Well I have met and know the "Pat Tillmans" of today.
But I haven't read much less met any "Ernie Pyles"...
There are a few who are capable, just not of the same timbre or motivation as Pyle. As the article said, Pyle left a pretty cushy job in a time of extreme stress for most people, and volunteered to be among those under the most stress. Maybe that proves your point instead of mine.