On April 22, we remember the ultimate sacrifice of Army Ranger Pat Tillman, who was killed during combat operations in Afghanistan. A unique Ranger in that he left a pro football career with the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals to join the Army shortly after 9/11, along with his brother.
On the evening of April 22, 2004, Tillman’s unit was ambushed as it traveled through the rugged, canyon terrain of eastern Afghanistan. His heroic efforts to provide cover for fellow soldiers led to his tragic death in a friendly fire incident.
Today, we’re not only honoring his memory but also hearing how his incredible legacy lives on through the Pat Tillman Foundation.
On this week’s Eye on Veterans podcast, we’re joined by Tillman Foundation CEO Dr. Katherine Steele and scholar recipient, Army veteran Maj. Bernard Toney Jr.
Steele shares unique memories of Tillman and how the Tillman Foundation grew from donations to his alma mater, Arizona State University, to helping high-caliber veteran students complete college and become the leaders of tomorrow.
Toney shares how he went from the Special Forces community (serving in the same area as Tillman, just four months after his death) to serving in the White House. And, how he hopes to make an impact in public health and improve the lives of Americans from all socio-economic backgrounds.
Support the Pat Tillman Foundation here.
Contact Phil Briggs, the host of CBS Eye on Veterans at phil@connectingvets.com.
