I chosen this as the subject of this story because a Marine asked; "Are we that elite?"
From the Dictionary:
Elite
/ileet/
noun
1. A group of people regarded as the best in a particular society or organization.
2. The richest, most powerful, best educated or most highly trained group in a society.
3. The best or most skilled members of a group.
4. The choice or best of anything considered collectively.
5. A choice or select body.
6. A relatively small dominant group within a larger society.
adjective
1. A group of (excellent) troops.

All of the above is the answer to "Are we that elite".

And I see them when I least expect it, one wear a cap saying Vietnam Veteran, another might have a patch on a jacket saying Veteran of World War II or Korea. Many will have a patch saying "veteran" of the war they were part of. Another might seem like he is older than his years.

I remember as a 6 year old awaking in the middle of the night to screams in Spanish by a Marine, "Those carbon's napponese have broken through our lines! Get that SOB!!!" Then one my uncles went to that Marine and told him, "It's all right brother, you’re in my house, safe."

USMC Recon. I've had the privilege of serving with some great Marines. One of my Commanding Officers was the Medal of Honor Recipient Lt Frank Reasoner. I was a member of 2nd Platoon Bravo Company 3rd Recon.

This is a small tribute from Ricardo to Bravo Company 3rd Recon...