If you've ever spent any time around a soldier, you'll appreciate the majority of them see the world in a much different way than the average person.

In my experience, there are a lot of people who think they know how to rule the world. When it doesn't matter - when you don't ever have to back up your beliefs with action - it's easy to find a Baker's Dozen of people on any street corner with an opinion on what's right and what's wrong.

Personally, I'm still trying to figure it all out... the right and wrong thing.

But when it comes to a soldier, you can be assured of getting the straight goods no matter what. A soldier's opinion is well thought out, because for a soldier, there's a little more on the line in having an opinion.

Over the years many soldiers have paid the ultimate price for their beliefs. They have answered the call when instructed. A soldier can't afford to be indifferent. When the prospect of bullets flying at your head, or the security of your country rests of your shoulders, you need to be clear in your beliefs.

I have never been a soldier. My opinion on a soldier's attitude is drawn mainly from my desire to understand what makes them tick.

I admit I always wanted to be a soldier. Growing up, I romanticized what it would be like to serve my country as well as help save others from tyranny. Even today, I would never hesitate to defend my country in combat if needed. My entire life, I admired the men and women who answered the call of duty. It truly is a calling beyond most people's comprehension.

In order to live as close to a soldier's life as I could, I have made every attempt in my newspaper career to tell their stories.

In 1997, I spent two weeks in Bosnia-Herzegovina covering the efforts to bring peace and stability to an area ravaged by ethnic war from 1992-95. Canada sent many soldiers overseas during the Bosnian War, which claimed upwards of 110,000 lives.

In all, 40,000 Canadian soldiers served in Bosnia during the mission. When no one else in the world cared, our Armed Forces did the dirty job of stepping in the middle of a brutal war. It was the Muslim minority in Bosnia that was subject to some of the most brutal atrocities. Canadian soldiers used their best judgment, and did what they were told.

When I was in Bosnia, I spent much of my time in the Northwestern area. One of the first soldiers I met was Walter Natynczyk, who was in charge of the Canadian Force in that area. Little did I know he would go on to become Chief of Defence Staff, the top-military man in Canada.

Canadian soldiers in Croatia and Bosnia were often directly targeted themselves, and many of them suffered fatalities and injuries. In many ways, however, the more serious scars were the psychological ones. These wounds were the inevitable consequence of being observers of man's seemingly infinite ability to inflict misery on his fellow man and, worst of all, not being able to intervene.

Thankfully, our soldiers in Afghanistan are being allowed to act in accordance with the mandate of the mission, and defend themselves when attacked and root out the bad guys before they can commit further atrocities. After countless visits to countless mass gravesites throughout Bosnia, I always asked the soldiers how they felt.

And I was always impressed with their professionalism. While they probably felt incredible sadness, they'd never let you know. The soldiers I met always remained on message - they were there to do a job and they are proud to serve Canada. They held their human emotions close to the vest.

I will never forget that time in Bosnia. I've never been so proud to be Canadian. I am proud that the Balkans are now a seemingly peaceful area in the world (thanks in large part to the efforts of Canada), although I remain skeptical that it will last forever; at least based on what I saw.

Last week, Hamilton sent off its largest contingent of soldiers to Afghanistan since the Second World War.

Every one of the men and women called to duty were proud to go. Most were reserve soldiers and volunteered. They were excited, yet cautious. I wish each and every one of them a safe return home. The majority of Canadians appreciate the contributions of the men and women who have served this country over the years. I see them at the Cenotaph each November 11, and we mourn together.

This year we will mourn for the Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan.

As many of us shed tears as the names of our fallen local heroes are read, others will sip coffee, read passages from Noam Chomsky, and pretend they have the spirit and courage to put their lives on the line for a belief. What a bunch of spoiled brats.

I don't think any of them could look a soldier in the eye and say, "Thank you for what you do."

A soldier would see right through them.