Posted on 04/19/2014 6:31:16 PM PDT by nickcarraway
It's one of the most famous military mysteries of the past decade, Pat Tillman, the former ASU and Cardinals player turned Army Ranger killed in 2004 after he left the NFL to fight in Afghanistan.
The Army said it was friendly fire, but never said whose shots killed Tillman. Three soldiers acknowledged firing at his position, but none have spoken publicly until now.
Steven Elliott told ESPN's "Outside the Lines" that two convoys entered the mountains, but got separated. He said Tillman's group scaled a ridge line to help fellow rangers under attack, but a squad leader mistakenly thought an allied Afghan soldier next to Tillman was an enemy and opened fire.
Elliott said he has been treated for PTSD and is speaking out now because he believes his story might provide hope for fellow veterans with similar problems.
You can see more of the interview Sunday morning on ESPN.
The interview is stirring up a lot of emotions, just days before the ten year anniversary of Tillman's death.
ABC15 News went to Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant, one of Tillman's favorite hangouts. He was more than just a hero to the people there, he was a friend, and when he died, his friends started a tradition.
"We would notice every once in awhile there would be a full pint of Guiness left on a table at the bar," Steve Goumas said.
A pint for Pat, to honor the man people will never forget. Hearing Elliott speaking out is tough.
"I have mixed emotions about that. The thing is, he didn't mean to do it and whether or not people want to have a controversy this guy was doing what he thought was his job and he didn't mean to kill Pat," Nick Hernandez said.
With the 10 year anniversary of Tillman's death right around the corner and Pat's Run scheduled for April 26,the focus at Rula Bula is on honoring Tillman's memory.
"He had his own glass with the number 42 on it," Goumas said.
It was his Sun Devil football number, now etched into glasses of Guiness so people can still buy a pint for Pat.
For more information on Pat's Run, visit the Pat Tillman Foundation website.
It Happens, to often but its unrealistic to think it can be eliminated.
I hope he reads this— That is war. It is ok. Pat was good man and could have made the mistake. God forgives you through our risen LORD. Please rest now.
RIP Pat Tillman.
Exactly - it happens. And one could easily be on either end.
My Grandfather was a firefighter on a small carrier in Pacific in WWII. They had a mini dozer that would push shot up, burning flames into the ocean. That stayed with him the rest of his days.
Amen.
Amen.
Amen.
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