Colonel Lò Văn Him, born in 1950 and residing in C1 village, Thanh Nưa commune, stands as a prime example of this enduring spirit. His life is defined by the fierce years of war and a persistent journey of responsibility upon returning to his hometown to serve the community.

In 1969, the young Lò Văn Him enlisted and fought in the Central Highlands during the resistance against the United States. Those grueling years in the field forged in him a resilient will, bravery, and absolute loyalty to the Fatherland. Following the total liberation of the South, he immediately transitioned into the 1979 Northern Border War without a moment’s rest, consistently fulfilling every assigned mission regardless of the battlefield’s severity. His dedication continued through his tenure with the Border Guard force, notably serving as the Chief of the Si Pa Phìn Border Post from 1983 to 1987. In this challenging border area, his high sense of responsibility helped maintain security and build a solid people’s border defense posture. By late 1990, he was appointed as the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Lai Châu provincial Border Guard Command, where he leveraged his extensive experience to advise on and direct border protection tasks.

After years of military service, Colonel Him retired in 2005, but instead of choosing a quiet life, he dedicated his wisdom and experience to local social work. From 2007 to 2010, he served as the Vice Chairman of the Điện Biên district Veterans Association, mobilizing members to participate in economic development and rural construction. Later, as the Party Secretary of C1 village from 2010 to 2025, he remained a devoted and approachable leader, encouraging the people to follow state policies and participate in patriotic movements, thereby strengthening community solidarity and local development.

Beyond his community leadership, Colonel Him is a pioneer in economic development, believing that proactive production is the key to a better life. On an area of over 7,000 square meters, he has successfully implemented an integrated economic model featuring fruit trees like mango and lime alongside 50 dragon fruit plants. He also cultivates bamboo, maintains two fish ponds, and manages a livestock population of roughly 200 chickens, as well as pigs and pigeons. After expenses, his family earns nearly VND 100 million annually, and he generously shares his technical knowledge with fellow villagers to help them escape poverty and improve their own livelihoods.

Colonel Him maintains that the family is the foundation of society and that societal progress depends on the prosperity and happiness of each household. He and his wife are exemplary figures in their neighborhood, fostering a civilized lifestyle and deep-rooted solidarity. His five children have all grown into successful professionals with stable jobs, helping his family earn the “Cultural Family” title for many consecutive years. He often teaches his descendants that a veteran must remain a role model in all movements, striving for anything that benefits the village and preserving family traditions through hard work and responsibility.

For his extensive contributions across multiple fields, Colonel Him has been honored with numerous awards from the State, the Party, and local authorities. Even at the age of 76, he remains agile and sharp, personally tending to his garden and livestock every day. To him, labor is not just a source of wealth but a source of joy and a way to maintain health while continuing to serve as a beacon for future generations to follow. He remains steadfast in his belief that regardless of the circumstances, a veteran must live as an example for their children and the community.