Commentary by Rick Rodriguez
I had heard about Pat Tillman. Professional football player gives up multi-millon dollar contract to join Army and serve our country over in Iraq. It was newsworthy and probably many remember that time. Many also remember that he was killed while serving. This is the story about that death: the death of Pat Tillman! More importantly, it is about the life of Pat Tillman and how he lived it and the amazing impact he had in his short time here on earth!
This is the fourth book of Jon Krakauer that I've read and each calls my attention to serious thought and introspection. I almost always form a new perspective after reading his work. Where Men Win Glory is a real boots on the ground perspective of our conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Intertwined with subterfuge, intrigue, drama, politics, and the idiosyncrasies of war; Tillman's story overlaps a plethora of concrete patriotic virtuous beliefs and political camouflage. At times gut-wrenchingly unbelievable, the reader rides a roller-coaster of emotion that includes anger and powerlessness as a family, our servicemen, and a generation of Americans seek out truth and justice!
(Where Men Win Glory By Krakauer P.130) "In my twenty-seven years," Bauer continues, "I've never had a player turn down that big a package in the National Football League. I've had players take twenty grand less per year to stay at clubs they really wanted to play for, but turning down nine and a half million? That's unheard of. You just don't see loyalty like that in sports today. Pat Tillman was special. He was a man of principle. He was a once in a life-time kid," Tillman stayed loyal to the Cardinals because they drafted him in the 7th round and he liked the Cardinal organization. He was paid $512,000 that year foregoing a 9.5 million dollar offer from the St. Louis Rams.
This is but one of the astonishing details of this story. There are so many more that I could share but will only share that tidbit. The reader will have to discover his or her own gems. It will be well worth the effort!
This book was sitting here at home for awhile but like many books their lessons and teachings often are ignored until the time is right. I wish I had tackled this story earlier. It certainly would have brought more insight into my beliefs about our war involvement. I whole heartedly recommend it: it will bring tears, anger, questions, and appreciation for the values Pat Tillman possessed and demonstrated throughout his life!
Where Men Win Glory by Jon Krakauer is 406 pages. I read it in May 2011.
Rick Rodriguez is a Real Estate Broker & Property Manager with 27+ years of experience in the real estate business. Rick, a Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College, services the San Francisco East Bay Area including the communities in the 680/580 freeway corridors, and Southern Alameda & Southern Contra Costa County. Contact Rick at rrodriguez@pacunion.com or (510) 326-4795.
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