In the wake of even more loss of American lives in Afghanistan with the recent death of 14 Americans in helicopter crashes, the President expressed how he will never take the decision to send more American troops to Afghanistan – and, therefore, “in harm’s way” – lightly. October 26 is now known as one of the “deadliest days” in the Afghan war since June 28, 2005, when the U.S. saw the loss of 19 of its troops.

The President made that declaration on the same day in Jacksonville, Florida, as he addressed U.S. Navy personnel. Prior to speaking, he met with families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.

The President was quoted by various sources as saying “I will never rush the solemn decision of sending you into harm’s way. I won’t risk your lives unless it is absolutely necessary. And if it is necessary, we will back you up to the hilt. Because you deserve the strategy, the clear mission, the defined goals as well as the equipment and support you need to get the job done. That is a promise that I will always make to you.”

These are certainly big words, but they ring true, and, hopefully, are indeed the guiding principles that decisions such as sending troops to war zones strictly follow. It will be recalled that it took a presidential nod to bring the Navy SEALs into the picture during the pirate hostage-drama in Somalia in April. The speech in Jacksonville was preceded by a review of the Afghan strategy with top military and civilian advisers, and there is still no telling whether the President will decide to add to the 68,000 troops that are already in Afghanistan.

Our soldiers – the Navy SEALs, the Marines, the Army and all those who comprise our Armed Forces – are always ready to place their lives at risk, but that does not mean that they indiscriminately look for ways to become the stereotypical heroes. If and when they do get sent away in the service of their country and its interests, that decision should certainly be the result of serious and collective thought and should be accompanied by an outpouring of support – political, military and civilian alike.