Marine Corporal Charles Palmer is one of almost 6,000 men and women who have lost their lives in the Global War on Terror since Sept. 11, 2001.

I never had the honor of meeting Palmer. The Manteca High graduate re-upped in the Marines after the terrorist attacks on America. His desire to be part of something bigger to serve his country cost him his life in Iraq.

I have had the honor of knowing others who have served since our nation came under attack 10 years ago today.

Among them is Rob Egan.

Rob was in his early 30s when the attacks happened. I hadn’t seen him for about five years since he stopped in Manteca on the way to Yosemite with Brian McLain who was a friend from high school.

The three of us often bicycled together including one extended six-day trip doing fully loaded touring while crisscrossing Sierra passes.

Rob was living in Newport Beach 10 years ago. He was pulling down six figures working for Hewlett-Packard’s marketing division.

I found out months afterwards from Brian that Rob felt he had to do something. So he enlisted in the Army.

Rob not only knew his way around computers but he was an accomplished tri-athlete. It made him a perfect candidate for the Army Rangers. He was sent to Afghanistan where high tech know-how played a key role in forward positions in directing strikes at remote mountain locations. Rob also served a tour in Iraq.

Growing up Rob seemed typical. He was a cross country runner and did his share of bicycle races. It included a criterium in San Jose where he got in a big crash of about a dozen riders. Though hurting big time, he picked up his bicycle got back on and finished the race. Only later did he find out he broke his arm.

Rob gave no signs of being gung-ho military. That’s a mistake that many make. They believe our volunteer Armed Forces are made up of people who grew up wanting to be in the military for the sake of being a soldier.

That is simply not the case. There are many men and women like Rob who have stepped up and volunteered to serve. They are moved by a desire to do the right thing.

Why else would someone back in 1776 leave their family and risk it all against a superior force? It was about “doing the right thing” so people could be free of tyranny.

When you pause to reflect today remember the men like Charles Palmer who went off to war and didn’t come back. And remember the men like Rob who went to fight terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan and who have returned.

And while you’re at it, think about the young teens you come across that may make you wonder about what direction the country is heading.

Among them are the future Charles Palmers and Rob Egans.

They too - when the need arises - will answer the call.