The day after the deadly 2008 Sichuan earthquake struck, 15 courageous People’s Liberation Army (PLA) paratroopers risked their lives by descending on the most affected areas to help blaze a trail for aid.
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Their brave deeds inspired a then 12-year-old boy, who was among the victims who received the soldiers’ help, to make a decision to become one of them in the future.
After holding on to his dream, Cheng Qiang joined the army and has become a paratrooper, state broadcaster CCTV reported.
Cheng made headlines in 2008 by unfolding a banner bearing the words “I want to become a paratrooper when I grow up” among a group of local residents.
The locals had rallied to bid farewell to PLA soldiers who were leaving their village after staying there for three months to deliver rescue materials and help build camps.
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