>>...Silly me, I considered anyone who volunteered to undertake the risks of the military, serve their country, head to hostile territory and follow through on their duties in the face of dangers(i.e. everyone who joined the military and didn't shirk off on don't ask, pregnancy or consc. objections) were heroes...<<
Well said.
I'm with you..they're heroes.
I think the problem here is that the term Heros and patriots are being expressed as the same thing.