I recently finished the haunting book by Robert Heinlein, Starship Troopers. For those of you who haven't read it, the book makes the case that free societies are based on the readiness of a few brave soldiers to die for their compatriots. In America only a small percentage of young men and women volunteer for military service (I believe it is 2%, but maybe one of you have the correct number?). Today, the Associated Press ran an article about a real-life Starship Trooper who recently graduated from West Point.
Here's a quote from the article:
"Lt. Stefanie Keck of Escondido, Calif., said not even the recent death of her boyfriend while serving in the Army in Iraq has shaken her resolve. He did what was needed and now she will."
"'I'm so ready, more than ready,' Keck said moments after taking her oath. 'I'm supposed to be a platoon leader, and I want to be the one that makes sure they get home,' she said."
Now that is what I call heroism.