Tillman’s Parents Lash Out at Army (A Tragedy On So Many Levels)

Washington Post.com ^ | 05/23/2005 | Josh White

[drt1]

Handling of Ranger’s death called a ‘sign of disrespect’. Former NFL player Pat Tillman's family is lashing out against the Army, saying that the military's investigations into Tillman's friendly-fire death in Afghanistan last year were a sham and that Army efforts to cover up the truth have made it harder for them to deal with their loss.

More than a year after their son was shot several times by his fellow Army Rangers on a craggy hillside near the Pakistani border, Tillman's mother and father said in interviews that they believe the military and the government created a heroic tale about how their son died to foster a patriotic response across the country. They say the Army's "lies" about what happened have made them suspicious, and that they are certain they will never get the full story.

[DJ Taylor]

"What a bunch of hooey."

hooey? Please tell me how you handled such incidents in the combat units in which you served.

[trussell]

I stole it from another troll thread...the original only had the last box on the form checked :)

[TheOtherOne]

I'm not getting into an internet debate with you about whether you think it is best to lie to someone's family. You obviously think it is best, I have no need to disabuse you of that notion.

[chudogg]

I didn't know that waiting a few weeks until all the information is gathered to release it is considered lying. In the past, this was standard protocal and everybody agreed. I guess the ARMY is still old fashioned in the internet/cable news age of "get the story out right now the facts will come later!".

Funny how a year ago this wasn't an issue at all. I guess it takes time for the Revisionist historians to come in to play.

[restornu]

The brother is still fighting and NOT making noise... so what's up with the parents a little homesick of the Past $$$ when Pat was raking $$$ it in........

I bet the Washington Post who owns NewsWeek paid big for this unAmerican story!

[TheOtherOne]

I have not said the Army lied. I was talking to a poster who suggested that it is standard practice to lie.

[Radix]

Certainly there are issues in any organization and that would include one the size of the US Army.

However, I do not understand how someone would hold the sentiment that the Army needs to be completely made over. I have seen enough of Army training videos, heard and read of tactics and procedures, and also I have met a number of currently active duty Troops. Todays Army is a hell of a lot tougher than it was during my day.By and large.

On the other hand, I certainly knew some great soldiers during my day as a lowly member of a support unit.

Thanks for your Ranger service!

[zarf]

These guys think you should STFU.

These guys (Rangers) are the only redeeming jewel of a bloated, pussified, political morass called the US Army.

[zarf]

Where do you get your inside information? Pravda? Or The Guardian?

From grunts on the ground in Baghdad. Yeah, I said grunts, not Army desk jockeys.

[Khurkris]

Thanks Radix. My condolences on the passing of your Father. Went thru that back in '86. And may the Lord bless and protect your boy in his service.

[xsrdx]

From grunts on the ground in Baghdad.

No kidding. And these grunts tell you they're pussies?

Which unit might they belong to?

Are you a steely eyed warrior yourself?

[xsrdx]

These Cavalry Scouts don't look like pussies to me. They're pretty big, but I'm not sure "bloated" applies either.

I think they'd disagree with your appraisal.

[Losing Faith]

"I have had my fill of parents presuming to speak for their children against the choice they made to serve their country."

It's interesting how many of you are expressing similar thoughts, yet obviously don't see the absolute ridiculousness of it. How is it you guys feel the parents shouldn't speak, but you can? Why are they wrong speaking on a matter they are personally involved in when you're not involved at all. How is it you know better than they?

[denydenydeny]

It is disgusting how the Leftist press is jumping on this story to trash the entire War on Terror. News flash: It's a war, and people die from friendly fire. The Army sitting on the story doesn't diminish Pat Tillman's heroism one iota, but the assholes in the press desperately want it to.

Tens of thousands of Allied soldiers died from friendly fire in World War Two, and the governments--GASP!--didn't mention it at the time.

Of course, back then the press wasn't filled with America-hating, terrorist-sympathizing scum.

I really hope that the entire editorial staffs of The New York Times, the Washington Post, Newsweek, ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, etc. get to live under a Taliban-style Islamic government someday. Bastards.