Pat Tillman: Recruitment Was Not His Game

The Army’s biggest blunder was not Abu Graib prison scandal. It was placing a man who turned down a million dollar NFL contract on a recruiting pedestal, a pedestal that sat higher than the common man’s.  Mr. Tillman’s life was nothing short of heroic. Sadly, he died fighting along side his brothers in arms. The Army capitalized on his decision to turn down a multi-million dollar contract by using his volunteer spirit to boost recruitment.  

Respectfully, the nation mourned Pat’s sacrifice, and again the Army highlighted his unselfish act mentioning the professional football contract he left behind. If Pat Tillman were alive would he have even wanted people to know his unselfish deed? All of that matters not, because the same Army that placed him on a pedestal was quick to give discredit to his name. The lies trying to keep their recruiting efforts alive became a shameful event. Tillman showed the honor his higher chain of command lacked.  Mr. Tillman was down in the trenches with the rest of his brothers.  Surely, the atmosphere he created was one of humility. His men and his peers would not have to mention the million dollars he decided to forgo, but you can sure bet when flag football season came around he was never on the bench. Soldiers are a rare breed, men and women coming from all walks of life acheiving something great. The undue influence of Higher Army command and the media caused the atmosphere Tillman tried to create to be tainted with unwanted pressure.  

Those that tried to cover this accident up received what equated to a slap on the wrist, but to those that served with the same dedication minus opportunity it was a slap in the face.  He died from friendly fire and we had a right to know the truth instead of recruitment lies.

Mr. Tillman may you rest in peace. Your sacrifice was not needed to boost the Army’s numbers, but it was needed to show the ways of our nation. If only our leaders would follow your lead.