Cardinals' Tillman Killed at War

Cardinals' Tillman Killed at War

Pat Tillman, a 5-year Arizona Cardinal who left the NFL to serve in the U.S. Army.



Web Editor: Sean Rowe
Last Modified: 4/23/2004 10:44:43 AM


Pat Tillman, a U.S. Army Ranger and former Arizona Cardinals strong safety, is being reported dead in Afghanistan, according to news reports.

Tillman, 27, enlisted in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, choosing to walk away from a 3-year, $3.6 million contract extension with the Cardinals. Tillman had completed four seasons with the Cardinals, from 1998 to 2001.

His dutiful decision sparked national headlines showcasing a recently married NFL star who gave up a burgeoning career to fight alongside his brother and fellow countrymen.

http://www.11alive.com/

 

They've interviewed his college roommate who said that Pat had dated the girl he eventually married since high school and he never dated others or 'cheated' on her during his college years. He said they'd lay awake at night and Pat would talk about how much he loved America and how he wanted to help others. His college friends kept telling him he'd be president or some famous politician some day but he'd insist that he wanted to give back.... and he has.

Diane

 

Wally, the young man who died a few months back, just before Thanksgiving, from Illinois was our nephew. He had never been as happy as he was serving his country. His name was Scott Tyrell.

My husband was an Army Officer. Our two sons both served. OUR son Scott served in the Persian Gulf.... They all gladly served.

Local Soldier Laid to Rest


By Karetha Dodd

OREGON - Folks around Whiteside and Lee Counties say goodbye to Army Private First Class Scott Tyrell. Funeral Services were held this Saturday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Oregon, Illinois. Among the mourners was Illinois Lt. Governor Pat Quinn.

From time to time, family members held onto each other for support, some still in shock Tyrrell's life had ended just as he was hitting his stride. People who knew the 21 year old say he was searching for his place in the world and found it in the United States Army.

"We are all comforted by the fact we got great wonderful soldiers who are so willing to sacrifice not just their work and their daily lives, but in many cases their lives protecting the way we live here in America," says Brigadier General Don Riley.

A seemingly endless line of mourners arrived at St. Mary's Cemetery to see the Sterling High School graduate buried with full military honors. A fitting tribute to an American hero. "He was presented with the Army Commendation Medal. That's an award for exemplary service in the army and for his service overseas," says Riley.

Tyrrell was young, but his contributions were substantial. Friends say he was a role model and an inspiration.

Tyrell lived in Sterling, but grew up around the town of Oregon. He was working at an ammunitions dump in Tikrit in mid-November when a fire broke out. Tyrrell was severely injured and died at a Texas military hospital 6 days later. Tyrrell was assigned to a unit in the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Texas.