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.

[Bobber58]

an honored space in every sports hall of fame,
for him and every other major or minor, or college or high school
athlete who gave his all on the field.

that would be fitting

[Psycho_Bunny]

[proud American in Canada]

In death, he truly is an inspiration. Thank you for posting this thread.

It's making me cry. :)

[Valoris uncommon]

I think everyone should take the time to sign this petition in Pat's honor. http://www.petitiononline.com/PAT_NFL/petition.html

[FReepaholic]

>>...Doesn't his wife deserves some consideration?...<<

He was fighting for her as well as the rest of us.

"If not us, who? If not now, when?"

[AKA Elena]

Just yesterday, David Asman (Fox News Anchor -- host of Forbes on Fox, as well) took affront at the liberal mantra that those who are serving in Iraq and in Afghanistan are from among the poorest and least educated among us.

David's son has chosen to serve and is doing so and he "hardly considers his son" to be in any deprived category.

I pray for ALL of our men and women who are jeopardizing their entire lives for our Freedoms.

May The Comforter of us all bring His Solace to the Tillman family and the families of all who have given us the ultimate sacrifice. May He also give comfort and sustenance to those whose lives have been forever changed due to injury or other trauma from these battles!

Contrary to what many believe, there is never a system of "who one knows" or "what/how much one has" when lives are placed on that line to protect our Freedoms.

[Tall_Texan]

Pat Tillman is the Nile Kinnick of his generation.

http://espn.go.com/classic/000802nilekinnick.html

[SendShaqtoIraq]

I think everyone should take the time to sign this petition in Pat's honor. http://www.petitiononline.com/PAT_NFL/petition.html

"The requested document does not exist on this server."

[txrangerette]

We are in WW III, even though a
"different kind of war". Some do
not realize it; some-like Pat-do
understand. In WW II, they drafted
men with no dependents first, then
later drafted men with dependents.

Many men enlisted, of both types
of circumstance.

Vietnam/Korea weren't = to WW II.

As an aside, since Nixon created
the volunteer forces, and since
now we're in WW III, this is a
new situation for America.

First time for the two things
to coincide...

[Robert_Paulson2]

Napolitano should rename piestawa peak, "Ranger Tillman Pass."
Then she should resign.

[HiJinx]

Napolitano should rename Piestawa Peak, "Ranger Tillman Pass."
Then she should resign.

As to the first, let time take its course, do it the right way.
And as to the second, I wholeheartedly agree.

[princess leah]

I hope we'll see "Tillman Field" in the near future here in Phoenix at either ASU or the new Cardinal stadium....

[Archangelsk]

At the very least Ranger Tillman will be inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame. He'll be in good company: http://www.trrausa.com/rhof.htm

[Redleg Duke]

I agree. I was blessed to grow up with sports role models like Ted Williams, the Milwaukee Braves Greats, Bart Starr, and the like. My son, who is eleven, hasn't had many sports role models thanks to the way sports has sunk to the level of Darrel Strawberry and his ilk. Now there is a role model I can proudly point to. I pointed to him when he looked at the multi-million dollar contract and the PVT Uniform, and chose the one that really meant the most.

He knew what he was getting into, and he walked the walk as well as talked the talk. Each and every one of those pampered pet pro football players need to put his picture on the inside of their locker door and before they suit up, and after they finish, they need to ask themselves if they have measured up to Pat!

[Texaggie79]

While his sacrifice was great, I just hope people remember that all the other hundreds that have died gave up no less of a sacrifice.

[GeronL]

I don't go to DU. wonder what they are saying about this??

[Long Cut]

A copy of his jersey should be sent to EVERY athlete and Hollywood male "star" of military age. To my knowledge, he was the ONLY one who apparently loved his country more than fame, fortune, and accolades.

Once again, this night the Valkyries sing with joy as they welcome another Warrior to the company of his brethren in Valhalla. They have another good man to love forever.

[Bronzewound]

Each and every one of those pampered pet pro football players need to put his picture on the inside of their locker door and before they suit up, and after they finish, they need to ask themselves if they have measured up to Pat!

AMEN!

And AMEN again!

[FormerACLUmember]

RANGER CREED
Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of the Rangers.

Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move further, faster, and fight harder than any other soldier.

Never shall I fail my comrades I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong, and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one hundred percent and then some.

Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress, and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.

Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.

Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission, though I be the lone survivor.

[Damagro]

"Pat Tillman personified all the best values of his country and the NFL.

---

No, he personified all the best values of the USA. The NFL has no values to personify