Nfl's Tillmen killed today in afgan.

[Chanman]

Rest In Peace a true American Hero.

Whether or not he played football makes no difference, it's the fact that he gave up fame & fortune to serve his country and fight terrorism that makes the difference. He is not more important than any other soldier that died, However; he sacrificedMORE to become what he was than most people can appreciate.

Man some of you cats need to step back. You are all over Bush about being in the TX National Guard during V. Nam. Now you question Tillmen's motives when he put his devotion into action? WTF- He made the ultimate sacrifice. Look in the mirror! Reminds me of "Saving Private Ryan" when the phrase "Earn This" is stated.

 

[vinnie]

vinnie responded a bunch of liberal bs earlier in the thread and its people like you vinnie that make me sick, tilman and millions of americans like him are over there fighting for our freedom, to protect us all, even people like you so we can live in peace and do the lthings we love----

I gave my service.

What branch did you serve in ?

 

[yyz]

You know......I have never worn a "sports jersey" from a pro player in my life. But I just ordred a Pat Tillman #40 about 5 minutes ago.

 

[bjfinste]

The references to Williams got me thinking... did he serve in WW2 AND in Korea while he was playing baseball?

 

[just cover]

Pat Tillman- I can't say how much I respect the guy. He gives up all this cash to fight for his country. There aren't a whole lot of people that would even think about doing it. He gave the ultimate sacrifice to his country. I don't actually know what it takes to be a hero but from this point on his name will always come to mind. I feel for his family and all the soldiers family that have had to deal with loss. I agree with yyz and will buy a Tillman jersey. I read the paper everyday about the soldiers we lose and this is just gut wrenching. I haven't felt this bad since 9/11. I hope when his kids are grown that they know what a hero and unselfish guy he was even though it will be real rough right now. Is there an address or something for cards or memorials?

I can't believe how sad I feel for the guy and his family who I don't even know.

jc

 

[saint]

Contrary to an earlier post, I didn't think he was crazy about giving up the money. I thought it was admirable.

I'll have to admit, once 9/11 happened I thought once or twice about joining some kind of armed forces myself. I think it hits you if you live w/in a 30 mile radius of NY a little more. People forget...but it's hard to forget when you drive past it on a regular basis and am constantly reminded of it when you go home. If I had any family member die in 9/11, I probably would have joined something.

 

[Scott4USC]

With all due respect to Pat Tillman, I am always amazed at the outpouring of emotions when a "celebrity" is killed (particularly in the manner that Tillman lost his life). It is as though all the run-of-the-mill-everyday-joe's are not important in the big scheme of things.

A huge shortcoming of this country is the absolute infatuation with the culture of celebrity - if you aren't someone, you are no one. It is crazy (IMO).

Quite frankly, I feel every bit as badly for the families of the four young men from Northern California who were killed in Iraq over the last couple of weeks and were others as well. They were in their late teens/early 20's and were doing something they really believed in. Their lives were equally as valuable as Tillman's but our culture of celebrity permits us only to acknowledge the lives of the well-known. Their lives were every bit as valued as Tillman's. Is it necessary to become a football star to have value associated with your life? What happened to living a happy uncelebrated life, raising a family and keeping out of trouble? Tillman should not be put on a pedestal above any other soldiers who gave up their life to fight for our country.

It is a damn shame that Tillman was killed. But it is equally as tragic that so many other young men and women are not returning as well. We should be celebrating their accomplishments in life and mourn for what could have been (even if they were not engaged in a career that brings glory). They were every bit as important. We need to keep that in mind...

I know Pat Tillman brings a face to tragedy of all, dying in the war on terrorism and the war in IRAQ. Once again, Pat Tillman is not more important than anyone else that made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. However, his athletic celebrity and story of how he enlisted, helps make people realize that we need to go out of our way to thank all our veterans for the sacrifices that they have made.

 

[Irish]

After 9/11 he did what many americans including myself wanted to do, but didn't. He and the other soliders are true heros!

With regards to the "crazy for not taking the money" comment; IMHO Tilman was not you everyday player. I read an article from SI on him that stated the coach of ASU (1 of 3 D1 schools to recruit him) wanted to redshirt him and he said no. he said "I'm here for 4 years and then I'm gone". Some would say thats bullheaded, others would say he is a man of conviction. It was that conviction that drove him to the Armed Forces. That type of attitude made him a good football player and better american!

RIP & May God help comfort his family!

 

[Irish]

Scott4USC
Every person over there is a hero. Tilman is different, he could have taken the money and done nothing. Every-day-joe, he was not he was a pro football player something millions dream about and handfuls do. He gave it all up and lost his life for his contry. Does that mean he was worth more, or a bigger hero than others? IMO no, but he could have easily sat by the wayside and watched the battle go on. I think thats where my respect for him comes from. The men and women of our forces are all great and all deserving of more credit then they get, but in age where celebrities are fighting over political views and Pepsi commercials Tilman took action. I'm not trying to mix words with you and I understand you opinion. I'm just giving credit where it is due.

 

[Chanman]

yyz- A tip of the hat...great idea.

SCOTT4USC...A huge shortcoming of some is the absolute infatuation with the USC- if you aren't a USC student, you are no one. It is crazy (IMO).
Fight On!

 

[IntenseOperator]

I believe we have an all-volunteer army (of sorts).

I don't think he had to go if he didn't want to. I didn't read anywhere that he was a reservist. That's what I find particularly impressive.

 

[ryson]

RANGER CREED

Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of the Rangers.

Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move further, faster, and fight harder than any other soldier.

Never shall I fail my comrades I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong, and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one hundred percent and then some.

Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress, and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.

Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.

Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission, though I be the lone survivor.

 

[StevieD]

A very sad day. All of our soldiers who have fallen have given up the greatest gift of all, life.

 

[bjfinste]

I believe we have an all-volunteer army (of sorts).

I don't think he had to go if he didn't want to. I didn't read anywhere that he was a reservist. That's what I find particularly impressive.

You are correct. He went based on his own beliefs, not because he had to.

 

[Superman]

Pat Tillman is a hero's hero.........

 

[fletcher]

Scott don't f-up this thread you don't get it but why should you if you want to play bs stuff start you own, i would dare to say you can check anywhere tv, fox, msnbc cnn, radio it took me awhile to write it because i suck but i was way ahead of any of them because of a close friend who plays ball in the nfl very close to pat who emailed me, but not to take anything away from the people who fight for this country and who has my dad did and my oldest brother was in vn. My dad was stuck for 5 years in the shit holes of sp? new guina and those parts does not talk about it much but i have seen old black and white shots looks like a shit hole. But most people young ones who serve now do so because it is one a way to pay for college or 2 they were lost and looking for direction, This man had a contact that was over 2.5 mill a year for 3 years and 3 more years on the burner if things worked out, he passed it he had a 3.8 gpa in college witha degree so he had choices , he choose and never said a word about it, so spill your shit in another thread not mine, this was broke by me check any web site don't think anyone beat it, hell i posted it before it was confirmed but don't try to make it look like he was not special as i don't make it look like all our men and women are not special but he was a different cat, he did not need this but coming from you I expect your words , please stay out of my thread. You can't tell me he was not different or his brother from the indians, they were set pat more but trust me his brother would of and might make it when he comes back, and if you tell me that what i said about people in the service are or were looking to get college paid for or direction from a life not so could you are full of shit, last check pay is not that great, and those before him did not expect war i am sure,( young men and women) yes each life lost is bad but this guy had a life few of us could ever ask for and i will call that a lock!

 

[kosar]

GW, if Clinton paid attention to the intelligence info he was given while in office regarding the 9/11 attack instead of banging monica, maybe we wouldn't be talking about this.

Vinnie makes an ignorant post, gets reamed and then apologizes.

Skulldogs post is not commented on.

Sounds about right.

 

[Marco]

gardenweasel....yes, my reference to Tyson was a bit of a stretch....

more correct would have been like accidentally throwing a winning lottery ticket in the fireplace....

 

[gardenweasel]

i`d rather like to believe

i`d rather like to believe

that there are still some people that believe in principle more than materialism....

maybe that`s a little hokey.....apparently not to tillman.......

glad i`m not that jaded.....yet.......

g.l.

 

[djv]

Skulldog this is not the thread for you BS.
Fletch I think this one effects us more because we feal more connected because of his ability and we who watch sports feal close to that. To others it many not seem as strong. But someone said it above we must remember them all. And I think that goes with out guestion. We may fight in here about the rights and wrongs. But Thank God everyone at least cares about all our soldiers.