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April 23, 2004
Jay Anderson (Jackson, WY))
As a devote ASU alum, I will always remember Pat Tillman, the football player and the joy he gave to us on Saturday's . But as an American, I will remember the gift he now gives to me everyday--Freedom. I never met Pat, but I would like to thank him now for his pure zest for life and his complete unselfishness and dedication to this family and Country.
God Bless. And rest in peace.
Christopher Scott Friedline (SGT. USMC)
God bless the family and loved ones affected by this. My best friend knew him well and has spent the day in tears . . . the first time I've ever seen him cry. Nobody ever asks to be a hero but, Pat Tillman has become one. I am a former Marine who knows that all of us give a piece of ourselves when serving but Pat Tillman gave his all. He gave up fame, fortune, football and most importantly, he gave his life. Pat Tillman died for our freedom, Pat Tillman died for me. May God bless you and keep you tonight and always you brave soldier. From the former Marine,
Semper Fi!
Ben Vance - Mesa
Pat Tillman was the ultimate role model and American. Pat died for what he fully believed in and is in a better place than we. Pat accomplished more in a 27 year lifespan than any person could ever imagine.
I pray for the Tillman Family that they may be in peace and have comfort that their son was a hero and most of all a friend to all - I thank them for bringing a life in the world that was committed to doing what he believed in and never wavered on his values and beliefs.
I have two boys 17 and 13, Selfishly, I could never imagine losing one of my sons. However I would be so proud of them if they became half of the man Pat Tillman stands for.
Pat Tillman will forever be remembered as the ultimate leader, provider and example for every American.
God Bless Pat Tillman and God Bless his family and God Bless America.
Mike phoenix az
I met Pat when he was a freshman at ASU and he left me with the impression that there is no way he was a freshman. Every time I talked to Pat I walked away impressewd with his confidence and the overall way he looked at life.
It got be a joke between us whenever we talked, I would ask him how he did the things he did. His standard answer to me was WHATEVER. WHATEVER I can do, WHATEVER I need to do, WHATEVER it takes.
Pat lived his life to the fullest and I have never met a more sincere, caring individual. He was one of a kind. Whgatever he set his mind to do he did.
Pat was an amazing person and I only wish everyone had a chance to talk to him. Pat was a very unique person, he looked in the eyes when he spoke and when you walked away from him. You just felt better about life.
Thank you Pat, it was an honor knowing you and sharing time with you. You will be in my prayers. and foreever in my memories. GOD SPEED to you.
Thomas Studdert (Henderson, NV)
When I heard the news, I just couldn't believe it. I had interactions with Pat as a student when I was there and of course, as an alumnus, have always been so proud of how he represented ASU.
His excellence, both on and off the field, is a true hallmark of what Pat stood for. His personality and love of everything made for a remarkable man!
Pat, you will be missed so much. The Sun Devil family is thinking about you and you are in our prayers. May God comfort your family and all those you touched - for there were many.
Thank you for all you did for all of us!
Lea (tempe,AZ)
Pat was an amazing man. He was truly a role model for all of us. In this time when most "star atheletes" are whiney, spoiled brats, Pat reminded us that true heroism isn't dead; it just isn't always right in front of your face. Not many people would give up what he did to go to a godforsaken corner of the earth to defend not only his own nation, but the world from the worst scum on the planet. He is, and always will be a true american hero. He will always be a face on this war; a face for those who serve, as he did, and for those that have died in that service. Thank you, Pat Tillman for all you have done for us. My thoughts and prayers are with the family who raised you with such honor, and who you now leave behind. You will be missed.
sincerely,
A member of the sun devil marching band.
Nicholas S. Hagen, MD ('64)
I was never more proud to be an ASU alumnus and Viet Nam veteran than when I learned that Pat Tillman had become a Army Ranger, foregoing a lucrative professional contract. His ultimate sacrifice for his country will go down in ASU annals as among the greatest examples of what being a Sun Devil is. He will be missed, but his memory will continue to inspire.
Monique, Phoenix, AZ
As we watched Pat play football over the years, we knew we were seeing a great athlete. Most of us didn't know then that we were watching a true hero. We will miss this man who shared his excitement for the game with all of us and kept his courage private. He is indeed a worthy role model, a credit to the strength of the human heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with Pat's family. God be with you, till you meet again.
Steve Krause (Fountain Hills, AZ)
Pat,
Thank you for your dedication, love of country, sacrifice, dignity, and humility. These traits are what made this country what it is today, and with individuals like you reminding us, what it will always be. Too often we settle for less than we can achieve. But you showed us how to overcome our limits with perseverance and grace.
May God bless and grant your family peace through this difficult time.
Vince D'Aliesio (Clovis, CA)
A great human being and i was privileged to know him.
One fond memory i have of Pat was the day of our 96 game vs. Uof A (we had locked up the rose bowl berth the previous week against Cal). Pat was walking into our meeting room and it was dead silent, all of a sudden he's whistling Michigan's fight song (michigan had upset ohio state that day, ohio state had received the rose bowl bid the week before just like us)---Pat's way of telling us to not take our opponent that day lightly, even though the game was meaningless because we were headed to the rose bowl anyway. We beat u of a that night 56-14 by the way...
Thanks Pat.
Ian M. Wist (Phoenix, AZ)
A study of American history highlights many men and women who sacrificed themselves for the just causes they believed worth fighting for. From text books we have learn of tremendous self sacrifice during the Civil War, World War I, World War II, and other conflicts.
For the first time in my generation, I have witnessed real sacrifice (your sacrifice), to answer the calling in your heart without hesitation.
I have the good fortune to share the common thread of being an ASU Marketing graduate, and by your example, I will continue to strive for what is in my heart without hesitation.
Thank you Mr. Tillman, you not only served your country proudly, but you have provided an inspiration to many others.
Finally, your loss will help to add greater meaning to the others who have lost their lives in these conficts. To this we own you an even greater gratitude.
God Bless you and your loved ones.
Peace
Devon (Tucson, AZ)
Pat Tillman was a MAN unlike any other. The remarkable decision he made only years ago to fight for the freedom of this great country, makes him stand out as one of few great mentors and leaders. As a fellow man in the military, Pat has affected many lives while attending the great Arizona State University, playing for the Arizona Cardinals and fighting for the United States. God Bless the Tillman family and the numerous Soldiers, Airman, Marines and Sailors spread throughout the globe, fighting for a great cause: Freedom.
David Cotlow Houston,Texas
I was a graduate of Arizona State that went on to serve my country in Vietnam. I know that Pat had to have an enormous amount of love for the good ole' USA to make such a critical decision to pass up pro football for this calling. This is one of the most unselfish acts I've ever heard of. God bless him and his family. He is the epitome of a true American..
Ralph Boyer, Phoenix, Arizona
Everytime someone dies in tragic circumstances, those who know them always describe them as having been near perfect. I don't usually know those people. In the case of Pat, we all knew the truth and know that he was indeed near perfect in his heart and his nature. There are few true heros in the world but Pat was a shining star above any I have seen in my lifetime. (I'm 65 years old.) I'm still crying as if he were my best friend and unfortunately I never met him.
Peace be with you at this time. If a loved one must die, this has to be the way it should be.
Peggy Wolf, Peoria, AZ.
My prayers are with Pat's family. He caught my heart the first time he walked onto the field. I hope his family can be comforted in the fact that he died doing what he believed in. I know it doesn't make it any easier to give him up. Be proud and know that he was loved by many.
Skyler Cota (Scottsdale, AZ)
To the friends and family of Mr. Tillman:
Words can not express the sadness you must feel in your loss. Our nation also grieves for Pat and so many of his fellow serviceman who are fighting for freedom. He was a true hero in every sense of the word in an age where so few can be found. I share my sadness with you and pray that God will provide his comfort to you in this time of need.
God bless you, God bless Pat, and God bless the USA!
Mark S. Lazenby Dothan, Alabama
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, fans and loved ones of the late Pat Tillman.
I recently made a post on the message board here at collegesports.com and I would like to share it with you, his family and loved ones.
"So many of us take for granted the little things in life while men like Pat Tillman would rather die for those little things than evade such danger for millions of dollars. Sometimes, I catch myself getting caught up in all the war hooplah and I don't really sit back and simply say.....
Thank you to all of America's Service Men and Women who take the call no matter what in order to insure my freedom to sit here and type on this keyboard. Keep up the good work and don't quit the good fight for us.
Thank you also to Pat Tillman for letting me know just how precious my freedom is. God speed dear soldier."
Mark S. Lazenby
aka Lazy
Veteran of Desert Shield and Desert Storm
Michael & Lynn Betka, Scottsdale AZ
In over 30 years of watching Sun Devil football as season ticket holders, we saw many memorable games and players. But Pat Tillman made a special impression, not only for his exciting on field play, but for his academic achievement and off field demeanor.
So we followed him to the Cardinals,
cheered his success there, and took pride in his decision after 9/11. A young man whose perspective was more mature than most Americans.
We give our heartfelt condolences to his family, and our sincere gratitude to them, and to Pat, for giving us a National hero that now serves as a towering role model for all young Americans.
Donnell , Cave Creek
For a MAN to give up a football career to defend this country, he was not only a hero wearing the collegiate uniform, but hero wearing the Army Ranger uniform. As he did so many times as a linebacker defending the goaline, I and my family appreciate individuals like Pat who defend our country.
Our prayers go out to his family.
Timothy Donhauser, Tempe AZ
I was born and raised in the valley. I have gone to ASU football games all my life. A autographed poster of my grandfather's by Frank Kush currently hangs in my apartment.
I myself was a student athlete my first two years in college. I decided to stop playing to pursue a architecture degree at ASU instead of leaving home to play baseball. The words student and athlete have become separated and Tillman is the perfect example that the student-athlete is possible and a wonderful thing. For those athletes that use college as a stepping stone into the professional arena are selfish. Pat Tillman's footsteps should be admired and followed by every student-athlete.
I will be spending the next two semesters in Germany and will regret not being at the Washington St. game on the 13th of November. This coming football season will be the first time I have missed a home game in six years. However, my thoughts will be with every Sun Devil on that day!
Nikki Monaco (Tempe, AZ)
I was born and raised a Sun Devil. I've been to every football game since i was eight. But my favorite of all was the years of Tillman. He was my favorite player for a stupid reason (his easily spotted long hair) but as i watched him play it became more. I remember the best year of ASU football since the days of Kush. The year the goal posts came down when we beat Nebraska....wait shut out Nebraska....and the year we went to our second Rose Bowl. I was at the game against Cal when we were invited and my mom and I got to step onto Frank Kush Field. We were near the home side (where they run out at the beginning) and Tillman was walking by with a couple of players. I remember yelling to my mom, "there he is!!! There's Tillman!!!" He heard that somehow and walked over to me and gave me a high five and just said, "thanks" Though i was so amazed and couldn't utter a word, that moment is still my most favorite ASU moment. When i heard he was joining the armed forces, i !
was partly crushed but mostly calm. I knew that he would do the best possible job he could and fight for those who couldn't. Come on he was the best Defensive player. I feel lucky, having been able to watch him play and to have met him that day. But my thoughts go to his family. Everytime i see the number 42 next season and every season after it is retired, I will remember how lucky i am to have people like Tillman fighting for my freedom.
Dr. Ed Segrave (78) and family, Gold Canyon AZ
Regets beyond belief. My nephew is active in the Guard and has volunteered for Iraq. I would go in a minute if the age were dropped. I am 63. To support what Pat has done for me, us, and our country would be the most special honor I could recognize in my lifetime. Condolences, yet joy in his heroic contribution to freedom.