A true Hero has died in combat in Afganistan!

[Mike AI]

Just reported on Drudge...

NFL player Pat Tillman, who left to the league to join the Army Rangers and fight the War On Terrorism, has been killed...

This guy left a career where he was averaging 1 million a year to go into the Rangers to fight the bag guys. He did it because he had a calling, he was not looking for the attention - infact he refused to be interviewed after he left the NFL.

We have had many posts about what defines a hero, this man was a hero to me.... even before he entered combat.

:(

[Peaches]

I just read about that - very sad. :cryin:

[TheEnforcer]

Damn.. that really sucks. :(

[bpj]

Truly tragic!
Are there any details as to what happened ???

[Mike AI]

This is all I have been able to find.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,117988,00.html

PHOENIX — Former NFL defense back Pat Tillman (search) died while serving as an Army ranger in Afghanistan, several news organizations reported Friday.



The Arizona Cardinals (search), the team Tillman played for before making his decision to join the armed forces, had no immediate comment on the reports. The team told Fox News it was aware of the reports and may hold a news conference later Friday.

Tillman shocked fans when he turned down a $3.6 million contract with the Cardinals to be an Army ranger.

[AM Jeff]

I was shocked when he turned down all that money.
Just to serve his country.

He is a true hero in my book.

[dantheman]

very sad for sure, him and his brother both joined the rangers right after 911.

:salute:

[Torone]

Originally posted by Mike AI@Apr 23 2004, 08:17 AM
Just reported on Drudge...

NFL player Pat Tillman, who left to the league to join the Army Rangers and fight the War On Terrorism, has been killed...

This guy left a career where he was averaging 1 million a year to go into the Rangers to fight the bag guys. He did it because he had a calling, he was not looking for the attention - infact he refused to be interviewed after he left the NFL.

We have had many posts about what defines a hero, this man was a hero to me.... even before he entered combat.

:(
Now, THAT'S a HERO! :salute: :kapow:

[PornoDoggy]

Originally posted by Torone@Apr 23 2004, 10:15 AM
Now, THAT'S a HERO! :salute: :kapow:
I gotta agree. Truly sad.

[LadyLaw]

A little bit more information here:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/foot...lled/index.html (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/football/nfl/04/23/tillman.killed/index.html)

How sad.

[bpj]

I heard that his brother got killed too... ;-(
Anybody else heard that???

[Bishop]

That is a shame..

"Tillman carried a 3.84 grade point average through college and graduated with high honors in 3 1/2 academic years with a degree in marketing."

"As an undersized linebacker at Arizona State, he was the Pac-10's defensive player of the year in 1997."

Sounds like he was one hell of an athlete in addition to having strong academic skills. That is really impressive..

[PornoDoggy]

Originally posted by bpj@Apr 23 2004, 10:58 AM
I heard that his brother got killed too... ;-(
Anybody else heard that???
There was some speculation when he enlisted that someone close to him died in the Towers, but I don't ever recall seeing anything definitive.

[Bishop]

Originally posted by PornoDoggy+Apr 23 2004, 11:47 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (PornoDoggy @ Apr 23 2004, 11:47 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteBegin--bpj@Apr 23 2004, 10:58 AM
I heard that his brother got killed too... ;-(
Anybody else heard that???
There was some speculation when he enlisted that someone close to him died in the Towers, but I don't ever recall seeing anything definitive.[/b][/quote]

I would think they would mentioned it in the articles if the brother had died as well..

[Buff]

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 "esprit de corps" of the Ranger Regiment.

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 farther, 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, my neatness of dress and care for 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.



Last edited by Buff at Apr 23 2004, 12:20 PM

[PattyeCake*]

I woke up to this news this morning...
truly sad.....and what a loss :(