Who's a Hero?

There's been a lot written and said regarding the current situation in the Middle East and Afghanistan. Although I do have a strong opinion on that topic, this post will not deal with that area of discussion. Here is what I would like to discuss. I am aware that this was also released last night, but I mainly want to express my thoughts on the first article. I will try to keep my thoughts brief, although they are many and long in discourse.

Although we could go through the entire article and blast away, let's focus solely on the title of the article "Pat Tillman is not a hero: he got what was coming to him."
First off, who was Pat Tillman? He was a man. He played football professionally in the NFL. He left a 3.6million dollar contract to join the Army Rangers in 2002. His brother, Kevin, is also a Ranger.

Secondly, how did het get "what was coming to him"? What had this man done to deserve death? What great injustice had Pat Tillman performed? Walking away from wealth and safety to pursue what he felt called to do?

Lastly, with regard to the title, what is a hero? Here's the Merriam-Webster definition, which reads in part as follows: "an illustrious warrior : a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities : one that shows great courage".

Was Pat Tillman an illustrious warrior? Well, he served proudly with honor. And evidently those who knew him in his service thought enough of the man to promote him posthumously. The Army said that the promotion was to recognize that Tillman "would have been a fine leader."

Did Pat Tillman show great courage? Yes, as do all of our men and women in military service. In his specific case, it is known that after coming under fire, Tillman's patrol got out of their vehicles and gave chase to those firing on them. What followed was a fire fight that last almost 20 minutes. It takes courage to get out of your vehicle and chase those who have shot at you. It takes courage to stand your ground for 20 minutes as bullets fly past you.

Lastly, is Pat Tillman to be "admired for his achievements and noble qualities"? Absolutely. The team he left in 2002 has already recognized this fact and has decided to retire his number and name a part of their new stadium after him. His friends and family speak of a man who loved his country and was shaken to his core by September 11th.

One final question for the author, Rene Gonzalez.
When you were growing up in Peurto Rico, who did you look up to and admire?

The issue at hand isn't about the war. It's not about who's right and who's wrong. It's not about politics.
It's about a man. A soldier. One who left his life to fight for a cause he believed in. He loved his country to his death.

Pat Tillman is a hero. I admire his passion on the field and off, and I respect him for the way he followed what he felt led to do. He served, and died, so that idiots like Rene Gonzalez can freely write articles that go against everything Pat Tillman ever was.