Thanks for your comment, Anne.  I don't know my Green Beret friend personally, so I can't make any assumptions with confidence.  I was somewhat surprised by his questioning, given his role as a leadership consultant and team builder.

That said, I'm sure he has done some amazing things throughout his career.  He may have even directly saved lives, which I for certain cannot say....but I do hope this discussion could possibly allow him and others to open their minds to the possibility of valuing the contributions that we can all make.