When a photo is too faded, the team first calls the relatives. Pham Van Tuan, 44, head of TeamLee, said the group contacts families to gather descriptions of the deceased’s face, hair and build.

Using the family’s details, the volunteers draw a sketch. They then send the draft to the family. If the family feels the picture does not look right, the team makes more changes until the likeness feels right.

For the fallen soldier Huynh Van Quen, there was no clear photograph. The volunteers relied only on his family’s memories. They finished the portrait in nearly half a month.

The finished portrait of Huynh Van Quen was presented to his wife Nguyen Thi Le in July 2026. The picture shows him embracing his wife, giving the family a clear image to place on their altar.

These restored portraits help families remember their loved ones and keep their stories alive for future generations.