Patrick D. Tillman

Pat Tillman (http://www.gerrymay.com/?cat=11)

My definition of a hero is a person who should take risks for other people and things. He or she should have courage and care about others. They believe in themselves and have faith. They should be loyal and try things that people say they can't do. They should turn down money to follow their own dreams. They can do things that other people might be frightened to do. Nobody can stop them.

My hero is Pat Tillman. Pat Tillman's full name is Patrick Daniel Tillman. He was born on November 6, 1976 in San Jose, California. Pat got the last scholarship to Arizona State University. Though people told him that he was too short for football, he tried out as a linebacker for ASU. He was five feet eleven inches tall. After college he tried out for the safety position for the Arizona Cardinals. Pat was the 7th round pick drafted to the Cardinals. In college he was #42 and in the NFL he was #40. He turned down 9 million dollars that the Rams offered him. He also turned down 3.6 million dollars that another team offered him. He had two brothers that are named Kevin and Richard. His parent's names are Pat(dad) and Danny(mom).

He turned down all this money because he wanted to serve his country in the US Army. The battles and wars Pat was included in were the 2003 Invasion of Iraq and Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan. The awards he won were very much deserved. He won a Silver Star and a Purple Heart. His unit was the Ranger Battalion. His years of service were 2002-2004. His rank in the army was Corporal. Pat was killed by friendly fire on April 22, 2004 at age 27. His place of death was Sperah, Afganistan. That was the end of Pat Tillman's life. Pat Tillman gave up millions and millions of dollars so he could follow in the footsteps of his younger brother Kevin who was in the Army. He also played football even though people doubted him. He followed his dreams and it finally happened. In twenty-seven years he accomplished so much. This makes people want to be like him. In college and the NFL he didn't listen to the people who told him negative things. That shows that you can do it.

Pat Tillman is my hero. He is important to to me because I think that he shows people anything can happen if you try. It shows people that you have to believe in yourself and follow your dreams. He shows people that it is possible, if you think positive. Follow other peoples' steps and become a better person. Do what you want. Don't let other people choose for you. Pat Tillman has made a difference in my life by doing what he did and giving up millions of dollars to serve for our country. I hope everyone follows their dreams and looks up to Pat Tillman.