(Originally published May 2004)
Imagine being able to do what you love — writing, acting, playing video games, whatever — and getting paid millions of dollars to do it.
Then imagine walking away from it all and switching to an occupation where you put your life on the line every day.
I’m not sure if I could confidently say I could. Could you? Be honest, now.
That’s precisely what Pat Tillman did.
Tillman was a professional football player with the Arizona Cardinals.
In May of 2002 — eight months after Sept. 11 — Tillman turned down a three-year, $3.6 million contract from the Cardinals to join the Army Rangers, soldiers sent to where the fighting is toughest.
There was no press conference, no parade and little fanfare.
He simply wanted to be treated like any other soldier, fighting for a cause he believed in, and rightly so.
All of the soldiers serving overseas left behind a treasure far greater than anything of monetary value — their loved ones.
On Friday, April 23, Tillman gave the ultimate sacrifice — his life.
U.S. Military Spokesman Lt. Col. Matthew Beevers said that Tillman was killed in a firefight at about 7 p.m. on a road near Sperah, in Afghanistan, about 25 miles southwest off a U.S. base at Khost.
One thing that came out of this tragedy is it jolted America back into reality. There are many more like Tillman, and they are dying every day.
It has become almost commonplace in the media to see these recurring stories. As we watch the news unfold, it’s easy to become numb to the mounting losses.
Unfortunately, it took a familiar face like Tillman’s to once again make us stop and consider the sacrifices of those serving with him.
Being a civilian, I will never truly understand the sacrifices our men and women in the service have made so we can enjoy our freedoms. But I can let them know how much I appreciate it. And so can you.
If you see a military person as you wander the community, take the time to shake their hand and say thank you. I’ve been told it means the world to them.
One opportunity is a “Thank the Troops” party, taking place next month on Saturday, May 22, at Fitzgerald Park at 1 p.m. Everyone there will have an opportunity to sign a banner, so they can say thank you in their own special way. From 1,500 to 2,000 people are expected to attend the event, including several troops from around the area.
Whether you agree with the war or not, you can still support and encourage those who have entered the service of our country.
We mustn’t forget those who have given their lives while serving.
Catching a touchdown pass as time expires or hitting a lead off home run in extra innings — that’s clutch.
But Pat Tillman and all other servicemen like him?
That’s heroism.
Copyright 2008 Scott Rees
Imagine being able to do what you love — writing, acting, playing video games, whatever — and getting paid millions of dollars to do it.
Then imagine walking away from it all and switching to an occupation where you put your life on the line every day.
I’m not sure if I could confidently say I could. Could you? Be honest, now.
That’s precisely what Pat Tillman did.
Tillman was a professional football player with the Arizona Cardinals.
In May of 2002 — eight months after Sept. 11 — Tillman turned down a three-year, $3.6 million contract from the Cardinals to join the Army Rangers, soldiers sent to where the fighting is toughest.
There was no press conference, no parade and little fanfare.
He simply wanted to be treated like any other soldier, fighting for a cause he believed in, and rightly so.
All of the soldiers serving overseas left behind a treasure far greater than anything of monetary value — their loved ones.
On Friday, April 23, Tillman gave the ultimate sacrifice — his life.
U.S. Military Spokesman Lt. Col. Matthew Beevers said that Tillman was killed in a firefight at about 7 p.m. on a road near Sperah, in Afghanistan, about 25 miles southwest off a U.S. base at Khost.
One thing that came out of this tragedy is it jolted America back into reality. There are many more like Tillman, and they are dying every day.
It has become almost commonplace in the media to see these recurring stories. As we watch the news unfold, it’s easy to become numb to the mounting losses.
Unfortunately, it took a familiar face like Tillman’s to once again make us stop and consider the sacrifices of those serving with him.
Being a civilian, I will never truly understand the sacrifices our men and women in the service have made so we can enjoy our freedoms. But I can let them know how much I appreciate it. And so can you.
If you see a military person as you wander the community, take the time to shake their hand and say thank you. I’ve been told it means the world to them.
One opportunity is a “Thank the Troops” party, taking place next month on Saturday, May 22, at Fitzgerald Park at 1 p.m. Everyone there will have an opportunity to sign a banner, so they can say thank you in their own special way. From 1,500 to 2,000 people are expected to attend the event, including several troops from around the area.
Whether you agree with the war or not, you can still support and encourage those who have entered the service of our country.
We mustn’t forget those who have given their lives while serving.
Catching a touchdown pass as time expires or hitting a lead off home run in extra innings — that’s clutch.
But Pat Tillman and all other servicemen like him?
That’s heroism.
Copyright 2008 Scott Rees
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