There's an article today on the homepage of MSN.com. It's about Pat Tillman, a former NFL safety who turned down a 3.6 million dollar contract with the Arizona Cardinals to join the Army. His courage is tremendous, and his willingness to forgo millions of dollars to serve his country is particularly notable in our society where salary is often valued much more highly than personal convictions or patriotism of any sort. He is now fighting in Iraq with the 75th Army Ranger Regiment.
Every member of the Allied troops is a hero. Each one of them is risking life and limb and deserves our admiration and gratitude. Those who have died have lost their lives in the most honorable way possible. Even though I've been somewhat conflicted about the war since its onset, I have the utmost respect for the Allied troops who are there.
People in the US often call professional athletes role models. Ideally, parents should be the ultimate role models, but there's no question that athletes often have a huge impact on the minds of many Americans. Pat Tillman is providing a tremendous example of personal fortitude for all who know his story.