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Health & Fitness

Honor Him

Former U.S. Army Corporal Scott Castillo gives his account of Corporal Pat Tillman's journey from a professional football player to a U.S. Army Ranger.

In the film Gladiator, Roman Princess Lucilla rushed to the side of the dying Maximus (the film’s protagonist). He was a loyal, patriotic Roman general who later became a gladiator.  After his passing, she stated: “Is Rome worth one good man's life? We believed it once. Make us believe it again. He was a soldier of Rome. Honor him.”

Although the film was historical fiction, former account of Corporal Pat Tillman’s journey from a professional football player to a U.S. Army Ranger is true. After reading Cpl. Tillman's story, please "honor him" too.        

Every year on Memorial Day, Americans get ready to fire up their grills and enjoy the three-day weekend holiday. Unfortunately, some Americans lost the true meaning of this solemn day. It is a day of remembrance for more than one million American service members of all generations who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our great nation.

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I am proud to have served with our brave men and women in uniform. As an Army Ranger with 1/75 Ranger Battalion, I had the opportunity to serve with many patriotic individuals. One such person is a professional football legend, an Airborne Ranger, an American Hero, and my friend: Corporal Pat Tillman.  

It was a hot August summer of 2003 when I was participating in the Ranger Rendezvous held at Fort Benning, Georgia. The purpose of the Ranger Rendezvous is to build esprit de corps in our time-honored, Ranger tradition. United States Army Rangers from Regimental Headquarters and all three Ranger Battalions participated in various, week-long events. These included Ranger capabilities demonstrations, an all battalion parachute jump, sporting events, and martial arts.  In one sporting event, I played soccer alongside Pat and discussed our Ranger traditions. Although there were some negative perceptions about him in the media, my personal conversation with him helped me understand that they were not true.  

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In 2003, I served with him in “Operation Iraqi Freedom.” As a member of B Company, 1/75 Ranger Battalion, I was attached to Pat’s unit. He was with 2nd Ranger Battalion from Fort Lewis, Washington. This soldier who I deeply admired and respected lost his life on the battlefield in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004.  

Pat truly epitomized the Ranger ethos. Besides being a fellow soldier, we shared a common bond through our call to duty after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Pat’s love of America led him to decline a $3.6 million contract to enlist in the U.S. Army; he answered the call to serve as many men and women have done for our nation.

This Memorial Day, please honor those men and women by learning about their sacrifices in serving our great country.

 

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