Those who heed their nation's call to protect and defend its constitution and laws come from many different origins and religious and economic backgrounds rather than from the hallowed halls of military tradition. When America's needs are great, it asks its finest to accomplish the tasks that determine its fate. After prevailing, these patriots return to their fields of endeavor, seldom receiving gratitude. The fallen are often forgotten and those who return are frequently ignored, yet all debts owed to these men and women are acknowledged.