The Pat Tillman Foundation: Continuing A Tradition Of Service

It's been five and a half years since Pat Tillman died in Afghanistan as a result of friendly fire. With Veterans Day fast approaching, Tillman's widow Marie has given ESPN her first public interviews in years, discussing her continued commitment to The Pat Tillman Foundation and encouraging public service.

This year, the foundation supported its first class of Tillman Military Scholars, awarding $642,000 to 52 army candidates to help continue their education. Several of these candidates are profiled on the foundation's website, including Corporal Richard Garcia, whew grew up with deaf parents on welfare, and Master Sergeant William Gibson, who became the first ever redeployed amputee, after losing his left leg to a sniper's bullet. Read more service stories on the Pat Tillman Foundation blog.

Marie Tillman will be featured tonight on ESPN's Monday Night Countdown, to talk about the foundation and how individuals can continue to make an impact, especially during Veterans Day.

A donation to the Pat Tillman Foundation goes to the fund of $3.6 million dollars given out annually, in recognition of the contract Tillman walked away from when he decided to join the U.S. military. Donors can also give money as part of a tribute gift or through a planned workplace giving campaign.

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Comments

[Sing Out and Slap Iron]

God Da*mn that was a good looking guy!

[csmcmillion]

Neck > Head ?

[RustNeverSleeps]

Good stuff. HUA.

[jws2346]

Thanks Pat up there and thanks Marie down here. (USMC 'Nam '69-'70)

[Changein2012]

Pat Tillman wanted to serve his country on the battlefield, for this he is a hero. Thanks Pat for all you did.

[Etrusci]

Pat Tillman's story is one of exceptional heroism and bravery, and a life betrayed by institutional corruption and ignorance. I applaud anyone willing to participate in a tribute in his memory. But to properly honor his life, you must learn the true circumstances of his death.

[LeeCalif]

Thank you Marie ! What a wonderful tribute to such a beautiful soul !!

[BMLT]

I thank Pat and you, Marie for your service and for the ultimate sacrifice. You remain our true heroes, now and then.

[Jahbundance]

Pat, your heart was warrior gold. Your sacrifice was only marred by Rumsfield's manipulation of it. You deserved better. Hooah!

82nd PSYOP

[thegiver]

Pat Tillman statistics:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/stats?playerId=1605

[MissVirginiaVoter]

God Bless him and his family. Thanks Pat for having the courage that soooo many people wish they had. My brother also served, special forces, and CHOSE to join. The stories of the hard core training the marines go through is trully commendable. Having to endure war face to face is something I could never deal with and can't imagine the strenght these men must have to face it.

People forget how tough these men truly have to be - and it's not easy chore to make the "grade". They also stay silent and do not share everything with their families....true Heros!

Just donated my portion to the fund.

[edgarcaycedoc]

Thank you, Marie. I am reading Krakauer's book, "Where Men Win Glory." This riveting story makes me feel as if I know those close to Pat. We honor his service and wish you--and all his family and friends the best. I know it is never really over, but I genuinely hope you are healing.

[Mountaingrl]

Not intending to be disrespectful, but did Pat Tillman have insanely chiseled features or what?

[NC2NJ]

He was hot as they come.. movie star looks.. and a hero.. can't get much better than that..

[floridafun]

as a fellow atheist and patriotic american disgusted by the bush lies that brought us both our current occupations/wars, i salute pat tillman in my heart every day. my thoughts are with his family, the foundation is doing great ork!

[Poiks]

Was Pat Tillman atheist? The Wiki states that he was not religious, but they're not necessarily the same thing (I'm atheist, for the record--I'm not pulling your chain)

[DC]

Who cares what he was. That was his business.

[roshni]

Yes he was. His parents were upset with right wingers for claiming her was Christian and using him for propaganda.

[donnybrkgr]

Lets see all those creeps at FOX news contribute

[Handyman2]

The Tillman family has done a wonderful thing to preserve and honor the memory of a heroic man, Pat Tillman. He died serving his country. He made a great sacrifice to serve and he paid the ultimate sacrifice in his service. I suspect few of us would have had the courage to leave a "dream career" with the NFL to put our lives on the line for our country. In my mind, her ranks up there with other legendary American heroes. Thank you to the Tillman family from a grateful American.