[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Pages 8384-8385]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                              Pat Tillman

  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the life and 
mourn the death of Corporal Patrick D. Tillman, age 27, who was killed 
in action in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004. Pat Tillman was originally 
from San Jose, CA. He was a true hero.
  Pat Tillman exuded greatness and humility throughout his short life. 
He was a shining star on and off the football field. In high school at 
Leland High in San Jose, CA, Pat was named the Central Coast Co-Player 
of the Year for 1993 and earned a scholarship to Arizona State 
University. At Arizona State, he led the team to the Pacific-10 
Conference Title and then to the Rose Bowl. In 1997, while at Arizona 
State, Pat was named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year. Pat also knew 
the value of a good education. He earned a degree in marketing at 
Arizona State University, while also maintaining a 3.84 GPA. The 
Arizona Cardinals selected Pat in the 1998 NFL draft where he played 
hard for the Cardinals as a safety. In 2000, the St. Louis Rams offered 
him a substantial increase in compensation to play for them. However, 
out of loyalty, Pat turned it down to stay in Phoenix.
  It was Pat's deep loyalty and character that led him to his next 
career move. After the horrific attacks of 9/11, Pat, who was just 
returning from his honeymoon, announced that he was leaving the NFL to 
join the Army Rangers. Pat left behind his new bride Marie and a 
substantial contract from the Arizona Cardinals.
  Pat Tillman was not about money or fame. He was a remarkable young 
man who put his country and its ideals ahead of himself. Pat's physical 
strength and talents were only overshadowed by his personal integrity. 
The United States Army posthumously awarded Pat the Purple Heart, the 
Meritorious Service Medal, the Silver Star, the Good Conduct Medal and 
the Combat Infantryman's Badge.
  Pat Tillman was a loving husband, son, and brother. My heart goes out 
to his wife Marie, his parents, Patrick, Sr. and Mary; his two 
brothers, Kevin and Richard and the countless others whose lives he 
touched. I want his family to know that people across California and 
throughout our country share their grief as we also salute the gift of 
his life and service.

[[Page 8385]]

  Pat Tillman was a man of great strength, courage and patriotism. His 
example will continue to inspire countless Americans for years to come. 
It is most appropriate that we honor him for his outstanding courage 
and his selfless devotion to others and to his country. A hero is gone, 
but he will not be forgotten.

                          ____________________