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Charity Highlight: The Pat Tillman Foundation. The way one man lived his life has inspired thousands to be a better person, to include me.

11 January 2018 by
The way one man lived his life has inspired thousands to be a better person, to include me.
I had known a little bit about Pat Tillman's story but what I didn't know was the back story.  I recently watched the documentary "A Football Life: In memory of Pat Tillman".  I was so moved by the person Pat was, what he stood for and how he lived his life.  This man was the epitome of a true Patriot giving up millions playing in the NFL to serve our country as an Army Ranger following 9-11.  "Sports embodied many of the qualities I deem meaningful," he said in 2002. "However, these last few years, and especially after recent events, I've come to appreciate just how shallow and insignificant my role is . . . It's no longer important."  What an incredibly selfless person.  It was not only his selflessness that inspired me, it was the way in which he lived his life. 

Pat lived life to the fullest as you will see in the documentary.  So many of us live life in fear, we hold back.  We often forget that life is short and this is our one shot to go for it.  This is how Pat lived his life, if he wanted to accomplish something he went for it, no holding back.  He was also incredibly loyal which is always a trait I admire.  Pat was offered a significant amount of money to play for other NFL teams but he stayed loyal to the Arizona Cardinals because they were the first to take a chance on him in the draft.  Arizona loved Pat and admired all of these extraordinary qualities he possessed.  He lived life with passion, a word and way of life he embodied and embraced.  If you are not passionate in what you do in this life than you are not doing what you are supposed to be doing.  That was his philosophy.

As many of you know, Pat was killed in Afghanistan in 2004.  The circumstances surrounding his death have been full of controversy and investigation.  It is now known that there was a massive cover up on how Pat was killed.  After investigation, it became clear that Pat was killed by friendly fire which is often a heartbreaking reality of war.  However, the fact that his death was covered up was a horrible way to treat this hero and his family.  He paid the ultimate sacrifice in serving our country however his memory will never die.  He left behind an amazing family that has made it their mission to carry on his legacy.  I am so honored to share The Pat Tillman Foundation on MilitaryBridge. 
The Pat Tillman Foundation's Mission

The Pat Tillman Foundation invests in military veterans and their spouses through academic scholarships - building a diverse community of leaders committed to service to others.

The Pat Tillman Foundation was established in 2004 following Pat's death while serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan.

Scholarships awarded annually to veterans, active servicemembers and their spouses via the Tillman Scholars program. Every year, Pat Tillman Foundation receives thousands of applications from military veterans and their spouses nationwide. Up to 60 of the best-poised leaders, who show strength in character, academic excellence and incredible potential, are chosen as Tillman Scholars. They are individuals who will apply the best lessons they’ve learned in life and the military to impact our country for years to come in medicine, business, law, science, education and the arts.  That’s why your support for the Pat Tillman Foundation is more than a gift – it’s an investment.  

Meet the Tillman Scholars

**Applications to become a 2020 Tillman Scholar will open Feb. 1, 2020 and close February 29, 2020 at 11:59p.m. PST.**

Apply To Be A Scholar HERE

Pat's Run is the Pat Tillman Foundation's signature annual fundraising event held every April in Tempe, Arizona and at Shadow Runs and Troop Runs around the world.

Thousands of people have already registered for Pat's Run April 18, 2020! Register today to guarantee your entry - spaces are limited! Sign up for the 4.2 mile race in Tempe, for one of the 25 Honor Runs scheduled throughout the country, or as a Remote Runner in your community at www.PatsRun.com.

There are several ways to be a part of The Pat Tillman Foundation Mission:

Stay Connected

  

Watch the documentary "A Football Life: In memory of Pat Tillman"

#RIP #NeverForget #PatTillman #PatsRun #42

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