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In the Line of Duty
U.S. Army Ranger and Ex-NFL Player Pat Tillman Killed in Afghanistan



April 23 — Pat Tillman, a former NFL player who swapped a glamorous
football career to enlist in the U.S. Army, has been killed in action in
Afghanistan, ABCNEWS has learned.



The 27-year-old former football player was killed in direct action during a
firefight in Afghanistan, Pentagon sources told ABCNEWS. But there were no
further details available.

A former member of the Arizona Cardinals, Tillman, along with his brother
Kevin, enrolled with the U.S. Army Rangers after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror
attacks.

Last year, the brothers were awarded an Arthur Ashe Courage Award meant for
individuals whose contributions transcend sports. The award was accepted by
their younger brother, Richard, while the brothers were away.

Tillman, an unrestricted free agent, spurned a $9 million, five-year offer
sheet from the St. Louis Rams in 2001 to join the Army. The 5-foot-11,
200-pound Tillman was an exceptional student with a 3.84 grade point
average through college and graduated summa cum laude with a degree in
marketing.

The Tillman family has been notified, according to a Pentagon source.


"...government without arms is an inconsistency." James Logan (circa 1740)

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\"Those who hammer their guns into plows
will plow for those who do not.\"
- Thomas Jefferson

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Tillman, an unrestricted free agent, spurned a $9 million, five-year offer
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HMFIC

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"We sleep safely in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would harm us". George Orwell

Fighting For Justice With Brains Of Steel !
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The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire.

<b>The Ranger Creed

Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of my Ranger Regiment.


Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move farther, faster and fight harder than any other soldier.


Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be. One-hundred-percent and then some.


Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well-trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.


Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.


Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission though I be the lone survivor.


<font size=4>RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!</font id=size4>

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"When you're wounded and left on Afghanistan's plains,
And the women come out to cut up what remains,
Jest roll to your rifle and blow out your brains
An' go to your Gawd like a soldier."

Kipling-

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Go Ugly Early !
No body's ugly after 2:00 A.M.

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Go Ugly Early!
Nobody is ugly after 2 A.M.

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"Sure, stop here. This is the right place for our foul, nihilistic mood. No place could be better. Let's all riverdance. I can be lord of the motherless dance. I'm a Mick. Bite me"

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Although I am not sure but I think the Allmighty has a special place not just for soldiers, but especially for those that forsake all their personal possesions to lace up their boots.
This rounds on me fellas...............Heres to Mr. Tillman and those like him, damn few left.<img src=newicons/smiley_salute.gif border=0 align=middle>

By this time tomorrow I shall have gained either a pearage or Westminster Abbey........Nelson

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YGBSM !

A genuine American Hero.
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Edited by - Tritonal on Apr 23 2004 7:45 PM

A true hero. A man I hope many look up to as one who is worthy to be admired, instead of our usual athletic "heroes" like Shaquille O'Neal, Terrell Owens, and Michael Irvin...<img src=newicons/smiley_salute.gif border=0 align=middle>

ATTACK!!!!!!!

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I am at a loss for words...

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HE'S THE KIND OF MAN TODAYS KIDS SHOULD INSPIRE TO BE

PRESS TO TEST

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\"Live Free Or Die\"

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Ted

Boring the world, one post at a time.

<img src=newicons/smiley_salute.gif border=0 align=middle>May god bless his soul<img src=newicons/smiley_salute.gif border=0 align=middle>

"Retreat, hell! We just got here!"-Captain Lloyd Williams, 2nd Marine Division, Belleau Wood, France, WWI

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"GLAD TO HAVE BEEN THERE AND HAVE BEEN PROUD TO HAVE SERVERED"