I'm torn. I think there is SOME need, but I also think DOD or organizations at times ram in down people's throats. And I say that with an understanding that a majority of us approach the military with the same glasses....blinders to some issues and focusing on others.
I have tickets to the Washington Capitals. In that game we stand 2-4 times during the game for... first Wounded Warriors, then the military section, then the service member of the game. I clap. But I'm not there for that. I'm there to watch hockey. Is that insensitive? Maybe. And I've been in uniform. Heck, I selected the Coasties that went to the games. There have to be thousands at the game who are far less attached or concerned for the military than I have been.
It's a political piece, and sometimes it's just to make an organization feel good about itself. Sometimes the programs do good things. I'm not a huge fan of uniformed service members being paraded around like props.
I think the term "hero" is used FAR too often, when talking about service members or talking about Rep. Gifford (sp?). We toss that term around and it loses value for the people it actually applies to. I have no doubt a number of people would act like a hero is need be, but luckily for us, most aren't put in that position. Dedicated? Sure. Dutiful? Sure. Heroes? Maybe, but not all and not all the time.