The Navy Seals

The Navy Seals are often famous just for their legend and mystery - for their perceived accomplishments, as their actual ones are not usually made public. They are a symbol of the protection that men in shadows provide to our country. They calm our fears. They let us rest well at night. We know they are out there, somewhere, watching out for us.

In recent memory, we have learned about Marcus Luttrell and SEAL Team 10 in Afghanistan. Those of us who read his book were not only astonished by the events in Afghanistan, the bravery of the team, but we were given a glimpse into what it takes to become a Navy SEAL.

Now, we have the story of the Navy SEAL snipers who took out the Somali pirates and saved cargo ship Captain Richard Phillips from his captors.

These are men who put themselves in front of evil and sacrifice for it - sometimes sacrificing all. They are highly trained (read it about it here: http://www.sealswcc.com/Home_Page.htm ) and highly specialized. The training is not easy and it is not cheap. And, the training never stops. They stay alert. They stay ready. They act in the silence of the shadows. Few will ever know what they do for our country.

I am grateful that they received the acclaim they deserved in their recent actions, and hope that more Americans understand the cost of peace and freedom at home. I am proud of them and I am grateful.