracles. May everyone cherish the beauty around them and bravely meet the challenges of life.
Finally, I would like to ask you, have you ever had a life-changing experience, or is there a deep story of struggle? Welcome to share and exchange the bits and pieces of growth together.