Aaron William Simons found that direction in the U.S. Marine Corps. It changed him from a shy, musically inclined teenager into a motivated and dedicated leader of men — just as the advertisements promise. He was involved in training Iraqi soldiers who someday, we hope, will relieve our troops of the duty of protecting their nation. He also was involved in making deadly rounds on patrol.

What can we glean from the details of this young man's death? That he was brave, and that he believed in duty, honor and sacrifice. That he was committed to seeing through his mission in Iraq — his second tour of duty in Iraq.

Simons' death was the sixth this year from our area, the third in the past six weeks.

Every soldier who has enlisted in the war on terrorism knows the danger. Each one accepts that risk. Every family awaiting the return of its soldier knows of the danger, too, and lives with the fear that a loved one will not return.

Like that of 15 other soldiers from our region, Aaron Simons' final return to Modesto will be solemn and sad. His family and friends will bury him with the full honors and respect he earned.

Some will recall the shy young man who played guitar at his church. Others will recall the proud leader of men who gave his life for his country. With respect, we offer our condolences to his family for the loss of the young man he was and the leader he became in service to his nation.