When I was young (along time ago), Arnold Swarzenegger’s pictures where plastered all over my bedroom walls. I was amazed and inspired by his physique. I read his books. I went to all his films. I followed his successes. No one else had eight Mr. Olympia titles. No one else had the sick mountainous ball on top of his biceps. To me, he was the man.

As we grow our priorities change. Sometimes our childhood heroes have to take a back seat.

I spent some time in New York State over the past few years. My experience there was one of my most humbling. I had the great privilege to see some of the country’s finest young men and women. I got to know many of them personally. I have not met another group of people (of any age) who left me feeling more proud or more humble. I am talking about the cadets at The United Sates Military Academy.

These young men and women typically graduate at the top of their class in high school. Valedictorians, class presidents, class officers, athletes, tutors and volunteers, these kids are well rounded. Many are offered scholarships to Ivy League schools, but turn them down.  All have chosen to enter our country’s military service during a time of war. All go in knowing that some of them will not survive the five-year commitment after graduation.

I saw how incredibly hard these kids worked while at West Point. As officers in training, their workload is intentionally overwhelming. Chronically sleep deprived, they are continually challenged physically, mentally and emotionally. And I watched them thrive. I watched them grow. I saw children turned into men and women. I saw students turned into leaders.

At graduation, they are commissioned as lieutenants in the U.S. Army. These young officers are sent to the four corners of the globe. Sent to do the things that are necessary, things most people don’t like to think about.

Many will go on to become political leaders, entrepreneurs and business leaders. Some will become career Army officers. But the most sobering thought of all is this; some will die in service to this great nation, in service to you and me.