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On this day, 5 years ago, US Ranger Pat Tillman was killed by friendly fire while serving his (and our) country in Afghanistan. This is just a small tribute to a great man.

I didn't realize he had such long hair during his NFL days.

YmoBeThere wrote:I didn't realize he had such long hair during his NFL days.

Most of the other pictures I've seen show him with short hair. I don't know what year that particular picture was taken but it is my all time favorite of Pat.

Pat grew up in the neighborhood adjacent to mine in San Jose. He really was one of the good guys. He came from a good family, was a standout athlete at Leland High School, and did very well at ASU, graduating in 3-1/2 years, IIRC.

His family sponsors "Pat's Run" through the Almaden Valley every year, a benefit for leadership scholarships at ASU. Even in their loss, they strive to give opportunities to others in Pat's name.

I don't want to go to PPB here, but what a loss.

If you ever go to the Hoover Dam, a side trip from Las Vegas, the new bypass bridge is named in memory of Pat Tillman. It's an incredible monument to an incredible man who died way too young for what turned out to be all the wrong reasons.

I am still in awe over Pat Tillman. Regardless of your politics, I don't know how you can fail to be amazed by someone who would give up what he did for the opportunity to serve his country in battle. A true hero in every sense of the word.

Shammrog wrote:I am still in awe over Pat Tillman. Regardless of your politics, I don't know how you can fail to be amazed by someone who would give up what he did for the opportunity to serve his country in battle. A true hero in every sense of the word.

I agree. I was a Navy brat and married Navy, also have lots of members of my family who retired from the military or were members (as our daughter, DukePA) of the military. Its a special way of like I will always appreciate having been a part for the first 28 years of my life. So many past and present members of our military are very special people. God bless & protect them all.

Ben, thank you for the reminder of what today is. Mr. Tillman is a hero in every sense of the word, but most especially in selflessness. Thank you, Mr. Tillman, for your service to our great nation. RIP