OT - Tribute to a hero

[Alpha Kodiak]

The reason that I consider Pat Tillman a hero is not that he died, but what he gave up to be a soldier. I considered him a hero the moment he gave up a multi-million dollar contract to join the army. There aren't many who have made that sort of sacrifice voluntarily. I respect those who define hero differently, and have no problem with them. I read a post in another forum by a currently active service member that summed it up well. She said that she had joined to serve, but also because she needed the education and experience to open up a future for herself, while Mr. Tillman already had all of that. He didn't need anything from the military, he only wanted to serve.

What I see in the death of Pat Tillman is a reminder that the news everyday of another soldier or soldiers fallen is not just another numbing statistic, but the loss of an individual. I understand that there are differing political views on this forum, and I appreciate the fact (and am not surprised by it) that those who oppose the current administration still recognize the courage and value of his choices.

I do not give up hope for this thread. It's purpose is to honor those who willingly put themselves in harm's way to protect the rest of us. It may have been sidetracked a few times, but there is still a sense of respect here that has value. I do not doubt that there are a significant number here (not just Americans, but from all over the world) who have a friend or loved one (or even themselves) in the military and have to wonder every day what will happen. That is something that transcends politics.