A Real Hero
Published April 24, 2004
Hey all, I have been struggling with this all day. It's something I wanted to express but was not sure how to. We are talking about the sacrifice of soldier Pat Tillman. There is a lot to be said about him.
First off, he is a hero because he sacrificed his time, career, self, and ultimately his life to serve our country. Everyone who sacrifices themselves for our country is a hero without question. This story is a bit deeper though, because Pat gave up a million dollar a year job as a pro football player with the Cardinals to fight for the United States after 9/11. I do not mean to take away from the thousands of great people servicing our country now, but we must take special notice of Pat Tillman.
I want to express this next point delicately, because it could be easily taken out of context. Many of the people in the services join because they have few other opportunities for whatever reason. For many in our society, the military is a way out of misfortune. Some join because they have little choice, and they are great people because they are serving. But Pat Tillman was super successful and living a lifelong dream when he gave everything up to serve. He did not go into the service as a pro-football player, a millionaire, nor a hero... but as someone who wanted to do their part.
His character is something we can all learn from. Pat was given a chance with the Arizona Cardinals early on. Once he established himself with them he was offered a very lucrative contract of 9 million dollars to sign with the world champion St Louis Rams. Instead he opted to stay at Arizona for a third of the salary because "The Cardinals took a chance on me, so I will take a chance on them". You didn't see that anywhere in Jerry McGuire did you? That is some insane loyalty, because the Cardinals suck.
It was that kind of loyalty he demonstrated to us as Americans. After 9/11 he joined the Army Rangers and did no publicity about it. He asked not to be given any special or preferential treatment in the service, and so quietly he went to serve. He died today fighting for America, which puts all of this in perspective.
For what these people do, we owe everything. My truck is dumb, my job is dumb, this blog is super dumb... none of that means shit compared to these people who are out there dying so I can sit and type in safety and comfort. This is why Pat Tillman is a hero, and our best wishes go to his family at this time.
- A Real Hero
- Published: April 24, 2004
- Type: Opinion
- Section: Culture
- Writer: Lono
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Comments on this articleComments
The myth of Pat Tillman is remarkably similar to the myth of Jessica Lynch. Read why here. It may also turn out to be equally false.
this blog is super dumb...
Glad we can agree about something, Lono.
Welcome, Lono, please don't be offended, most of the Blogcritics aren't that obnoxious or self-promoting.
Why would someone want to insult a sweet girl like me?
Lono, the guy's name was 'Pat,' not 'Patt.' Also, a title is easier to read if in bold or italic. Or, you could just plop it into the title frame in MT. Currently it looks like a stray phrase or unpunctuated sentence. You also might want to tweak the last graf since it says things you offer no support for. For example, how did Tillman running after some mujahedeen in Afghanistan make anyone more safe in America?
I feel a pain between my ears.....
He did not go into the service as a pro-football player, a millionaire, nor a hero...
My guess is Tillman was loaded with cashola when he entered the service, so much so he could get away with making such a numbskulled decision as he did when he decided to join the Army Rangers in order to take potshots at everything moving in the brush of Afghanistan......
Bingo, Chris Kent. There is a tradition of fun and adventure seeking middle-class white guys joining the elite units of the service. No peeling potatoes or servicing tanks for them. They're out to kick arse, just like in an, um, football game.
I am not putting down Tillman in regard to joining altogether. At least he put his arse where his mouth was, something most conservatives will not do. But, the 'hero' stuff is not supported by the record. Perhaps that will change for the better down the road. (Maybe he went chasing those mujahedeen because they had taken his brother prisoner.) Or perhaps the Tillman myth will turn out to be even more fabricated than Lynch's. (Maybe it was a bad idea to pursue mujahedeen into rugged territory.) We don't know yet. Time will tell.
Wow, tough room! Thanks for the feedback, I am new to the process and will work hard to clean up spelling and italics and that stuff. Please know that this piece was NEVER self promotion. the reason why I cross referenced my own blog in the piece (under 'this blog is dumb') is to dive home a point.
I learned today that Tillman ran off to Denver to enlist because he didn't want the Phoenix media fawning over him... he simply wanted to serve.
Yes, Tillman made a point of refusing to do any interviews when he joined the military. He just signed up and went.
My problem with Pat Tillman is not him (didn't know him, didn't even know he existed before seeing his name here), or his service. My problem is that, excluding family, I'm guessing that 99% of the people who are so concerned about Tillman don't know the names of the poor bastard who died before him, and the poor bastard that died after him.
I just got a patt tillman bracelet
I have read all comments. Thankyou for those who supported him, and i apologize to those who dont support what he did, when its because of him you can say these things...
Pat Tillman..
was an amazing man, a great guy who loved his family, loved his life, his career and mainly loved America, That is why he served, He wanted to give back, he didnt wanted to be recognized for serving, he really didnt, thats why not alot of people knew of him before he died.
He was a caring, loving guy that was great with all children.
You wonder how I know this?
Pat Tillman was a close member of my family. A 100% American that wanted to do something
both he and Kevin (his bro) wanted to do something.
Please do not talk against him, You did not know him personaly, he was the one that taught me to throw a ball and to catch a ball, and to tell knock knock jokes.
His favorite one was the interupting cow...
He got me giggeling everytime he even started that joke... Im not mentioned thankgoodness anywhere but its time to say something, I am tired of seeing things put up negativly about him...
God bless America and God bless you.
even though he did not know you, he loved you...
Thankyou.
I am a in High School and I am writing a report on Pat I think he is a real hero and he was a awesome athlete. He was really brave to go to the front lines to serve for his country. Pat Tillman is the best.
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Excellent post - thanks and welcome Lono!