Herb, I had the impression that young people these days no longer had that "fire in the belly" when it came to the military. For years, after Vietnam and the draft, the recruiting ads were geared to what the army could do for you, not what you could do for your country -- the army's ridiculous "Army of One" campaign being an example.

But apparently the spirit is still alive and well. Several local youngsters around here joined the military after 9/11, and went from being apparent slackers to very dedicated, professional soldiers. Surprised the heck out of me. One of my nephews seemed like he was drifting through life, two years out of high school and working a minimum-wage job in a donut shop. He enlisted in the army and became a paratrooper, jumpmaster, ranger and sniper. He's on his second hitch, and is up for master sergeant. He's had combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq and received a Bronze Star with "V" device. I would never have believed it.

Whenever I feel like grousing about this new generation of aimless teenagers, I have to think about those kids who are now serving in the military. I thought I had this new generation all figured out. Guess I was way off base, thank God.