Kaye Grogan
Pat Tillman filled the combat boots of a true hero
By Kaye Grogan
Before former football player Pat Tillman was killed in action in Afghanistan, I had never heard his name before, much less anything about the unselfish motive he had for going into the military in the first place. Since I am not a big football fan, the familiarity of his name escaped me, until I heard about his very recent noble deed. Very few people (if any), would give up making millions playing professional sports, to intentionally be put in harm's way, fighting alongside everyday soldiers, for retribution against terrorists acts imposed on innocent American people.
Family and friends knew the great sacrifice the former NFL Arizona Cardinals' player had made, by hanging up his number 40 football jersey to serve his country in the military. In light of this self-denying personal contribution which eventually cost him his life, their hearts must be breaking all over again, when they read or hear about insensitive, callous remarks being made by some, who don't view Tillman as a war hero. After Pat Tillman's death he has been promoted from a specialist to a "corporal" in the Army Rangers' military division. I feel this is the least they can do, to show support for this man's sacrificial bravery.
A true hero is not made by how many touchdowns, basketball goals, home runs, etc. they might achieve, but by helping their fellow man in time of need. The real heroes don't make millions, but most would not trade places with the richest person in the world, for the self-gratification they feel, whenever they may save a life.
Contrary to Andy Rooney's insensitive opine about the soldiers in Iraq not being real heroes, I view anyone who is putting their lives on the line, to insure Americans have continued freedom. . . as heroes of the most highest honor. It might be common practice for many to sit in their ivory towers and show disdain for the wars, but few of these ingrates would be willing to sacrifice their own lives in a similar manner.
When Pat Tillman enlisted (of his own free will), in the Army Rangers, he showed grateful Americans of what true heroes are made of. His family and friends have a right to be proud of his bravery and although they will mourn his loss for a long time, may they be comforted with these words: To all heroes there is a great reward awaiting them, and you have been blessed to have known such a "caring" human being. . .who sacrificed it all, so you might live in peace and tranquility all the days of your life.
© Kaye Grogan
Before former football player Pat Tillman was killed in action in Afghanistan, I had never heard his name before, much less anything about the unselfish motive he had for going into the military in the first place. Since I am not a big football fan, the familiarity of his name escaped me, until I heard about his very recent noble deed. Very few people (if any), would give up making millions playing professional sports, to intentionally be put in harm's way, fighting alongside everyday soldiers, for retribution against terrorists acts imposed on innocent American people.
Family and friends knew the great sacrifice the former NFL Arizona Cardinals' player had made, by hanging up his number 40 football jersey to serve his country in the military. In light of this self-denying personal contribution which eventually cost him his life, their hearts must be breaking all over again, when they read or hear about insensitive, callous remarks being made by some, who don't view Tillman as a war hero. After Pat Tillman's death he has been promoted from a specialist to a "corporal" in the Army Rangers' military division. I feel this is the least they can do, to show support for this man's sacrificial bravery.
A true hero is not made by how many touchdowns, basketball goals, home runs, etc. they might achieve, but by helping their fellow man in time of need. The real heroes don't make millions, but most would not trade places with the richest person in the world, for the self-gratification they feel, whenever they may save a life.
Contrary to Andy Rooney's insensitive opine about the soldiers in Iraq not being real heroes, I view anyone who is putting their lives on the line, to insure Americans have continued freedom. . . as heroes of the most highest honor. It might be common practice for many to sit in their ivory towers and show disdain for the wars, but few of these ingrates would be willing to sacrifice their own lives in a similar manner.
When Pat Tillman enlisted (of his own free will), in the Army Rangers, he showed grateful Americans of what true heroes are made of. His family and friends have a right to be proud of his bravery and although they will mourn his loss for a long time, may they be comforted with these words: To all heroes there is a great reward awaiting them, and you have been blessed to have known such a "caring" human being. . .who sacrificed it all, so you might live in peace and tranquility all the days of your life.
© Kaye Grogan
The views expressed by RenewAmerica columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of RenewAmerica or its affiliates.
(See RenewAmerica's publishing standards.)
