Pat Tillman

Pat Tillman in the NFL and in the military (http://www.siatt.com/blog/profile_of_a_true_american_hero-pat_tillman/)

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." Millions of Americans recite this pledge every day, claiming their allegiance to the flag and what it stands for, claiming their patriotism. However, no one would have guessed that an all pro-NFL player would claim his patriotism with his life. Pat Tillman was a football star, playing for the Sun Devils in college and the Cardinals at the pro level. In the 1998 NFL draft he was drafted to the Arizona Cardinals as a safety. He quit the NFL to join the U.S. Army Rangers and fought in Afghanistan with his brother, Richard Tillman, also a U.S. Army Ranger. Pat Tillman had a record number of tackles with the Cardinals before enlisting in the military. Once in Afghanistan as a U.S. Army Ranger he was killed due to friendly fire. On April 22, 2004 when the sun had set for about 20 minutes he was killed by a comrade mistaking him for the enemy. A patriot possesses intense love for his country and what it stands for, a patriot not only loves his country but serves under it if need be. A selfless person possesses a quality within themselves to help other people, even if it means putting their life on the line for it. A selfless person will sacrifice for the greater good. A hero must have outstanding patriotism and selflessness. He must love his country and must be willing to give up his life for it. He must put the well being of others over himself. He will sacrifice in order to give.

For most, patriotism is just something to claim with no action or real intent behind it. But for some, it really means taking action. The best example of post 9/11 patriotism is Arizona Cardinal, number 40, All Pro Safety, Pat Tillman. A.K.A U.S. Army Ranger corporal Tillman. "[Tillman] had 'a great deal of respect for those that have and what the flag stands for'" (Raquel). He is quoted saying he deeply respected the people that have sacrificed themselves for what the flag stands for. He loved the United States of America and what it stood for so much that he died for it. Tillman became a hero through his patriotism and for deciding to voluntarily serve in the military to protect and to preserve. Pat Tillman kept a journal during his time in the military. In one entry he says, "I know what I'm doing is right, but at times it is very difficult to see it that way" (Krakauer). He is patriotic because he knows what he did is the right thing to do but it is hard to leave such a nice life for a life in the army, as he described in his journal entry. His sacrifice he had made was so extraordinary he was posthumously awarded with a high honor by officials in the military for his actions in combat against the enemy. His patriotism cost him his life but he knew he was doing the right thing. He gave his life for what the flag stands for, to protect his country, to protect his people. A true patriot Pat Tillman.

Pat Tillman with his brother in Afghanistan (http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/200601019_afte ())

Selflessness cannot be taught, it is something deep within a person that drives them to always help others no matter what the consequences. Tillman's selflessness was like no others. "In May 2002 Arizona offered its tackle record holder a three-year, $3.6 million contract; however, Tillman informed the team that he had instead signed a three-year deal with the U.S. Army, with annual starting pay of less than $15,000" (Scribner). Pat Tillman is very heroic because of how selfless he is. He was offered millions of dollars to play a game that he loves but instead he enlisted in the army making less than minimum wage. He gave up his glamorous, amazing life for a life of danger to protect his homeland and preserve liberty and justice for all. He walked away from millions of dollars and a set job in the NFL. He had in all ways made it to the top, and he decided to give it up to make sure something as atrocious as the attacks on 9/11 would never happen again. His selflessness was not only expressed in his resignation from the NFL and transition into the military, it was also seen as far as back as when he was just a teenager growing up. "One of his duties in life was to be the protector of the vulnerable, the guardian of his friends and family" (Krakauer). A family members account of Pat Tillman regarding an incident where he beat up a person for picking a fight with his friend. He was later charged with assault but he did it without a thought to protect his friend who was getting attacked, despite the consequences he might face himself. He was an all around decent guy who always tried to do the right thing, no matter what. It was ingrained in him to always stand up and protect, whether it be for your friend or your country. He consistently showed selflessness on and off the field, in and out of Afghanistan.

He had outstanding patriotism and selflessness. He loved his country and was willing to give up his life for it. He put the well being of others over himself. He sacrificed in order to give. He did something that no one else in his position has ever done. He gave up something he loved and made lots of money for, for a hard life. No one asked him to do this, but he did it. He demonstrated selflessness throughout his life and served his country in a time of need. He is an inspiration to all Americans because of his voluntary service in the military. When he still had potentially years in professional sports and a long life set for him afterwards he decided to enlist and in less than two years died in Afghanistan. He is an inspiration because he served in the U.S. military and gave up his whole other career and later his life. He did all this without publicity which shows he really did do it for the people and not for himself or the attention. He had acts of incredible patriotism and selflessness, not many would would be willing to be charged with assault if it meant protecting your friend. Not many would trade up a life of riches and fame for a life in a war torn country fighting. But he did. He sacrificed, just as millions of others have for the protection of those back in the states."I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." Rest in peace Pat Tillman.