95 Military Wives Head to the Snowy Border at an Altitude of 3780 Meters

95 military wives from a certain army border defense regiment head to the snowy plateau to celebrate the Spring Festival—

Traveling thousands of miles to the border, bringing warmth to the reunion year

On the Karakoram Plateau, the festive atmosphere is strong.

In recent days, a "reunion operation" spanning thousands of kilometers has brought warmth to a military camp located in the northwestern border. 95 military wives from a certain army border defense regiment set out from various parts of the motherland, making their way to the snowy border at an altitude of 3,780 meters to celebrate the Spring Festival with the officers and soldiers who have been stationed here year-round. This is the largest number of military wives to celebrate the New Year with the regiment in its history.

Sergeant First Class Wang Hangning and his wife Jiang Chunyan have been married for over three years. Concerned about his wife's travel fatigue, Wang Hangning has always been reluctant to let her visit the unit, let alone spend the New Year on the plateau. However, this year, as the roads to the plateau have improved and border defense support conditions have significantly enhanced, he finally relented. From the Loess Plateau to the western border, Jiang Chunyan took a plane and then a car, bumping along the way, crossing mountains and valleys to reach the military camp. What awaited her was a carefully arranged warm home—bright and clean, equipped with oxygen devices, heaters, and all necessary living supplies.

“I know it’s not easy for him to guard the border, and I came this time to let him know that I firmly support him,” Jiang Chunyan said. On her first day at the unit, she experienced altitude sickness. After learning about her situation, the regiment promptly arranged for a military doctor to provide treatment, making her feel warm: “The army is like a big family; I feel particularly at ease here.”

Like Jiang Chunyan, there is also Zhang Li, the wife of Sergeant First Class Tang Feigang, who traveled a long distance. She set out alone with her young child from the banks of the Weishui River, crossing thousands of miles and braving wind and snow to reach the military camp. Along the way, she had to care for her young child while also dealing with altitude sickness. But she never wavered: “Although the child is small, I want him to know from a young age that his father is a hero guarding the border.” Upon learning that the mother and child had arrived at the unit, the regiment thoughtfully prepared toys and picture books for the child, filling this “highland home” with laughter and joy.

“The military wives overcoming various difficulties to travel thousands of miles to celebrate the New Year at the unit is the greatest support for national defense construction,” said a leader of the regiment. To ensure that 95 families could celebrate the New Year well on the plateau, the regiment's party committee planned in advance, freeing up single officers' dormitories and utilizing guesthouses and family quarters to create several cozy homes ready for move-in. Inside the rooms, banners reading “Welcome Military Wives Home” radiated warmth, while practical “highland tips” cards were thoughtfully placed on the tables, and festive New Year paintings adorned the cabinets, exuding a strong festive atmosphere.

During their stay, the regiment also organized tours of the camp and patriotic education bases for the military wives and children. At a certain lookout tower, Tang Feigang pointed to the nearby “Map Mountain” and said to his son Tang Zeyu, “Look, this is the place that Dad and the uncles are guarding!” Zhang Li stood beside him, quietly holding Tang Feigang's hand, whispering emotionally, “From now on, I will no longer complain about you being home less; now I understand, you are guarding not just the border, but our future.”

On the stage of the military camp's Spring Festival Gala, Tang Feigang, along with Tang Zeyu, performed the dance “Success Comes with the Horse.” At that moment, after 17 years of guarding the border, Tang Feigang's eyes filled with tears: “I used to think that celebrating the New Year meant standing guard, but I didn’t expect to celebrate the festival with my family this year; it feels particularly warm.”

On New Year's Eve, the reunion dinner prepared by the cooking team was served steaming hot. Hometown dishes from all over the country filled the table, warming the stomachs and hearts of the officers and soldiers.

“Although the plateau is oxygen-deficient, it is never lacking in love and warmth. Celebrating the New Year with the lovely border defense soldiers on the snowy plateau, we not only felt the care and enthusiasm of leaders and comrades at all levels but also admired your dedication and perseverance even more. For me, this is a spiritual baptism, and I will fully support my partner's work in the future…” Jiang Chunyan's words expressed the common voice of the 95 military wives.

In the distance, the snow-capped mountains stretch endlessly, while nearby, warmth is as vast as the sea. The farthest concerns transform into the closest warmth, adding a rich festive atmosphere to this remote border area.

At this moment, the chill of the plateau is dispelled by warmth, and the solitude of the border is melted by reunion. This New Year is a long-awaited warm memory for the officers and soldiers; this affection is the deep companionship of military wives crossing mountains and seas.

Salute to this group of the most beautiful military wives! Salute to this group of the most lovable people!

Source: PLA Daily

Authors: Sun Xingwei, Yang Manku