Once in a while an individual will do something so unexpected and with such virtuosity that you just have to take notice. One such individual is a modest staff sergeant called Lawrence Dean, an avionics instructor at the Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, N.C.

About four years ago, shortly after the Iraq war began, his grandmother asked him why anyone would join the military at a time of war. Dean responded with an inspirational "speech," so to speak, actually more of a rap. He performed it for his students, and one taped him at it. Somehow the tape made its way to YouTube and other Web sites. In recent times, hundreds of thousands of people have seen the patriotic piece, most marveling at the power of Dean's words and muscular presentation.

There have been a ton of comments attached to the video, the great majority grandly praising it. "Awesome" seems to be the most-used description. A few blasted it, including one person who wrote: "Bullshit propaganda created by Fox News to drum up support for the war."

A look-see is worth your time. First, check out Stripes reporter Leo Shane's Aug. 18 story about Dean. Then go to the link for the video itself, next to the story. At the bottom of the story is a transcription of what Dean said. You'll see what all the fuss is about.