Baloney. He was no more a hero than anyone else who volunteers to serve his/her country and pays the ultimate price. I just don't buy the proposition that anyone who foresakes a "lucrative way of life" to serve their country deserves any more credit than the kid getting out of high school and joins the military. It demeans the military and service to the country. If anything, it is those who enjoy a "lucrative way of life" who have benefitted the most from living in this country. They should feel a greater sense of obligation.
It is an honor for an individual to serve in the military rather than something the individual confers on the military. The very fact that Pat Tilman's service is considered noteworthy demonstrates how screwed up this country's values have become. Sadly, he is an exception, not the rule.
Amen.