Dedicated to the Armed Forces serving our country and to the firends and families supporting our troops

The news will show Pat Tillman's pictures all weekend. Americans will grieve for one lost soldier. In our mass-media society, our celebrity fixation will cause Americans to focus on the loss of a solider who also is an ex-Arizona State University Sun Devil and ex-Arizona Cardinal.

But the NFL's loss is also America's loss. Pat Tillman is not the only American lost in action Thursday. In fact, just today five more soliders lost their lives in a bombing attack. Articles on Tillmans' death leave out one important detail: What about Tillman's combat patrol? This shows our typical fascination with the individual celebrity. But Pat Tillman would not want it that way. Pat avoided celebrity based on his decision to serve our country.

I want to publicly thank Pat Tillman and his comrades in arms. There are many serving with Pat Tillman. Thank you, Pat!

Today as Pat's name is discussed on NFL Draft shows and SportsCenters across the world, keep Pat's teammates in mind. The military, like the Arizona Cardinals, is a team name. When I see a solider I thank them personally. Those in uniform have my eternal respect because they are doing something I am not. Remember, Pat is part of a military. I know Pat would want us to remember himself and his compatriots.

I think losing Pat is tragic but I also think each and every loss is a sad moment. Every day the news reports any injuries and deaths by our team and each day I curse each loss.

Pat will get some press because he gave up professional football to serve our country. He turned down 3.6 million dollars for a belief. I think each report, message, and conversation discussing the loss of Pat is also a message for each and every soldier who is injured or lost to war.

Thank you Pat for your service and thank you to every soldier who is in harms way. Thanks also to all those supporting soldiers. I've sent two care packages to show a fraction of how much I appreciate their service.

Ram on,
Don
Don, the Rams Nation columnist can be contacted at Don@RamsNation.org.