Campy's Editorial Page
Sacrifice...
Cpl. Pat Tillman, US Army Ranger, KIA April 22, 2004.
May 2004
By: Matthew McGowan
Few stories are more remarkable than that of former Arizona Cardinals safety turned US Army Ranger Pat Tillman.
In the wake of the Sept. 11 2001, attacks on New York and Washington, Tillman left the NFL at the peak of his career, forsaking a multi-million dollar contract and enlisted in the Army's elite group of Rangers. On April 22nd 2004, he and other U.S. and Afghan soldiers were on combat patrol about 25 miles from the city of Khost when there was a gun battle and Tillman was killed. He was 27 years old.
Many people have a hard time understanding what could possess someone to walk away from millions of dollars and the privileged life of an NFL player. Indeed, when Tillman made his choice to leave the NFL and become an Army Ranger, he declined requests for interviews because he viewed his decision as no more patriotic than that of his less-fortunate, less-renowned countrymen who loved our country enough to volunteer to defend her in a time of peril.
To me this is what makes Pat Tillman's story so compelling. In his choice of duty to his country over the riches and other comforts of a life in the NFL, he has become an inspiration for us all to reclaim the sense of service in this country that many of us, especially these days, had worried was a thing of the past. His death also serves as a painful reminder that many American families have suffered the same terrible sacrifice that Pat's family must now endure, and the patriotism that their loved ones' exemplified is every bit as inspirational as Pat's. It is important for us to remember that and to honor them all.
Despite what you hear from all the naysayers, our Armed Forces are full of heroes like Pat Tillman, and they deserve our everlasting gratitude. We hope you'll join us in sending thanks to all Americans who sacrifice daily, especially those who make the ultimate sacrifice, in the name of freedom.
Click above for a page dedicated to those Soldiers who have given their lives for liberty in the War on Terrorism.
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