I think that anything you do that serves the common good is great, but does it make you noble? I served in the Navy with people that told me they had a choice, they could either go to jail or join the service. Mind you, this was during the Vietnam conflict. These folks certainly were not answering a higher calling. They were, I suppose, choosing the lesser of two evils.
I voluntered, but for the Navy, not the Army or Marines who were doing the on site fighting, so I can hardly be accused of answering a higher calling.
Volunter soldiers, policemen, firefighters, etc, we all chose these professions and expected to get paid. Even though we chose possibly very dangerous jobs, I fail to see how we are any more noble than the guy that drives a garbage truck, or someone that cares for the elderly. Both highly needed professions.
My only gripe is how little the citizens want to pay soldiers, firemen, policemen, etc.
My avatar says I'm proud to be a Navy vet, but that is just private and just for me. I'm also somewhat proud to be an Okie but other than that, I'm just another citizen of this planet.
Just my $0.02
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Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you,
Jesus Christ and the American G. I.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom
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