Though numerous American casualties from the war in Iraq have caused us to rethink our position in the fight against terrorism, a recent death, that of ex-NFL star Pat Tillman, has perhaps served as the wake-up call we all desperately needed. Described by all who knew him as bright, tough and brave, it came as no surprise that Tillman would make the decision to turn down a three-year, $3.6 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals to enlist in the Army. This bravery, however, resulted in the ultimate sacrifice, when it was reported late Friday by military officials that he had been killed in action.
While many may question the amount of attention this one soldier has received, his fateful end should not be regarded lightly. Perhaps the large amount of news coverage surrounding his story should act as a reminder of the immense loss many have faced due to Operation Enduring Freedom. Two other U.S. soldiers and an Afghan militiaman fighting alongside Tillman were killed in this same confrontation and deserve the same respect. However, the sight of a familiar face nationwide has proven to be a well needed signal of the damage created by so much unnecessary fighting.
Yes, our involvement in Iraq has proven beneficial, but as we continue these heart-felt contributions for a country of turmoil, we too are facing turmoil of our own. One hundred ten soldiers have died thus far, 39 of them in combat, all leaving behind family and friends who hoped for their safe return. Tillman, 27, is now the most recent to die, as he fell victim to a firefight lasting 15 to 20 minutes, a direct result of his courageous attempt to disassemble an ongoing ambush.
In a country so absorbed with money and material possessions Tillman was described by his agent, Frank Bauer as a \clear thinker who never valued material things."" His humble decision should indeed be honored, but should we encourage this supposed clear thinking? Is it true that one's decision to lose one's life voluntarily is still legitimate when the end to this struggle is long overdue? The heartache caused by Tillman's passing exemplifies one more problem with this so-called war on terrorism and one more reason to end this fight altogether.
The attention surrounding this entire ordeal has caused people like Tillman to feel unworthy unless they too become a member of our patriotic armed forces. Tillman compared his situation to that of his grandfather, a Pearl Harbor veteran who felt he had not done enough to lay himself on the line. However, Pearl Harbor was a defense against outside attacks. We created and carried out this defense appropriately after the World Trade Center, but now simply linger needlessly in a country which must find its own means of rebuilding and renewal.
Tillman undoubtedly felt he was needed in the line of duty, but what about his fans who needed him right here at home? Not for pure entertainment value, or because of our desire to keep our natives close, but because of the morale and spirit that players like Tillman instilled in the minds of every American. In a time of pain and uncertainty, he did more than walk away from a high salary and famous career, he walked away from a game that kept us sane.
This extremely talented athlete must not only be remembered for his dedication to football, but for his distinguished intelligence as well. He graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in marketing proving he was the perfect combination of both athleticism and scholarly aptitude. How will we benefit from this wisdom now that another innocent life has been lost? Shall we discredit his achievements before he was ever given the chance to prove his worth?
Pat Tillman, ex-NFL star and recent casualty of the war in Afghanistan, has left us questioning the still increasing and yet avoidable loss of life. As another mother grieves the death of a child, a football team experiences a different form of defeat, and a country is left asking why? Why did this young man with such potential for the future, like so many others, choose to fight the ultimate battle? What efforts must be taken to bring about peace? Most importantly, how many others will lose their lives before we open our eyes to the insanity? At number 110, it is clear say we have lost enough.
