Pat Tillman

Hi y'all,

In keeping with my list and current theme of Veteran's Day and thankfulness I want to bring a man to your attention. His name was Pat Tillman.

Do you know his story? It is good to hear it again if you have. Pat Tillman was an Arizona boy. He excelled in football. He went with his high school team to a championship, then an undefeated season at Arizona State University along with the Rose Bowl in '97 and won many awards. He was then drafted by the AZ Cardinals NFL football team. He played and excelled and became a starter. The United States invaded Afghanistan and he decided to put his thriving football career on hold and enlist. Say WHAT?! You might want to read that again. Go ahead, I will wait.

"Sports embodied many of the qualities I deem meaningful," he said in 2002. "However, these last few years, and especially after recent events, I've come to appreciate just how shallow and insignificant my role is . . . It's no longer important." source


Pat Tillman enlisted in 2002 and lost his life in 2004. I imagine he knew what he was risking. I would even venture a guess that he could appreciate what he was fighting for more than your average joe. He had a successful NFL football career that was still in its early stages. There was a lot left on the field for him. He chose to lay that down and take a up cause he felt was worthwhile and purposeful. Talk about having your priorities questioned!? Some must have thought he was insane and I bet people tried to talk him out of it. Yet, he decided to go. I was not a resident of AZ at that time, nor was I aware of his story, but now, seven years after his death he is still remembered for his extraordinary choice and sacrifice. I have so much respect and gratitude for a man I never knew. It is my plan to run in the Pat Tillman Memorial Run and do the '5K', which is 4.2 miles long (traditionally, for those unawares, a 5K is typically 3.2 miles long). It makes sense to me to go that extra mile. Pat Tillman did.


What do you think of his decision? What would you do in his place? Sound off. I would like to hear your thoughts!
Blessings,
R

The Extraordinary Veterans

Hi y'all,

Remember how I left y'all out in the cold for months and months? I am not doing that again. Did you see my list of things I am going to discuss with you? It is time to dive in!

Friends, I find words inadequate when discussing about the topic of our military and those who serve. I cannot begin to describe the deep-seated thankfulness and genuine gratitude that I have for those who have served, fought, supported soldiers, and lost their lives so I can live in this country and enjoy the freedoms I do.

I have the right to bad-mouth the very people who have fought and gave their life for that right. How extraordinary is that? I would never dream of doing such a thing. I have extremely high respect for these people, but that right is there nonetheless. I have the right to live my life in whatever manner I deem fit, because they go and defend that right time and again. They spend sleepless nights on watch, under fire, in freezing temperature, for long hours, sitting back to back with their comrades, just so that I can sit on my tush in my preferred temperature in my comfortable home and watch The Big Bang Theory and giggle at all the lovely nerd references.

These people are truly heroes. This is my opinion and I proudly own it. I will not tolerate any berating comments so do not post 'em, okay? Thanks. I am not saying you have to agree with me. This is the beauty of what these men and women have fought and are fighting for--our freedom to agree to disagree. Do you get that? I hope so. Even if you do not agree with the all the current or past military actions I ask that you show respect to the people that defend your freedom to disagree. So, instead of railing against the war and the failure of democracy and whatever else you feel the need to be heard on, please, just bite your tongue and thank a veteran and go along your merry way. Oh, and while we are at it, please thank the families that have supported and sacrificed along with our soldiers. They are an invaluable part of this day that are often overlooked. Thank that new wife who said goodbye to her husband a week after they were married. Thank the parents who lost their son or daughter in a roadside bombing. Thank the mother and her four children that spent extended tour after extended tour away from their father who missed birthdays and holidays and school plays.

This is the month where it is on our calendars to take time out of busy lives to stop and be thankful.

Be thankful and be blessed,
R