[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 5, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E763]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E763]]
     HONORING THE LEGACY OF PAT TILLMAN: AN EXTRAORDINARY AMERICAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 5, 2004

  Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, Pat Tillman was 
assigned to A Company, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, and was 
based at Fort Lewis, Washington. On April 22, 2004, he was killed in 
the line of duty near the Pakistan border as he led his Army Ranger 
team to help comrades caught in an ambush. He was 27 years old.
  Pat Tillman attended Leland High School in San Jose, California. As a 
linebacker on the Arizona State University football team, he was named 
the 1997 PAC-10 Defensive Player of the Year. Finishing with a 
marketing degree in three and a half years, he graduated summa cum 
laude with a 3.84 GPA.
  He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the seventh round in 1998, 
the 226th pick overall. He became the Cardinals' starting safety and in 
2000, he set a new franchise record with 224 tackles.
  Following the terrorists attacks of September 11, 2001, Pat Tillman 
spoke of his admiration for his relatives who had taken up arms to 
defend the nation in previous conflicts. He went on: ``I really haven't 
done a damn thing as far as laying myself on the line like that. And so 
I have a great deal of respect for those that have and what the flag 
stands for.'' In 2002, he turned down a $3.6 million contract from the 
Arizona Cardinals and enlisted in the Army instead.
  Following his death, the military posthumously promoted Pat Tillman 
from specialist to corporal. He also was awarded a Purple Heart and the 
distinguished Silver Star award for gallantry on the battlefield.
  In the world of professional sports, Pat Tillman's story is 
extraordinary; choosing duty over dollars. However, in the context of 
our military, his sacrifice is typical of our soldiers.
  His death reminds us about the sacrifices that our veterans and 
fighting forces have made for us. Not for fame or fortune, but for a 
love of country, with determination, courage and honor, the men and 
women of our armed services have dedicated their lives to the defense 
of our democratic ideals. Pat Tillman will be remembered as one of the 
most admirable of America's heroes. His legacy will strengthen the 
United States of America forever.
  The life we live today is shaped by men and women like Pat Tillman. 
Each has stood ready in defense of their country. Our nation owes an 
immeasurable debt of gratitude for their service. We enjoy our freedoms 
because of their valor.
  I join a grateful nation in sending my thoughts and prayers to the 
Tillman family and all families who have lost loved ones serving to 
protect our sacred liberty.

                          ____________________