You had it right, right here.

Everyone who serves, takes the risk. From the grunt to the recon, the weather scouts to water purification- every last soldier is a SOLDIER.

Whether on a ship, a truck, a plane, a chopper or on foot, every one who serves gets the job done.

The contractors and civil service too. Interpreters, equipment mechs and repair teams that aren't even IN the military but are still on the battlefield serving in jeans and polo.

Anyone can be shot at. NO one is truly immune. You could go an entire military career without ever setting foot in a combat situation as an infantryman and go 6 months as a Rear Chaplain and find yourself in combat on your first deployment. There's no tellin'

If you want to pat backs- better chalk up your hands because you will be clapping a whole lotta backs. And each and every one of them earned it.