I really thought somebody was going to try and carve me a new one for the comment I left. Looks like most people in the comments here feel like most veterans are being used as pawns, or don't deserve to be recognized as esteemed heroes. Are all veterans being used to serve a political agenda? That, I would say, is an outrageous generalization to support a conspiracy theory.

By definition, if any person considers someone a hero, that makes them a hero. Anyone who provides the role of a positive role-model to make people want to be a better person deserves some respect in that regard.

Maybe the comment writers here are sheepish cowards. What business does a coward have to insult any veteran for their heroic service? Yes, that would be awkward when speaking to a person who lost their eye from performing their duty, but not so awkward when hiding behind an anonymous identity. Now, I'm really deserving a response.