As a middle-aged pudgy schlub, I am eternally in awe of those who serve in our armed forces. But my awe is always fueled by a little anger – primarily driven by our pop culture-driven media, and what they consider cool in this world.

In our current culture, here's what we consider "daring:" barbed wire tattoos around the biceps of scrawny witless musicians, well-abbed unemployed drifters found on various reality shows, pierced, preeny "in your face" dip-wads from pranky stunt shows, spoken word cretins fueled by rage and poor hygiene, performance artists who use their own bodily fluids as both canvas and paint, brain-dead hard-partying actresses with assorted infections, extreme adventurers who require public-funded rescues, animal rights activists with more tics than friends, creepy new age healers who drink their own urine - and of course, Adrien Grenier.

But overlooked as the truly coolest people in America? Those folks who put their lives on the line for their country. These are the people who deserve the reality shows, the fat paychecks, the accolades and the free drinks at swanky clubs. Not the offspring of Hulk Hogan. Not recent Road Rules alumni. Not Green Day.

Especially not Green Day.

Anyway, that's why Red Eye is taking part in this year's Troopathon, which helps bring much-needed care packages to those people fighting for our freedoms. Go to Troopathon.com to find out what you can do to help the coolest people on earth. They deserve it.