Pat Tillman Lives On through Foundation & Shadow Runs

I remember when the media got a hold of the golden ticket of news and ran with it for months.... Pat, a professional football player for the Arizona Cardinals, and his brother Kevin, soon to be pro-baseball player for the Cleveland Indians, both gave their notices to their professions and Enlisted in 

The United States Army in May of 2002. 

 

Why? How could they "give up" their Amazing Careers that so many strive for and never see? What on earth were they thinking or trying to prove? 

Many saw this as a publicity stunt. While, in reality, it was nothing but an everyday American stepping up to fight against those that relinquished hell on our own soil for the sole purpose of causing Americans pain.

I was a Senior in high school, days away from graduation, a month away from starting my own military journey in the Marine Corps. I saw and read about this news with pride. Seeing that even those that were blessed with the ability to go on about their lives many long to have, pushed it aside and answered the call when Lady Liberty was in distress.

A month short of Pat Tillman's 2 year anniversary of Enlistment as an Army Ranger, 22 April 2004, during his 2nd Deployment (this one being in Afghanistan), the news reported on the loss of this American Hero & Icon during a firefight. The most unfortunate part being that it was due to friendly fire during the intensity of the firefight....

America, his family, friends and his wife mourned his loss for years while trying to find the truth behind their loved one's death.... It wasn't until 2008 that final investigations showed an in-depth report proving that his death taking place from friendly fire was covered up by a number of higher ups throughout the Army.... For reason's none other than trying to "save face".... All those involved with the cover up have since been reprimanded.

 

Even though Pat is no longer with us, his memory and his name live on in so many wonderful ways.

Through Fields, Government Organizations, Operation Bases, A Skateboarding Bull Dog, Books, and an Amazing Foundation, The Pat Tillman Foundation, carry his name and Honor on. 

"The mission of the Pat Tillman Foundation is to invest in military veterans and their spouses through educational scholarships; building a diverse community of leaders committed to service to others." -Pat Tillman Foundation

 You can help celebrate the life of this American Hero and help so many other Heroes and their Spouses too! Everyone is invited to RUN, WALK, and HONOR our Heroes through the Nationwide SHADOW RUN where the profits help Support The Tillman Military Scholar Program!

"Through a partnership with the ASU Alumni Association, Pat’s Run Shadow Runs will be held nationwide spanning from Portland to New York, and many cities in between, on April 20." -PTF

On April 20th, Adults and Children across the United States will Honor our Heroes by Running and Walking in the Shadow Run! List of Locations Nationwide are HERE and to Register as Participant Click HERE. 

 ASU Online is a proud sponsor of the Pat Tillman Foundation Shadow Runs!

 They have a staff member dedicated to assisting active duty military, veterans and their dependents. Casey Francis, military specialist, works with military students to ensure that their experience is as positive and smooth as possible. In addition to having a representative, all of the veterans resources that ASU provides are also available at ASU Online. For more information for Military Students click HERE.