Patriotism defined:

[stratman]

A great American and the true imbodiment of the Rangers.
Lead the way SGT Tillman RIP And

[wrag]

and God Bless!

[stratman]

Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and "esprit de corps" of the Ranger Regiment.

Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move farther, faster and fight harder than any other soldier.

Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be. One hundred percent and then some.

Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, my neatness of dress and care for equipment shall set the example for others to follow.

Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.

Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission, though I be the lone survivor.

 

Rangers Lead The Way

Salute Sgt Tillman for living by the creed.
God Blees men like you sir.

[Raubvogel]

The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.  They died on April 24, in Taji, Iraq, when mortar rounds hit their camp.  The four Soldiers were assigned to the Army National Guard’s 39th Support Battalion, 39th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Hazen, Ark.  Killed were:

            Capt. Arthur L. Felder, 36, of Louisville, Ark.

            Chief Warrant Patrick W. Kordsmeier, 49, of North Little Rock, Ark.

            Staff Sgt. Billy J. Orton, 41, of Humnoke, Ark.

            Staff Sgt. Stacey C. Brandon, 35, of Hazen, Ark.

These soldiers sacrificed just as much as anyone else. I really don't think there is anything as valuable in this world as your own life. As he left behind millions, I'm sure they left behind wives, children, siblings, parents, and the future. Tillman's message was that he was no better than any other soldier who voluntarily put their lives on the line, but somehow that seems to have escaped some people. Yes, I admire what he did, but no more than I admire anyone else who takes the tough road.
Just my 2 cents.

<--- 14 years in the Army, war veteran.

[Nash]

Originally posted by Raubvogel
Yes, I admire what he did, but no more than I admire anyone else who takes the tough road.

Context is everything here.

[NUKE]

Originally posted by Nash
Context is everything here.

I agree, but when one example of one man is posted to bring his story forward, some people seem to think it somehow overlooks or diminishes other's sacrifices.

The point of this thread has one topic in my opinion, and that is Pat Tillman . This in no way diminishes anyone else's service and sacrifice. I wish people could understand that.

I mean, start another thread or whatever, but leave this one for Pat Tillman.

[AKS\/\/ulfe]

Originally posted by NUKE
The point of this thread has one topic in my opinion, and that is Pat Tillman . This in no way diminishes anyone else's service and sacrifice.

Sure, but when a thread topic is this : "Patriotism defined" It DOES diminish the sacrifices of those who were there before, are there right now, and will be there in the future.
-SW

[Nash]

Well yeah, wot AKS\/\/ulfe said.

And by the creation of a thread about one particular fallen soldier as compared to no threads of this nature about any other of the fallen soldiers, there is indeed a distinction being made.

And for a reason.

What Tillman did was *remarkable*.

Thus we remark on it.

This in no way takes anything away from any other soldier's sacrifice. It is only of one particular soldier's sacrifice; its meaning to us, our ideals, our own shortcomings, our faith in humanity... if ya wanna get ghey about it.

There are thousands of stories out there on the desert. Because they aren't all being told doesn't diminish the characters.

The compelling thing about Tillman's story is that it not only tells of a man's character, it forces us to examine our own.

[stratman]

Originally posted by Nash
[B

What Tillman's story does is not only tell of a man's character, it makes us examine our own. [/B]

Aint that the truth

[Steve]

Nash, well said sir.

[Saurdaukar]

Wow, I kinda liked what Nash said too... no more booze tonight.

[DiabloTX]

Yeah, what he ^ said.