Whether in peace or the unfortunate time of war, military personnel may find themselves away from their families 6 or more months out of a year. Such sacrifices as this are what service member face on a daily basis. Family members are also affected by the absence of their spouse or sibling making strength a shinning light in the dark cloud of loneliness. The bombing of the USS Cole is an example of the dangers that our military faces everyday. This is not to be put above millions of men and women before that have perished defending democracy here and abroad.
Death is a fact of life.
Everyone one of us will die someday. However, possibly dying for democracy, freedom and or so that others may live, is a choice those service members consciously make everyday. There is no true measurement for the cost of life. Those who respect it treasure it for themselves and others. Everyone in the military has taken an oath.