Soldiers voluntarily leave the safety of their homes to protect our citizens and our country. These often unsung heroes inspire civilians to do and give more to others. During the war in Afghanistan, an American soldier, Sgt. Dennis Weichel, lost his life saving an Afghan girl. She and some other children were picking up shell casings from the street as large military vehicles sped toward them. He put himself in danger to get her to safety. Many heroic acts by soldiers also occurred during the Iraq War. American pilots are once again flying over the skies of Iraq, risking their lives to save Iraqi citizens from terrorists. Their efforts are the latest in a long series of sacrifices made by the US military in Iraq since 1990. The soldiers' willingness to sacrifice their lives gives Americans new heroes every day. Fellow citizens view these soldiers with admiration and