(Reposted from a Youth Daily News report by Lin Jui-Yi and Chang Ya-Chun, Hualien)
Post-disaster recovery efforts in the Hualien region are progressing at full speed. In addition to the service members who remain on the front lines of rescue operations, many others have volunteered during their off-duty hours to help clean affected areas. These dedicated men and women of the armed forces have been affectionately dubbed “Shovel Heroes” by local residents, fully embodying the military’s spirit of protecting the nation and supporting the people.
During this critical phase of recovery, troops were inspired by their comrades’ actions and voluntarily joined the relief efforts. Among them, personnel from the Army Missile and Electro-Optical Depot formed self-organized teams during their leave, carrying the belief that “the military and the people are one family.” They traveled deep into villages and alleyways in Guangfu Township, clearing mud and debris to ease the burden on disaster victims—an effort widely praised by the community.
Notably, some service members took the initiative to rally their fellow troops. Kuo Ching-Heng, a cadet from the ROC Naval Academy, mobilized classmates and underclassmen to join him in volunteering in Guangfu, demonstrating their commitment to supporting the nation and its people through action.
Kuo stated that, as a military cadet, it is essential to recognize the duty of service members to defend the nation. Participating in this volunteer mission strengthened his resolve to pursue a career in the armed forces, and he hopes to become a steadfast protector of his homeland in the future.