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Alice Yan

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.
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.
“We came to treat the soldiers as members of our family. When they were to leave, my teacher asked us what we would like to say to them. I said I wanted to become a paratrooper and become a person like them,” Cheng, now 29, said.
On his banner, Cheng amplified the three Chinese characters meaning paratroopers.
He recalled that his hometown, in the rural area of Shifang city in southwestern Sichuan province, was wrecked by the quake.
It was a daunting task for vehicles to move into the area due to road cave-ins and landslides in the area.

“My home collapsed. My niece was killed in the disaster. We were helpless, not knowing what we should do next,” said Cheng.
“While we were desperate, the paratroopers arrived. They brought us hope,” he added.
When Cheng joined the army in 2013, he chose to serve as a paratrooper without hesitation.
“Seeing the characters for paratrooper, the scene of those soldiers helping rescue us during the earthquake instantly appeared in my mind,” he said.
In 2016, Cheng was appointed as the vice monitor of the honourable Huang Jiguang Squad because of his excellent performance and high scores.
He was selected to be a member of the PLA’s air force troops to parade at the 70th anniversary for the founding of the People’s Republic of China in October 2019.

The next year, Cheng was sent to study at the PLA’s Special Operations Academy. He graduated in 2022.
Cheng is the platoon leader of an army paratrooper brigade.
“I was a kid rescued by the paratroopers. Now I am a paratrooper,” said Cheng, adding: “I will go wherever there is a need.”
His story is sweeping mainland social media.
“I am moved to tears. Well done young man!” said one online observer.
While another said: “This shows the power of belief. It is the inheritance of spirit.”


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Chinese boy inspired by heroes during deadly 2008 Sichuan earthquake becomes paratrooper

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Cheng Qiang proudly salutes after becoming a People’s Liberation Army paratrooper. Photo: CCTV

Cheng pictured as a youngster holding up a banner saying that he wants to become a paratrooper in praise of the soldiers who came to help his village which was wrecked by the 2008 earthquake. Photo: CCTV

The devastating 2008 earthquake claimed the lives of 70,000 people. Photo: Reuters

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Quake survivor realises dream of joining elite unit of People’s Liberation Army, says he will go ‘wherever there is a need’


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Chinese boy inspired by heroes during deadly 2008 Sichuan earthquake becomes paratrooper

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Quake survivor realises dream of joining elite unit of People’s Liberation Army, says he will go ‘wherever there is a need’

Quake survivor realises dream of joining elite unit of People’s Liberation Army, says he will go ‘wherever there is a need’