For those of you that don’t know: Tillman gave up his NFL career to join the Army Rangers in 2002, and was killed in combat one week ago in Afghanistan. The military announced on Wednesday that he has been posthumously promoted to the rank of corporal and awarded the Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal.
Personally I think the word “hero” is greatly overused and somewhat lost it’s luster these days, but that aside…Is Pat Tillman a hero?
Now, I come from a Marine Corps family all my life, and I only mention this to say that I know what it’s like to “give up your life” to your country. I think Pat Tillman is definitely a hero, but I think my problem with it is that the media has taken someone and raised him up above all the other soldiers that died in combat simply because he played NFL football?? I find this appalling and baffling that he would get 24/7 coverage because of his choices and ultimate end.
What about the Indiana corn farmer’s son who died? where is his press? And now the NFL is considering dedicating the 2004 season to him? puh-lease
I’m sort of all over the place with my thoughts, but let’s begin: is Pat Tillman a Hero or Media Posterboy?
