I had just finished my workout and headed into the sauna when I met two young men, each probably in their late 20's, early 30's. They were Marines, home from Iraq.  They were about to be re-deployed to Afghanistan for a 15 month tour of duty.  Everyone in the sauna listened intently as they spoke of duty, honor, country.  They weren't preaching, mind you.  They were talking about their duties as Marines.  They never mentioned the Code but everyone fortunate enough to be in their presence knew what they were saying.  These two young men-highly intelligent and patriotic spoke matter of factly of the dangers they faced in Iraq and will undoubtedly face in Afghanistan.

As I sit in front of my computer a few hours after meeting these two Marines I can't help but think how lucky we are to have men like these two in the military.  They are the best.  They don't complain.  They sacrifice day in and day out.  They are our unsung heroes.  They do the hard work, so we can sit back and enjoy our freedom and live our lives.  They afford us the luxury of complaining about the minor issues, whatever is awry in our own lives.

Before each of us left them (I was the last one out), we thanked them.  We probably can't thank them enough for their example, their dedication, and their sacrifice. I am happy to say that today, for a short period, I was in the presence of great men.  That's a blessing I won't soon forget!