You know that is what makes these forums great. Hard to attack someone for voicing their opinion, at least they have the guts to do that. As far as Mr. Tillman, he sacrificed everything to do something he believed in. Against reason, popular opinion, he did it anyway. And he made the ultimate sacrifice, and whether he was foolish, or just a pawn in misguided policy, he felt he was doing the right thing. Maybe that is what is lacking in our society today. There is a historical precendent here, with none other than George Wwashington. I just thought it was propaganda in grade school for president's day. But the parallels are there. He left everything, his plantation, money and security, against everyone's advice, to fight an unpopular, yes there were many loyalists opposed to the war. Got IOU's for wages, had to lead a ragtag ill equiped, undertrained army against the world's number one power at the time. He sacrificed everything, for years. If you have a chance read an accurate biography on him. I served my country, as my father before me during Korea, as my brother. Could I have walked in George Washington's shoes, gave up his landholder status and lavish lifestyle to lead a loser army in an unpopular uprising, in the cold and empty fields, for years. Nope. Could I have done what Mr. Tillman did. Nope. Famous line from Gunga Din, he was a better man than I. My respects to his survivors, another quality individual gives his all so I can have my quality of life. Best Wishes...OF
Green- Well said. I would like to see people set aside their political beliefs and opinions and pay their respects to Pat Tillman and his family. He is a hero and I have so much respect for the way he handled himself when he joined the Army. No fanfare. No interviews. He just wanted to be a soldier and serve his country.
For anyone that hasn't been in the military, it is very easy to forget the incredible sacrifice that these brave men and women make each and every day. They work long hours for not a whole lot of money. They are separated from family and friends. Living arrangements aren't always particularly comfortable. They have to move duty locations quite often and if they have children, that can be very tough on everyone involved. There can also be a time where they will be asked to give their life for their country. Pat Tillman gave the ultimate sacrifice. He died for his country and he is truly an American hero just as are the others who have passed on in service to our country.
I served in the Army for three years and although I questioned my decision (and sanity) at times, I became a better person for it and it was probably the best thing I could have done when I was 17 years old. I got to go back home after my time in the service but Pat Tillman and thousands of others over the years have not been able to come home and enjoy the freedom that they were fighting for. They are all heroes. Each and every one of them.
For anyone that hasn't been in the military, it is very easy to forget the incredible sacrifice that these brave men and women make each and every day. They work long hours for not a whole lot of money. They are separated from family and friends. Living arrangements aren't always particularly comfortable. They have to move duty locations quite often and if they have children, that can be very tough on everyone involved. There can also be a time where they will be asked to give their life for their country. Pat Tillman gave the ultimate sacrifice. He died for his country and he is truly an American hero just as are the others who have passed on in service to our country.
I served in the Army for three years and although I questioned my decision (and sanity) at times, I became a better person for it and it was probably the best thing I could have done when I was 17 years old. I got to go back home after my time in the service but Pat Tillman and thousands of others over the years have not been able to come home and enjoy the freedom that they were fighting for. They are all heroes. Each and every one of them.
Pat Tillman was not the first NFL player to make the ultimate sacrifice for his country:
A look at football players killed in wartime
By Associated Press, 4/23/2004 17:05
Pat Tillman, who played for the Arizona Cardinals before becoming an Army Ranger, was killed in Afghanistan.
Among 638 former National Football League players who served during World War II, 19 were killed. Among them:
Jack Lummus, New York Giants, at Iwo Jima. After losing both legs, he reportedly told medics: ''Well, it looks like the Giants have lost a good end.'' He died that night. Awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Al Blozis, New York Giants, two weeks after he was shipped to France. Considered prospect for Olympic gold after setting a collegiate shot put record at Georgetown University.
One professional football player died in the Vietnam War: Bob Kalsu, an offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills, served in the Army's 101st Airborne Division and was killed by North Vietnamese mortar fire.
wil.
A look at football players killed in wartime
By Associated Press, 4/23/2004 17:05
Pat Tillman, who played for the Arizona Cardinals before becoming an Army Ranger, was killed in Afghanistan.
Among 638 former National Football League players who served during World War II, 19 were killed. Among them:
Jack Lummus, New York Giants, at Iwo Jima. After losing both legs, he reportedly told medics: ''Well, it looks like the Giants have lost a good end.'' He died that night. Awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Al Blozis, New York Giants, two weeks after he was shipped to France. Considered prospect for Olympic gold after setting a collegiate shot put record at Georgetown University.
One professional football player died in the Vietnam War: Bob Kalsu, an offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills, served in the Army's 101st Airborne Division and was killed by North Vietnamese mortar fire.
wil.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Illini:
Banned 4 Life- He died for your freedom. I don't think this is the place for that crap.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Pat Tillman was a brave man doing what he felt was right, but ... IMO
we wouldn't have been attacked in the first place if it were not for our horrible foreign policy ... but then again you can't be the only super mafia ... err power without fuking a few million people over here and there.
And while we're at it - Al Queda has never has never attack our freedom directly (although it lead to the freedom squashing PATRIOT ACT). They seek to instill fear into the hearts of Americans, not occupy us (as is our policy).
Banned 4 Life- He died for your freedom. I don't think this is the place for that crap.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Pat Tillman was a brave man doing what he felt was right, but ... IMO
we wouldn't have been attacked in the first place if it were not for our horrible foreign policy ... but then again you can't be the only super mafia ... err power without fuking a few million people over here and there.
And while we're at it - Al Queda has never has never attack our freedom directly (although it lead to the freedom squashing PATRIOT ACT). They seek to instill fear into the hearts of Americans, not occupy us (as is our policy).
The statement that Pat Tillman was one in a million is very accurate. He died doing what he believed was correct and important.
Lander,
If you think that they don't want to destroy the USA then you're more disillusioned than ever I imagined you being. They don't want to strike fear into this country, they want to destroy it.
Lander,
If you think that they don't want to destroy the USA then you're more disillusioned than ever I imagined you being. They don't want to strike fear into this country, they want to destroy it.
Max - I addressed this in the first of my two points.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>we wouldn't have been attacked in the first place if it were not for our horrible foreign policy ... but then again you can't be the only super mafia ... err power without fuking a few million people over here and there.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I'll try to keep it a bit more simple
for the Republicans amongst us next time.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>we wouldn't have been attacked in the first place if it were not for our horrible foreign policy ... but then again you can't be the only super mafia ... err power without fuking a few million people over here and there.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I'll try to keep it a bit more simple
Max,
While a memorial thread is a nice gesture - it's not going to bring back any of the hundred of brave soldiers, hundres of Afghan civilians and 10,000+ Iraqi civilians (yes, civilians boys) that have died for George W. Bush (the war evading "war president").
I admire Tillman's bravery, but I'd rather he was around to enjoy life with his family instead of answering to the fate of Duyba's mission.
While a memorial thread is a nice gesture - it's not going to bring back any of the hundred of brave soldiers, hundres of Afghan civilians and 10,000+ Iraqi civilians (yes, civilians boys) that have died for George W. Bush (the war evading "war president").
I admire Tillman's bravery, but I'd rather he was around to enjoy life with his family instead of answering to the fate of Duyba's mission.
Former Arizona Cardinal Pat Tillman, shown in this June 2003 file photo released by Photography Plus, was killed in Afghanistan after walking away from a multimillion-dollar NFL contract to join the Army Rangers, U.S. officials said Friday, April 23, 2004. Tillman, who served with the Army Rangers, was 27. Although the military had not officially confirmed his death, the White House put out a statement of sympathy that praised Tillman as 'an inspiration both on and off the football field.'
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by scott:
GENERAL, my insides are churning and I can guess what yours are doing. You sir, being a Marine and reading the gutless posts of Banned4Life, kimchee and lander. Hang in there buddy.....ScottyS<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Gutless? I said I admire his bravery.
uncomprehending twit.
GENERAL, my insides are churning and I can guess what yours are doing. You sir, being a Marine and reading the gutless posts of Banned4Life, kimchee and lander. Hang in there buddy.....ScottyS<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Gutless? I said I admire his bravery.
uncomprehending twit.
What happened to Pat is a tragedy, however we must not forget that American soldiers are dying day after day, in both Iraq and Afghanistan. They need not be a former NFL player to be coined a hero or be remembered in the annals of patriotism. I would hope that we as a nation have not stooped so low; as too only conjure an interest in politics or another mans life when it involves sports. That my friend is the downfall of society, just ask the Romans.
Dr.
Dr.
After catching just a few minutes on CNN and ESPN it was a nice to here someone actually dedicate more than a 2 minute story about Pat Tillman. I commend Jim Rome for paying tribute to a true American hero today. I heard Pat wanted to fight along side his brother. Hopefully Pat's brother will be sent home permanently and give the Tillman family something instead of nothing. My condolences to the Tillman family.
