Unfortunately while that may not be the norm it does happen. Something when you are in a situation like that can put you "over the edge". You may do things you would otherwise not do. A couple teachers spent a while talking about it and what can psychologically lead to it, but that was a while ago and I did not follow it well.

Soldiers for the most part are like any other population group. There are bad soldiers, good soldiers, great soldiers, and average soldiers. Average don't really deserve any more respect then any one else who works to help.

I know several people in the local animal rescue group and they give up alot of time, money(transferable to luxuries), and even thier health in some instances to help fix the wrongs that our kind has done. I help them when I can, but I don't actually do much with the animals. I help with fund raisers, I take care of the building's lawn and maintance, etc.

Also these people don't stop there, they do many hospital/nursing homes/etc visits with the dogs. You know TDI(Therapy dog international). It is amazing how much this sick, many times elder, people respond to the dogs, particually when you compare to how they normally act. I also help with TDI, My dog is actually quite popular. She is medium sized(easy to get up to thier height to pet) but not too heavy, so they can hold her. And she is soft and silky.. I like to just sit there and run my hands through her hair, and so do they. Also I taught her to walk on her hind legs, and I dress her up in a bonnet, so she looks adorable. The older ones love this. We call my dog the little ol' lady sometimes. I just wish I had glasses I could get to stay on her head.

Enough ranting, those people at the animal rescue who also donate time and money for hospital visits and such, as well as run drives when 9/11 happened are all in one club, that I participate in, though I prefer behind the scenes work, cept in therapy(though those visits can be emotionally straining at times, my dog is good at it though.. but TDI won't pass her, she needs ok'ed at each place before hand). But This isn't the only such club that spends time, money, health to help people and animals, these clubs are countrywide. And there are several of them in my area alone. On some of those visits I see people visiting wiht animals that I have never seen before. And the club is growing, rather then shrinking.