These days we spend our time consumed with the economy, business, careers, politics and family matters and we often forget that others are doing far more important work on behalf of our nation.

Our freedom to speak, conduct commerce and fret about all things American ultimately relies on our nation’s ability to defend itself. And in the day-to-day bustle, reminders that we are at war can come as quite a shock.

In recent days, the Business Times got a shock of its own when it learned of the death of a young soldier, Brian Wolverton, 21, serving with the Army in combat in Afghanistan. He was a Ventura County resident, a recent graduate of Moorpark College and by all accounts a fine young man.

He was also the nephew of George Wolverton, our publisher. The Business Times extends its sincerest condolences to the Wolverton family.