Okay, who could write a blog from Afghanistan without mentioning the heroic and tragic story of Pat Tillman, the former Arizona Cardinal football star turned soldier? This was a man who acted immediately when he recognized a calling. When 9-11 happened, he knew he could not sit idly by earning millions with all of the other self-centered, spoiled rotten football jocks (okay, not all of them, but they're certainly over-paid in any but a capitalist system). He was a man of both passion and action.
Setting aside a lucrative career, he took on the lowest form of being in the army - a private in basic training. He excelled and went on to be a Ranger. While with the 2nd Battalion, 75th Rangers in Afghanistan, he was moving on foot to help what he thought were fellow soldiers in trouble. Another team was also moving and, seeing Pat and two others far away on a mountainside, shooting into the valley, they mistook them for Taliban and laid down the fire that ultimately killed him. Friendly fire is the most tragic and difficult thing for families and for the soldiers on the "winning" end.
I mention Pat simply because he is an icon to whom Americans should look. When his country was in need he did not sit on his fat paycheck and let someone else take on the burden, but instead chose to dive in at the most dangerous and burdensome point. When we speak of heroes, there are many out here doing extra-ordinary things - many of whom are better soldiers even than Pat Tillman. However, what makes Pat special is that he, like my hero, Jesus, laid down his lofty position for a calling greater than his own comfort. He put himself in harm's way for others, not because he wanted a soldier's life or could benefit from military service, but because he saw he could be useful for his country at a grave moment in its history.
There is a FOB (Forward Operating Base) named after him - fittingly right on the border with Pakistan, perhaps in one of the most dangerous spots in the country. FOB Tillman. There is a commemorative wall at the USO here for Pat. Local passenger terminals at each FOB play the History Channel's recounting of his story (I watched it early this morning awaiting a flight). There is fitting awe and reverence for the man around here because most of those in this country didn't have to give up much to be here, but most felt the need to be in a place at this time in history to serve their country. Pat's sacrifice makes each of us marvel that he didn't have to do it. He counted the cost of being a soldier, marched forth, and ultimately gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
May we all count the cost of soldiering on in life toward a calling that exceeds our low expectations of ourselves and our often lazy ethic. May we all be willing to live - or even die - for something greater than an 8-5 existence with a two story house, two cars, 2.3 kids and a pension. May we, like Jesus, and like Pat, pour ourselves out for something that drives us to the very end of ourselves and on to something greater.
Rest in Peace, Pat Tillman. Gone, but not forgotten. I don't know if you knew the Lord, but I pray I will see you in Heaven and I pray that your family and friends will rest knowing that you have inspired many. It is a privilege to serve here in the shadow of so many of America's greatest heroes.
"At times like this you stop and think about just how good we have it, what kind of system we live in, and the freedoms we are allowed. A lot of my family has gone and fought in wars and I really haven't done a damn thing." Pat Tillman, 9-12-2001
A great place to start to get to know Pat: http://www.pattillmanfoundation.org/pat_az_cardinals.php
In His grip.
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