Even in death, Tillmans are brothers in arms
Slain Pat, Kevin were taught that loyalty to family, friends was first
By Steve Fainaru and Blaine Harden
Updated: 9:28 a.m. ET April 26, 2004SAN JOSE, Calif. - Three months ago, Doug Tammaro had dinner in Seattle with Pat and Kevin Tillman, the brothers who left pro sports to become elite soldiers. The night was so memorable Tammaro now sees it in his sleep.
Pat, the older brother, couldn't find his way into the restaurant -- "10 more seconds and I was going to light a charge on that window," he said, laughing. He told a story about a training exercise, referring first to "a packet of people," then a "pocket," then a "pouch."
Kevin burst out laughing. "Dude, is it a packet, a pocket or a pouch? Pick one."
"Shut up, dude," said Pat.
"They were so awesome together," said Tammaro, the sports information director at Arizona State University. "You could just tell how close they are."
Monday afternoon, Kevin Tillman will escort his brother's body to Dover Air Force Base, Del., according to the Army Human Resources Command. Pat, a 27-year-old safety with the Arizona Cardinals, was killed Thursday after his elite Ranger unit, which called itself the "Black Sheep," was ambushed in Afghanistan.
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http://msnbc.msn.com/id/4831619/I was moved when I heard of Tillman's intent to join the Army. I remember it clearly. It was all over sports radio. And today, I look at his life, his commitment to country, his resolve. He was an amazing person. I hope, for the sake of his legend, Hollywood takes this amazing story to the big screen. The man is an inspiration. God Bless him.