Food for thought: Captain America is a hero. Originally a solider in the war, he was given a bunch of steroids and such. Somehow he got frozen and timetraveled to today. He didn't die because comics. He doesn't have powers or anything, just steroids. So I guess the lesson to learn from Captain America is that drugs help you reach your goals. The American Dream.
America's Super-Soldier became who he was when he was terrified by what the Nazis were doing during WWII. He agreed tp help his country by going under operation Rebirth which was a performance-enhancing procedure. He has fought along side the Army, became leader of Avengers, and best friends with Bucky Barnes (Winter Soldier).
Avengers #144
Avengers Assemble
Captain America #283
Captain America Vol 7 #1-10
The Captain