Ten Years Later, Pat Tilman Still Having A Profound Impact

Ten years ago today. April 22nd 2004 has become a fateful day. That was the day that Pat Tilman, a former NFL star Safety with the Arizona Cardinals, was killed in action over in Afghanistan by "Friendly Fire." Here's a guy who turned down a contract offer of $3.6 million over three years from the Cardinals to enlist in the U.S. Army. This is nothing new. professional athletes have served their time in the military during their playing careers. We saw it a lot amongst Major League Baseball players during World War II. But this was sort of a first that a pro football player.

Tilman was killed in action, April 22nd, 2004, in the initial reports were that Tilman was killed by enemy combatants. But this turns out that it might not exactly be the case. An investigation by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) concluded that Tillman and the Afghan militia soldier were killed by friendly fire when one allied group fired upon another in confusion after nearby gunfire was mistakenly believed to be from enemy combatants. The CID Report summary, dated 19 March 2007, stated that: "during their movement through the canyon road, Serial 2 [Tillman's platoon had to split up because of a broken Humvee; the parts were called Serial 1 and 2] was ambushed and became engaged in a running gun battle with enemy combatants. Serial 1 [Tillman's portion of the platoon] had just passed through the same canyon without incident and were approximately one kilometer ahead of Serial 2. Upon hearing explosions, gunfire, and sporadic radio communication from Serial 2, Serial 1 dismounted their vehicles and moved on foot, to a more advantageous position to provide overwatch and fire support for Serial 2's movement out of the ambush." Upon exiting the gorge, and despite attempts by Serial 1 to signal a "friendly position," occupants of the lead vehicle of Serial 2 opened fire on Tillman's position, where he was fatally shot.

Even now, ten years after his tragic death, Pat Tilman still has a lasting legacy that has touched the lives of millions of people. Shortly after his death, the Pat Tillman Foundation was established to carry forward its view of Tillman's legacy by inspiring and supporting those striving for positive change in themselves and the world. The foundation was started with a $1.25 million pledge to Arizona State University to help kickstart the program, which invests in military veterans and their spouses through educational scholarships – building a diverse community of leaders committed to service to others. Since the beginning of the Tillman Military Scholars program, the venture has awarded more than $4.6 million in direct scholarships for 290 Tillman Military Scholars at 85 academic institutions nationwide. Roughly 70 percent of the scholarships awarded have gone to those seeking graduate degrees, and 29 percent have been used for a doctoral program, showcasing the ambition of these returning soldiers (SB Nation).

He impacted so many people's lives, both defending our freedom and even after his passing. He left behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. He paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country, and even in his passing, he allowed for others to follow in his footsteps and provide for a better education for solders who return home from war. He tried to make lives better for both the people who have served as well as others. We thank him for everything he did, and the work that still continues to be done in his name today.