YOUR take on the Pat Tillman saga?

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 05:43:25 -0400

We've all heard about it. There are feelings and views on both sides. But as we gear up for another NFL season and still are engaged in Iraq and Afghanistan, what is your take on the Pat Tillman saga ?

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Apr 23 at 2015 6:43 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 06:43:38 -0400

It's a tragedy no matter how you look at it. Will we ever know the complete truth, probably not. I would hope that th military would review this incident and come up with a plan to better identify between the enemy and friendly troops, better way of tracking where troops are on the battlefield, better communications on the battlefield. The Commanders must have a plan to ensure this type of thing never happens again.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 7:05 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 07:05:45 -0400

I may be biased because I am an Arizona boy but, Pat Tillman personifies what it means to be an American. His brother is also a great role model. To completely walk away from the NFL and all the money he would make to join the Army, as an enlisted Soldier, volunteer for the most dangerous MOS, complete all the required training, knowingly and willingly wanting to fight for this country is one of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen. As I mentioned, his brother left a baseball career to do the same thing.

Tragic what happened, and embarrassing for the Army but, I am confident Corporal Tillman knew the risks of his chosen profession.

Rest In Peace and Godspeed Ranger Tillman!

Response by SPC Patrick Caldwell made Apr 23 at 2015 8:35 AM

SPC Patrick Caldwell — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 08:35:40 -0400

"Friendly fire isn't." ~ Unknown

I salute the Tillman brothers for their sacrifices, their choices to leave their promising sports careers to serve in the U.S. military. I really hope there wasn't any kind of conspiracy behind Pat Tillman's death (as I've heard of them). Tillman should serve as an example to all Americans today on why this country is so great. Instead of looking at the negative all the time like we tend to do, we should look at the positive and focus on bettering ourselves.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Apr 23 at 2015 9:03 AM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 09:03:05 -0400

Tragic situation that resulted in the death of an American patriot and hero.

Mistakes were made in the handling of the situation. hopefully, the lessons learned from it will preclude recurrence.

Tragic mistakes happen in war and can be expected. What is not expected is the alleged cover-up of the truth. There is never an excuse for that. Let the chips fall where they may. Dishonesty discredits the sacrifice made by this hero and others like him.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 3:05 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 15:05:50 -0400

My take is that it only got so much attention because he was an ex NFL player. There is no way in this world any other Soldier that paid the ultimate sacrifice would have ever gotten that much attention. I had the pleasure of serving with a young man named Ross Mcginnis, without googling do you know who he is? Many don't and that kid is a medal of honor recipient, no doubt that every Soldier we have lost is tragic, just get's under my skin that certain ones based on their past fame gets so much more attention. ---rant over---

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 3:12 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 15:12:26 -0400

There is a great book by John Krakauer called "where men win glory" and it chronicles Pat Tilman's story. It is a really great read. It shed light on a lot of what happens. It points out the good the bad and the ugly. It also reveals the truths about accidental fratricide and that it can happen, but it can be easily avoided.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 4:37 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 16:37:31 -0400

I can only reiterate all the great things CSM Private RallyPoint Member said.

And while his death does get more attention than other Service Members, like 1SG Private RallyPoint Member pointed out. He was also using his fame to try to spread awareness of the things he saw that needed to be improved in the military. Which unfortunately leads to conspiracy theories.