Two of America's best died in Afghanistan on September 30, 2005, and though I never knew them or their families I know enough about them to know that they were patriotic, brave, physically fit and committed to do what is right to promote freedom and dignity for others.

These two soldiers, Staff Sgt. John G. Doles and Sgt. 1st Class James J. Stoddard Jr. served in two of the Army's elite Battalions. Staff Sgt. Doles was assigned to 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry Regiment, which is based in Vicenza, Italy and Sgt. 1st Class Stoddard Jr. was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, out of Fort Bragg, N.C. Both battalions are famed for having the best trained and skilled soldiers in the military, which means that Staff Sgt. Doles and Sgt. 1st Class Stoddard Jr. were exceptional soldiers and athletes. To be in these battalions requires more than simply volunteering for the military, which is noble in and of itself, but a special commitment by these soldiers to want to serve with the very best the military has, and under the very worse conditions.

We all know that these men both left loved ones, people who loved them and will miss them. No doubt their loved ones were especially and justifiably proud of these soldiers and now are hurting inside. Nothing I can say about these men will change anything, but at a time when a few in our society our trying to cheapen their service, I simply want to say thank you.