The Ministry of Veterans Affairs Deploys Flood Relief and Assistance Work for Retired Soldiers

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, July 20 (Reporter Gao Yujiao) The Office of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs recently issued a notice requiring veterans affairs departments at all levels to enhance their political stance, deeply understand the severity and complexity of the current flood prevention and disaster relief situation, resolutely overcome complacency and a sense of false security, and fully leverage the unique advantages of retired military personnel, such as strict discipline, strong work ethic, firm will, and strong emergency response capabilities. They are to mobilize and guide a large number of retired military volunteers to respond promptly, quickly assemble, and go to where the people need them most, thereby putting into action the solemn commitment of "if there is a war, we will return when called."

The notice requires that, under the unified leadership of local party committees and governments, relying on the advantages of grassroots veteran service centers (stations), local retired military volunteer service forces and cross-regional emergency rescue resources be integrated. Under the premise of ensuring their own safety, they should scientifically and normatively carry out flood prevention and disaster relief according to their capabilities. Volunteer service teams with professional personnel, rescue equipment, and relevant experience should be coordinated to precisely connect with emergency, fire, and water conservancy departments, focusing on urgent and heavy tasks such as dike patrols, emergency rescue, and relocation and resettlement; for general volunteer service organizations, guidance should be provided to carry out household visits, disaster warnings, and material support.

At the same time, proactive connections should be made with post-disaster reconstruction work, supporting veteran volunteer service organizations to participate in road clearance, house reinforcement, sanitation disinfection, and psychological comfort based on local realities, helping the public quickly restore normal life.

The notice also requires that veterans affairs departments in disaster-stricken areas strengthen coordination and cooperation with emergency management and other departments, relying on grassroots veteran service guarantee institutions to timely grasp the physical and living conditions of affected veterans and the actual difficulties faced by their families. They should enhance inspections and visits for vulnerable groups such as elderly veterans living alone, disabled veterans, and veterans in financial difficulty, actively provide door-to-door services, coordinate various forces, and offer urgently needed medicines, material purchasing, medical referrals, psychological comfort, and other services to help them safely navigate the flood and convey the care and concern of the Party and government. Close attention should be paid to the impact of disasters on the basic living conditions of struggling veterans, and various assistance and relief policies should be coordinated to improve the effectiveness of comprehensive support. Charitable organizations should be guided and supported to proactively connect with needs, conduct disaster relief charitable donations in accordance with laws and regulations, and actively participate in assisting and supporting affected veterans.

It is understood that on the front lines of flood relief in many places, retired military volunteer teams and volunteers are actively participating and fully engaging in the fight. In addition, the Ministry of Veterans Affairs has successively guided Guangxi, Hubei, Gansu, Hebei, Liaoning, Jilin, and other regions to carry out care and support work for affected veterans, and will coordinate with the China Veterans Care Foundation to provide financial support to help affected veteran families overcome difficulties as soon as possible.