OT - Tribute to a hero

Alpha Kodiak · #1 April 23rd, 2004, 05:22 PM

Within the Last 24 hours, America lost a hero. Pat Tillman, former Arizona Cardinal football player turned Army Ranger, was killed in action in Afghanistan.

CNN Story

Regardless of the politics involved (and I REALLY don't want this to become a political thread), a man who passes on a $3.6 million NFL contract offer to join the army and serve his country is someone very special. Not only did he join the army, he refused any special treatment that he so easily could have obtained given his status, but rather wanted to be just another soldier protecting his homeland.

Pat Tillman was a man among men, and a true role-model. He is also a reminder of the others out there with him, putting their lives on the line so that we can go about our daily lives in relative security. We easily forget just how much we owe them.

gregebowman · #2 April 23rd, 2004, 06:37 PM

I was saddened when I heard the news earlier today. Truly, an American hero. Unfortunately, in about 6 months, some made for tv bio-pic will come out that won't do this man justice. But let's hear it for all of the soldiers over there!!

AMF · #3 April 23rd, 2004, 06:55 PM

hoo rah

Quote:

Originally posted by gregebowman:
I was saddened when I heard the news earlier today. Truly, an American hero. Unfortunately, in about 6 months, some made for tv bio-pic will come out that won't do this man justice. But let's hear it for all of the soldiers over there!!

General Woundwort · #4 April 23rd, 2004, 07:00 PM

A study in sharp contasts...

A *man* who forgoes a multi-million dollar NFL contract to fight for his country

VS

A *kid* who goes Supreme Court justice shopping to find someone who will force the NFL to let him into the draft before he's legally old enough to do so.

To the former - a salute to a fallen hero

To the latter - GET A LIFE, KID!

[ April 23, 2004, 18:01: Message edited by: General Woundwort ]

Arkcon · #5 April 23rd, 2004, 08:26 PM

I read about it elsewhere, and I'm still stunned. Managed to get a different quote for my sig 'tho -- little long.

Atrocities · #6 April 23rd, 2004, 08:34 PM

"It is not the voices of our enemies we hear but rather the silence of our friends." - MLK Jr.

sachmo · #7 April 23rd, 2004, 09:22 PM

Godspeed, Mr. Tillman.

Ragnarok-X · #8 April 23rd, 2004, 09:35 PM

just wondering, why EXACTLY do you consider this man a "hero" ?

I for one define "hero" by other words/abilities/things

pathfinder · #9 April 23rd, 2004, 09:38 PM

Aye, Godspeed!

Anyone who makes through Ranger school IS special.

dogscoff · #10 April 23rd, 2004, 09:42 PM

Any death is a tragedy, but I can't say anything else without getting political.