US Ranger Tillman an 'Inspiration,' White House Says

Arizona Central.com ^ | April 23 2004 | wire report

[threat matrix]

The White House is calling US Ranger Pat Tillman 'an inspiration both on and off the football field.'

Tillman walked away from a lucrative NFL pro football career to join the US Army.

Yesterday the former Arizona Cardinals player was killed while serving in Afghanistan.

[WinOne4TheGipper]

Ping to post 18.

[threat matrix]

Its leading every single major news and sports website now except MSNBC.

[Ueriah]

I am deeply saddened, yet profoundly somehow affected. This man set a great example.

[Warren]

"Marriage should get anyone a free pass??? I don't think so"
I do believe it did as I mentioned I don't believe married men were drafted.
The draft was a long time ago, if I am wrong someone please say so.
Also, a free pass wasn't necessary, we have a volunteer nmilitary.

[Drago]

Thanks for the H & C heads-up...

[harbinger of doom]

He enlisted after 9/11. His brother is also a Ranger and was a former minor leaguer. Good family, good athletes and good men.

If I was called upon (not brave enough to enlist, like Tillman), I would go. I'm 38, married with two kids, but I would go. Duty outweighs preference and comfort. I guess I should remember that...

Martz and others need not say "He died for what he believed in". It seems to marginalize 'beliefs'. I know what he meant, but everybody has beliefs. Some beliefs are hardly worth dying for.
Perhaps it could be said (and I know FR knows this),"He died for freedom's sake. He died for what this country believes in (or used to believe in)."

What is true and good is more important than what I believe (or anyone else believes for that matter).

[cynicom]

At outset of Korea thing, many of my graduating friends hurried and got married. Without children, they were drafted.

One took no chances, he married his cousin, took over his parents farm and whipped out two kids. He was not drafted.

[military cop]

My heart aches like it hasn't since Orlando was killed in Karbala.

This man was a true American. A true patriot. He and his brother joined the army for the most noble of reasons and I personally feel for the Tillman family's loss.

I'm going to sit my son down this evening, and tell him the story of Ranger Tillman.

RLTW.

[mancini]

Pat was greatly respected in AZ...flags here at ASU have been lowered today. Rest in peace, Pat...and God comfort those he left behind.

[threat matrix]

That my friend, was a walking, talking vision of the Taliban's worst nightmare come to life..

[threat matrix]

[Bobber58]

"WHO ARE THESE MEN ?"

Who are these men who march so proud,
Who quietly weep, eyes closed, head bowed?
These are the men who once were boys,
Who missed out on youth and all it's joys.

Who are these men with aged faces,
Who silently count the empty spaces?
These are the men who gave their all,
Who fought for their country for freedom for all.

Who are these men with sorrowful look
Who can still remember the lives that were took?
These are the men who saw young men die,
The price of peace is always high.

Who are these men who in the midst of pain,
Whispered comfort to those they would not see again?
These are the men whose hands held tomorrow,
Who brought back our future with blood tears and sorrow.

Who are these men who promise to keep
Alive in their hearts the ones God holds asleep?
These are the men to whom I promise again:
'Veterans',my friends-I will remember them !.

(Written by: an 'unknown'-12 year old girl-1966.)

[wingnutx]

If married men didn't fight, there'd not be much left of the military.

[Stonewall Jackson]

Thanks for the info.

I know Pat did not like the public spotlight on something that he considered his patriotic duty, but I would like to see the Arizona Cardinals or the NFL in general create a memorial fund or some other memorial to honor this true American hero.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

He died at age 28. Same age as my son is now.

[Bobber58]

I don't understand

exactly

[treeclimber]

I honestly dont have words to reflect the awesome honor and sacrifice of this American.

[Bobber58]

his heart was his and none shall know,
of furrowed brow and quiet need
that moments captured silent thought
should guide a man to stoic deed.

Of what would some say of the man
left from his wife and family
gone on to walk along a land
in merely brothers company.

Too often good men come to feel
of warming sun and fatted calf
that merely mention duty served
would chance a pause to tsk and laugh

but one such man as made of men
to take the road despite the fog
and light a path for all to see
and lay himself upon the bog

[LowCountryJoe]

Sports teams around the country could use this time to do something very classy. They could wear mourning bands or something similar to honor the deaths of not only one of their own (as in an athlete) but to acknowledge the dedication, unselfishness, bravery, and honor that our servicemen and servicewomen who have made the ultimate sacrifice or who have been seriously wounded and disabled. I'd be surprised if the AZ Cardinals didn't do this from the onset of the preseason and took it through the remainder of their season but it would be nice to see the acknowledgment to transcend the whole sporting community.

[treeclimber]

A stamp! At the very least-that WOULD be an awesome tribute to him. While making stamps, make one for Neil Roberts. I am serious!! I think a stamp to honor the fallen in this struggle is totally appropriate. I am going to write my Congressman today!!! I think this is a great idea!! Read the two articles below to see true sacrifice.

http://www.townhall.com/columnists/michellemalkin/mm20020524.shtml

http://www.sftt.org/dw05222002.html#2