Pat Tillman killed in Afghanistan

MSNBC ^ | 04/23/2004

[jtminton]

Ex NFL Cardinal Pat Tillman has been killed in Afghanistan. Details unknown.

[xzins]

Amen. Brian Kilmeade is eulogizing him on FoxNews at this very moment.

[NCPAC]

We should respect and honor all of those who serve. We know, though, that many join the armed services because they are looking for a way out of a dead-end and look at serving as a career opportunity. There is nothing whatsoever wrong with that.

I remember, though, being awe struck when I first read that Pat Tillman had tossed his NFL career in order to fight for his country, as a Ranger, no less. He had everything coming his way, and he willingly gave up a veritable dream-life, to serve - and die - for every one of us; to serve and die for his country.

Now, along with many other of our soldiers, Pat Tillman is gone - at least physically. However, we all know that heroes never die. Tillman and his deceased brethern are true heroes, the likes of which I'd never seen until the morning of 9/11. Do we need to earn his (their) sacrifice? Absolutely we do. In my mind, this means never forgetting, never giving up the fight, always honoring and respecting ANY individual you see in the uniform of a branch of our armed services.

Pat Tillman has reminded me what it really means to "sacrifice." If you see a soldier(s) in a restaurant - buy his/her/their dinner for them. If you see a soldier(s) in a bar, buy him/her/them a round of drinks. If you see a soldier(s) on the street, thank him/her/them for their service to America. It really is the least any of us can do.

[End Times Sentinel]

O God, Whose property it is ever to have mercy and to spare, we beseech Thee on behalf of the soul of Thy servant whom Thou hast called out of this world; look upon him with pity and let him be conducted by the holy angels to paradise, his true country. Grant that he who believed in Thee and hoped in Thee may not be left to suffer the pains of the purgatorial fire, but may be ad-mitted to eternal joys. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who with Thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth world without end. Amen.

 

Rest in Peace, Pat Tillman.  We pale in comparison to your example.

 

Owl_Eagle

" WAR IS PEACE
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
DIVERSITY IS STRENGTH"

[threat matrix]

[livius]

I know nothing about football, but I remember reading about Pat Tillman when he went in and being impressed that he would give up his career to act upon what he believed. A very noble man.

Prayers for him and his family.

[Libertina]

What does 11B2 mean?

[MindBender26]

RLO, WO or NCO?

[Old Sarge]

If I said on this board what I thought of those liberals now blaming the Administration, I would get a lifetime ban before the typeset dried (so to speak).

You're not the only one...

[FlatLandBeer]

Any guess if they will Rename the stadium for him.

[faithincowboys]

It's really a great song-- you won't be sorry.

[sean327]

Whoever does not have the stomach for this fight, let him depart. Give him his money to speed his departure since we wish not to die in this man’s company.

Whoever lives past today and comes home safely will rouse himself every year on this day, show his neighbor his scars, and tell him embellished stories of all their great feats of battle. These stories he will teach his son and from this day until the end of the world we shall be remembered.

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for whoever has shed his blood with me shall be my brother. And those men afraid to go will think themselves lesser men as they hear of how we fought and died together.

Rest in peace Pat.

Semper Fi

[StarCMC]

WHat a hero he was! God bles his family. I remember reading his story when he went...this is so sad. May he go Home with a hero's welcome!

[MeekOneGOP]

May he rest in peace ...

Pat Tillman, a 5-year Arizona Cardinal who left the NFL to serve in the U.S. Army.

http://www.11alive.com/news/usnews_article.aspx?storyid=46013

Cardinals' Tillman Killed at War

• NFL.com: Pat Tillman

Pat Tillman, a U.S. Army Ranger and former Arizona Cardinals strong safety, is being reported dead in Afghanistan, according to news reports.

Tillman, 27, enlisted in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, choosing to forego a 3-year, $3.6 million contract extension with the Cardinals. Tillman played four seasons with the Cardinals – from 1998 to 2001 – before walking away from this fifth year in 2002.

His dutiful decision sparked national headlines showcasing a recently married NFL star who gave up a burgeoning career to fight alongside his brother and fellow countrymen. Tillman did so as privately as possible, refusing to make a public comment or grant interviews regarding his decision.

Tillman and his brother, Kevin, completed basic training in July 2002 with the aspiration of joining the Army’s elite Special Forces. Tillman’s military path led to:

   • October: Advanced through individual training
   • November: Graduated from parachute school
   • December: Completed the Ranger Indoctrination Program

Kevin is reportedly still serving with the Army. There has been no official comment from the Tillman family.

Tillman finished each task alongside his brother. Soon after, Tillman was assigned to the second battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment in Fort Lewis, Washington, about 50 miles from Seattle.

Tillman was born in San Jose, California, and went on to attend Arizona State University. There he garnered attention as a standout linebacker for the ASU Sun Devils, while managing to graduate in 3-and-a-half years with a 3.84 grade-point average.

Even after being drafted by the NFL, Tillman rode a bicycle to training camp because he didn’t own a car. Fans say he turned down a $9-million, multi-year contract with the St. Louis Rams to play for the Cardinals because he owed his loyalty to Arizona.

Known for his physical prowess on and off the field, Tillman even completed a 70-mile triathlon before the start of the Cardinals’ 2001 training camp.

More details as they become available.

[Doomonyou]

Thoughts and prayers for the Tillman family.

Ditto.

God speed, Mr. Tillman.

[Constitution Day]

Thanks very much.

[Libertina]

God bless this brave, principled man and may his family be comforted.

[MattinNJ]

Damn. A true hero and warrior. R.I.P

[StarCMC]

You got that right - it would be a first...

(from a St. Louisan)

[boxerblues]

11B--Army MOS Infantryman the 2 denotes his skill level

[Corporate Law]

I have a friend that is (still) a Cardinals fan going back to Chicago, and he has nothing but vile things to say about the Bidwill family.