Yes, it's a dangerous business, but we all knew and know it going in, and I doubt many of us would have it any other way. It sure beats driving, and like Tom F. said in one of his notes,
I wouldn't have wanted to be a grunt.

Columbia is a very sad thing and definitely grabs everyone's attention, but let's keep everything in
perspective. I get just as big a heartache for every GI I learn of being killed in Afghanistan, even though the media doesn't. I know their buddies feel it; I know their families feel it; just like ours did. Columbia, Afghanistan, 9-11, Vietnam, each loss is tragic to someone and should
be treated with the same value. The tragedy of Columbia doesn't make me feel any older, but it does cause me to reflect on those I left behind, and those I sent home who were no longer whole. May I never forget.

Shoofly
Croc 6