Basic training starts for former NFL player (Pat Tillman)

ESPN and AP ^ | 8 July 2002 | Associated Press

[archy]

My son goes in August 13. He is also bound for one of the Ranger battalions.

He deserves the black hat. He, and others like him, will make the *sand beret* something just as special.

It's good to see that the ones replacing us are every bit as good at taking care of each other as we were back when.

[onedoug]

I agree. Now let's hope Bush get's serious about the war!

[marshmallow]

In other news today, Major League Baseball prepares to strike.

Now these are what I call heroes! You think being a Ranger is tough?

Try standing all by yourself at 3rd base for a couple of hours every night when you're 50lbs overweight, for....ooooohhh..... a miserable $3 million dollars/year.

Salute the true American heroes!!

[hchutch]

After four years in the NFL, he's probably got enough money.

Good luck, PFC Tillman. KATN!

[Tailback]

Yeah, I wonder how he'll handle 1 MRE a day. A friend of mine lost 25 lbs in Ranger school and he was a marathon runner.

[VOA]

I know I'm a "broken record"...
but I pray to G-d that in fifty years people are talking about Pat Tillman (and all who serve
the country) in the same way they have talked about Ted Williams over the past couple of days.

Oh, and bump for Rocky Versace as he gets his Congressional Medal of Honor
(posthumously) today.
He was even discussed today on KABC radio here in liberal Los Angeles.

[VOA]

Oh, and for Pat Tillman (and his comrades), I think that line from the movie "The Right Stuff" applies:

"You're damn right that's a man!"

(Reply to the ambulance driver as he muttered that he saw a man [Chuck Yeager] staggering away
after he'd lost his F-104 Starfighter while setting a new altitude record...in an impromtu
American style.)

[Khurkris]

Ranger On Mr. Tillman!

Airborn & Amen.

RLTW

[RANGERAIRBORNE]

Well, you may well be correct that Rocky Bleier was drafted- so were a LOT of people. At least he didn't run off to Canada (or Oxford). And he left half of a foot there- so I'm willing to give him a LOT of credit for his service.

[Criminal Number 18F]

Outstanding. I hope he has been given good advice, which is:

1. Many have trod the path before. It is hard, but possible
2. Listen. Listen, and do your best. (Even when less is "enough")
3. Never quit. In basic, in airborne, in RIP and in Ranger School most of those who fall by the wayside quit. (Either officially or just by giving up when effort is needed).
4. Mind your health and don't get hurt (should be child's play for a pro athlete).

I don't follow sports much, so I never heard of this fellow. Seems to have a lot of character, and I wish him luck.

d.o.l.

Criminal Number 18F

[RayBob]

You are, of course, correct. I was too brief in my comment and may have left the wrong impression. I did not intend to belittle Blier's service or not give credit to him for going to VN when he could have bolted to Canada. He had a lot to lose when he went over and by all accounts, should have lost it all but for his determination to be a pro football player. He deserves credit for that accomplishment.

My intended point was that the player who walked away from millions of dollars a year to go into the service voluntarily at a time of war, and to sign up for Ranger training because he wanted to serve his country is very commendable. While RB served his country and did so at a price, he went there out of duty, maybe even grudgingly for all I know, but if he had his druthers, he would have been in a Nat'l Guard Unit and playing football. This guy walked away from millions and is willingly putting himself in harm's way.

I did not intend to begrudge RB his due for his service. I only intended to point out that what this guy is doing goes beyond it. Hope I haven't stuck my other foot in my moth with this one. ;o)

[Criminal Number 18F]

Check this:

Ranger Class 1-83, graduating 9 Dec 82.

The Criminal is in the second row, 4th from the left. "Undistinguished Survivor."

d.o.l.

Criminal Number 18F

[PISANO]

Cardinals lost is our country's gain!!!!!

[GnuHere]

This is so cool...I suspect he'll do very well.

[Prodigal Son]

Thanks for sharing that dude!

[Trust but Verify]

One Pat Tillman is worth more than 50 Alec Baldwin's and Tom Cruise's.

[MoJo2001]

Well, God Bless Mr. Tillman. BTTT

[Benrand]

He might have lost a halfa a foot...but as the inimitable Myron Cope said...

HE LOOKS LIKE NIJINSKY AHT THERE!!!!!!! YOY!

[oldvike]

bump

[M Kehoe]

Nice to know at least one current sports figure who has the same dedication {to country}. Bump.

5.56mm