#42

Pat Tillman is a Hero. He is a legend. His story will live on forever. Here in Tempe, at his alma mater Arizona State University, there is not a single person that is more respected and honored than Mr. Tillman.

For those of you who don’t know the story, first punch yourself continuously in the face until you realize what an idiot you are, and then continue reading. Tillman was killed in 2004 during a tour of Afghanistan. He played football side-by-side with Jake Plummer at ASU, and led the Sun Devils to the 1997 Rose Bowl, where they were one play away from winning their first national championship. He was then drafted by the Arizona Cardinals, where he played a few seasons, before turning down a $3.6 million contract extension, so he could go serve his country in the military. During a skirmish, Tillman was shot and killed. Tillman was initially believed to be killed by enemy forces, but it later surfaced that he was killed by friendly-fire in a crossfire situation.

Today, the Army opened up a criminal investigation into the matter, looking to charge a fellow ranger with negligent homicide. Looking back on the life of this man, I do not believe that this investigation should continue. Tillman dropped his whole life and went into the army to protect his country. He knew what a dangerous job it was going to be, and he wanted to be a part of that. He wanted to fight for his right to live in America, and he did a damn good job. He is a role-model for thousands, and should be a role model for everyone. Tillman understood the dangers of death, and continued anyway. He knew that it could be friendly fire, enemy fire, or any other number of reasons that might lead to injury. He took that risk.

By investigating the matter, the army is putting the blame on someone. Think of how hard it is for the man who knows he accidentally shot a nations hero. His life must be a living hell already. Is the army’s goal to make it worse? To put a man in front of an entire nation, and say “This is the man that killed Pat Tillman.”

I don’t believe Pat Tillman would want it that way. He put his life on the line, and knew the risks involved. His name will live on forever alongside words like “Hero” and “Role Model.” He was the most unselfish person I have ever heard about. He wouldn’t want to ruin another mans life.

Click on the Pat Tillman Fund link on the right side of the page for more information, or to donate money to one of the best charities around.