In the scorching summer on the Jiangnan plains, the heat waves surge. The section of the Three Gorges Highway near Lian Tu Village features the four bold letters “Old Soldier Inn.” A veteran from Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, walked into the inn and ordered a cup of hot water. “I never expected to stumble upon this special resting place for our veterans right by the Yangtze River. It feels incredibly comforting,” he remarked.

Lian Tu Village is located in Leqi Township, Yiling District, Yichang City, Hubei Province, adjacent to the Three Gorges Dam Tourist Area. During holidays and special occasions, there are always numerous individuals traveling by car to visit the area. In the first half of this year, the Yiling District Bureau of Veterans Affairs, in collaboration with the Leqi Township Government, constructed the “Veteran Station” beside the village’s main road, which provides services specifically for military personnel, their families, veterans, and other beneficiaries passing through the area.

Upon entering the rest stop, I observed that it was fully equipped with amenities such as water heaters, mobile phone chargers, and emergency tool kits. Hot water was available 24 hours a day, and common medications could be easily accessed. A reading corner was set up with military-themed books and materials promoting policies benefiting the military. Posters such as “Salute to the Most Lovable People” were displayed on the walls, creating a strong atmosphere of support for the military.

“Once the post station is completed, militia members and veteran volunteer volunteers will rotate shifts to guard it daily,” explained a staff member from Leqiaoxi Town Government. In addition to overseeing the daily maintenance of the post station, the guards also proactively provide guidance, emergency assistance, and other services to passersby. Over the past two months, the post station has hosted over 100 recipients of benefits. Many of them have praised it, saying, “This is a heartwarming surprise during our journey!”

Currently, there are a total of 6 “Veteran Hubs” in Yiling District, which provide services spanning various fields such as travel, leisure, and finance. While each of these hub’s service programs has its unique features, their common goal is the same: to show genuine care and concern by helping military personnel, their families, veterans, and other beneficiaries overcome challenges and enjoy greater convenience.

The small post office warms the hearts of soldiers. In late June, Yan Zhensen, a veteran from Yaque Ling Town, walked into a local bank to apply for a loan. As someone who had never applied for a loan before, he felt somewhat apprehensive. Upon seeing the prominent “Veteran Post Office” sign on one side, he immediately approached the staff for assistance. After the staff learned about his situation, they helped him obtain a queue number, organized the required documents, and explained the application process and local military-support credit policies. The entire process was professional and efficient.

“The staff at the ‘Veteran Hub’ were warm and attentive. They were knowledgeable about the procedures and familiar with the policies, making them very professional.” Yan Zhensen expressed genuine gratitude after completing his business.

According to the leaders of the Yiling District Veterans Affairs Bureau, establishing the “Veteran Retreat” is a concrete measure taken by the district in response to the call to “make military service a profession revered by society as a whole.” To address issues related to funding and land use, the military and civilian sectors have established a joint meeting mechanism to jointly develop and establish norms for construction and management, thereby promoting standardized services. At the same time, efforts are being made to actively guide social forces to participate, using methods such as evaluating excellence to enhance the sense of pride and continuous engagement among social entities. It is reported that the district will next explore the “Internet+” model for military support, building smart “Veteran Retreats” to further improve the quality and effectiveness of services. (Looking into the New Era)