[archy]

. ... . As for the meaning of "hero," what do you call someone who volunteers to go through rigorous training to work long hours a day away from loved ones in a big ammo dump full of sand fleas and Fedayeen and terrorist-wannabes, and desperate victims with few basics, a run down infrastructure, enemy press, NGOs, and little pay (IEDs, RPGs, and homicide bombers)? . ... .

A champion. Look up the REAL meaning of that word in a serious dictionary.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

I'm sorry. Your serious dictionary definitions of both champion and hero prove your point.

My careless response proves my point, that a different standard exists (among most, I think) in the civilian culture. Trying to build a bridge between military and civilian cultures, when language, experience, and values are so different is difficult. Most people in my (and younger) generations don't know anyone serving in the military. They do know post-Vietnam Hollywood's version of a Soldier.

Common words, catch phrases reach people with short attention spans, and those quickly deciding whether to open e-mail based on subject lines. If I hope to get pro-military news to them, sharing a language helps.

Most people don't know the real meaning of both words today. Maybe, with use, in time, that will change. I will try to remember to use champion.