Posted on 04/26/2004 7:04:08 AM PDT by threat matrix
A sandstorm was building, not to mention the heavy heartedness that comes with 19 days in the Saudia Arbian desert.
Joe Bush, a 22 year old Air Force staff sergeant from Goodyear had no intention of leaving his spot in line. At Basic Exchange, the military version of the mini-mart, he had arrived with the promise of baby wipes, often the equivalent of a shower.
Bush's mind was on the familiar face that had just come up behind him. He looked at the soldiers name: Tillman.
'It was the highlight of my entire deployment,' said Bush, a pharmacy technician at Luke Air Force Base.
Sgt. Bush did the interview Tillman never gave to the media.
'Why?' he asked. 'Why would you give up the National Football League for this?'
'For the love of my brother, Tillman said. 'And for the love of my country.'
Bush said he was floored by how extremely intelligent Tillman was and how easy he was to talk to.
'He was so down to earth, never made me feel like I was less than I was. He kpet saying how he really loved what he was doing. He wanted to be there.
Ten days later they met again in the desert.
Day 29: I ran into Tillman and some of his buddies. They said they should be heading out about nightfall. I don't envy what they do. I think Pat's a standup guy for putting his *ss on the line like that. Imagine passing up millions of dollars just to go fight for your country. This dude is a living legend. They are really cool cats. My prayers are with all of them.
(Excerpt) Read more at azcentral.com ...
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