In 1980, I served as a company commander. It was a blazing summer, and the sun hung like a fireball in the sky, roasting people's hearts. One day, I was handling military affairs at the company headquarters when suddenly, a fellow I hadn't met for a long time found me.
"Company commander, when I come back this time, I want to ask you for help. The fellow rubbed his hands and said a little embarrassed.
I looked at him and couldn't help but feel a dilemma. I know that as a soldier, I should put the interests of the army first and not show favoritism. But the face of the fellow can't be ignored. I was in a dilemma.
"Tell me what? "I tried to keep my tone as calm as I could.
"My son, I want to join the army. But during the physical examination, it was brushed off because of a small problem. I would like to ask you to help me intercede so that he can enlist in the army. The fellow said sincerely, his eyes full of expectation.
My eyes widened, I didn't expect him to make such a request. I knew that if I agreed to him, I would be breaking my principles. But rejecting him seems impersonal.
"This ......," I hesitated for a moment, but finally said decisively, "fellow, I can't help with your son's affairs." ”
"Why?" the fellow looked surprised.
"I'm the company commander, and I have to be responsible for the soldiers of the whole company. Your son failed the medical examination, and I can't let him enlist in the army for personal reasons. This is a matter of principle. I said in a firm tone.
The fellow was stunned, he didn't expect me to refuse so simply. There was a flash of disappointment in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.
"Company commander, I understand your difficulties. But I still hope you can help me. The fellow said unwillingly.
"I can't go against my principles in order to help you. You go back, let your son work hard, maybe there will be a chance. I waved my hand and motioned for him to leave.
The fellow sighed and reluctantly left the company. I watched his departing back, and my heart was mixed.
That night, I tossed and turned and couldn't sleep. I know that refusing the request of the fellow made him disappoint me. But I also knew that as a soldier, I had to stick to my principles.
Soon after, I heard that the son of the fellow country had finally successfully enlisted in a conscription after hard work. He wrote to me thanking me for my rejection and making him understand the importance of hard work.
Time flies, and decades have passed in the blink of an eye. I have left the army, but I still remember that experience. Whenever I think of that fellow, I always feel a warm current in my heart. It was a precious memory in my life and a testimony to my principles.
One summer a few years later, I was walking by the river in my hometown, enjoying the peace and quiet life after retiring. Suddenly, a familiar figure appeared in my sight, it was the fellow who had asked me for help. His back was slightly hunched, but his gait was still steady.
"Company commander, it's really you!" he shouted excitedly, the wrinkles on his face like the marks of time.
I walked up and shook his hand: "Yes, fellow, long time no see." ”
We found a rock and sat down and started chatting. He told me that his son had done well in the army and had been promoted to an officer, which had become his pride.
"Do you know, company commander, you were right to reject me back then. My son told me that it was your persistence that made him understand that everything has to be done on his own. The fellow's eyes sparkled with gratitude.
I smiled and nodded: "I'm glad he understands this." The path of a soldier depends on his own feet. ”
Our conversation was interrupted by a burst of laughter, and it turned out to be a group of children frolicking by the river. The fellow looked at them, and his eyes became far-reaching: "Company commander, I have an idea to set up a military academy in my hometown to train more young people like our son." ”
My eyes widened, the idea was unexpected, but it also made me excited: "This is a great idea! ”
"However, I'm worried that I'm limited in my power alone, and I don't know if I can do it. The fellow said with some concern.
I patted him on the shoulder: "Fellow, don't worry, I will do my best to help you." Together, let's make this military school a reality. ”
From that day on, my fellow villagers and I began to make preparations. We traveled everywhere to raise funds and contact the education department to find a suitable school site. Every step was full of challenges, but we didn't give up.
"Company commander, you see, this land will be the training ground of our military academy in the future. One day, the fellow pointed to an open area and said.
I looked at that land, and a wave of pride surged in my heart: "Yes, fellow countryman, every child who walks out of here will be the pillar of our country." ”
As time passed, our efforts began to bear fruit. The construction of the military school is progressing smoothly, and the first cadets have begun to enroll. Looking at those young faces, my fellow villagers and I understood that our dreams were becoming reality.
One day, at the opening ceremony of the military academy, I stood on the podium and looked at the young students sitting full of people below, and my heart was full of emotion: "Students, you have chosen an extraordinary path. Here you will learn how to be a real soldier and how to serve the country and the people. ”
The fellow stood under the stage with tears in his eyes. I know that at this moment, he, like me, is full of pride and gratification. And all this is because of our persistence and hard work.
As time went on, the reputation of the military school grew, and more and more young people came to visit it. They sweated on the training ground, their eyes shining with hope for the future. My fellow villagers and I have also become busier, in addition to daily teaching and management, we often invite some retired veterans to give lectures to students and share their experiences and stories.
I remember one time, I invited a veteran who had fought on the border. He stood on the podium with a calm and powerful voice: "Students, the mission of soldiers is sacred, and we have paid blood and sweat to defend the country. I hope that you will inherit and carry forward this spirit. ”
The students in the audience listened with relish, and their eyes were full of admiration and yearning. The fellow sat aside, a hint of pride flashing in his eyes. I know that these are the results of our joint efforts.
One weekend, I was in my office sorting through papers when I suddenly heard a commotion outside. I hurried out of the office and saw a group of students gathered around, arguing with red faces.
"What happened?" I asked.
"Company commander, they're arguing about who is the best cadet. One student replied.
I smiled, this kind of competition is a good thing, but it can't make them too contentious. I cleared my throat: "Students, excellence is not something that is said by mouth, but by practical actions. Each of you should strive to be the best version of yourself, not to compare. ”
They listened to me and nodded silently. As I looked at them, I couldn't help but think of my youthful days in the army.
A few days later, I received a phone call from the son of the fellow who had asked me for help. He said he was on vacation and wanted to come back to visit us and give a lecture to the students about modern military technology.
I happily agreed, and it was a great opportunity for him to learn more.
When he stood on the podium, I looked at his back and felt a lot of emotion in my heart. This young man is no longer the teenager who needed his father's intercession, but a real soldier.
"Students, I came here not only to share some military technology with you, but more importantly, to tell you that no matter where you go in the future, you must remember that you are students of this military academy and must have the responsibility and responsibility of a soldier. There was a lot of power in his words.
After the lecture, I walked out of the classroom with my fellow countrymen. He patted me on the shoulder: "Company commander, you see, our efforts have not been in vain. ”
I looked at him, full of gratitude: "Yes, fellow, it's all worth it." ”
We walked side by side on the campus path, and the afterglow of the setting sun fell on us, leaving long shadows. At that moment, I deeply realized that the meaning of life is not only to achieve my own dreams, but also to be able to help others achieve their dreams. And the growth of these young soldiers is our most valuable asset.
As the days passed, the students of the military school continued to grow. They have not only achieved excellent academic results, but also demonstrated extraordinary talents in practical exercises. I used to watch them on the training pitch and I was full of pride. These young faces are the future of our country.
One day, I was in the office sorting out some documents about the development of the military academy when I suddenly heard a knock on the door. I looked up and saw the countryman's son standing in the doorway, his eyes shining with a light I had never seen before.
"Company commander, I have something I want to discuss with you. There was a hint of urgency in his voice.
I motioned for him to come in, and when he sat down, he couldn't wait to say, "Company commander, I want to organize a special exercise so that our students can really experience what it's like to be in real combat." ”
I frowned, this kind of exercise is a big challenge for the students, but it is also a rare opportunity. I thought for a moment, then asked, "Do you have any specific plans?"
He nodded, and pulled a detailed plan out of his bag. I looked at it carefully, and secretly admired his carefulness and thoughtfulness.
"Company commander, this exercise can not only improve the actual combat ability of the students, but also give them a deeper understanding of the mission of soldiers. There was passion in his words.
I nodded, already having a decision in my mind. I looked him in the eye and said seriously, "Okay, I support your plan." But you have to remember that safety always comes first. ”
He nodded heavily, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes. I know he's ready.
Preparations for the exercise were in full swing. The students were sweating on the training ground, their eyes full of anticipation and nervousness. Together with my fellow countryman's son, I personally guided them and made sure that every detail was done to the best of its ability.
Finally, the day of the exercise has arrived. The students stood on the training ground, dressed in neat military uniforms, their eyes flashing with determination and determination. I stood aside and looked at them, my heart filled with pride.
The drill began, and the students quickly got into their roles, and I was amazed by their performance. They are brave, resolute and unflinching in the face of difficulties. When I saw them, it was as if I saw myself back then.
After the exercise, I stood on the podium and looked at the full number of students below, and my heart was full of emotion: "Students, I am extremely proud of your performance today. You have proved yourself with practical actions, you are real soldiers. ”
The countryman's son stood aside, a flash of pride in his eyes. I know that at this moment, he, like me, was full of satisfaction and relief.
We looked at these young faces and knew in our hearts that our efforts had not been in vain. These young people will become the pillars of our country, and they will continue to carry on our spirit and move forward bravely for the sake of the country and the people.
At that moment, I deeply realized that the meaning of life is not only to achieve my own dreams, but also to be able to help others achieve their dreams. And the growth of these young soldiers is our most valuable asset.