It was 1969 at Fort Polk, La., and I was 19, skinny, scared and in infantry basic. Wicked hot and humid, but a buddy and I caught a break and were sent to help move furniture in the battalion headquarters. The sergeant major bought us Cokes.

Walking back to our barracks, we stayed in the shade of buildings and took our time, although the rule was to always run in the company area. Of course, a drills sergeant caught us. He was huge, black and very disappointed in our "white asses."

As we did push-ups, he explained why we ran in the company area. It wasn't just for fitness, he said, but respect.

"While you girls were taking the time to walk 15,000 miles from here good men are dying in a swamp," he said.

It was a quote and a lesson I never forgot. "Good men." I have since always strived to be one. I wish today I could tell the drill sergeant of the impact he had on me, but I think they all know, all who wore the Smokey Bear hat. Thank you.