Some have come out asking for the draft claiming only the poor and the stupid serve. Well, Pat Tillman gave up a 3.6 million dollar contract with the Arizona Cardinals to become a U.S. Army Ranger. Today, the Pentagon has confirmed he died in an ambush in Afghanistan.
Hundreds of heroes have given their lives in this war on terror, for our country and for others. On my way back from buying lunch, I heard Rush read from this article in the Chicago Tribune (requires registration but it’s worth it). Marine Lance Cpl. Phil Frank, age 20, was killed in Iraq in early April. When his parents were asked by a reporter if they thought their son had died in vain, his father responded:
“The only circumstance I could ever imagine where I could say that I believe my son died in vain is if the United States turned around from that country and did not complete the mission to free those people and to make that government independent.”
Anyway, I’ve been slack on my blogger duties, as there has been a big movement in the blogosphere to raise money for Spirit of America which is trying to help Marines help Iraqi kids in the Sunni triangle and other things as well (like fighting anti-American propaganda in Iraq). I missed out on Lt. Smash’s auction, but here is one from John of Argghhh, auctioning off a GAU-8 Avenger cannon round to raise for Spirit of America. If someone knows a link to a central hub for all these fundraising activities, please tell me so I can add it to this post.
Spirit of America is also in my blogads (they paid for it, but I’ll donate back the cost of the ad plus). You can go ahead and click on it to make a tax deductible donation.
I’m in a serious mood now, so Frank Answers™ will have to wait for another time. If anyone has anymore suggestions of how this blog can do a little to help our troops, please tell me.
Two words: Hero and Integrity
You’re doing a good job, Frank J. Keep up the effort. Humor in these times is more valuable than ever.
God bless this country..and all the men and women who are willing to die for it.
Lots of Auctions Frank. I think John at Arrrgh! Has the most consice list.
Rosemary is offering a peek at her scrumptious assets.
Michelle is offering herself in Mets Gear
I’m offering blackmail pictures of myself.
Smash is now offering Playing Cards.
Tammi at Road Warriors has somethig up her sleeve but isn’t telling!
–Another sad part of all this is that it is so unusual and so shocking that he decided to serve.
–In WWII, the ranks of our military were swelling with Hollywood stars, rich people, and professional athletes. They got it. We don’t get it now.
–God bless Pat Tillman, his family, and everyone else who is putting it on the line.
–And may God smite those who are destroying the good that this country is trying to do. (I don’t think He is into “Smiting” much anymore… but I sure wish He would reconsider.
)
Devil Dog – God made the American military to do His smiting.
What hollywood Stars do you think would serve Devil Dog? None. They’re all too busy trying to tell other people how they should live.
and I agree with rockynoggin…. god just handed his smiting job down to the US Military. With all our amazing smiting power, why not? Whos next eh!?
There’s already talk here in Phoenix that the Cardinals should name their new stadium in Tillman’s honor.
–I agree that our military can and probably is an instrument of His smiting.
–I was referring, though, to the “enemy within”… and, as much as we may want to, I don’t think they’re going to let my Marine Corps smite Hollywood and Boston (or wherever the hell Kennedy and Kerry are).
They have all the flags here on campus (ASU) at half-mast today.
That, and I was thinking Tillman Field would be nice for the new Cards stadium. With their record and performance, they’re going to need a corporate name on the stadium simply for the money, but the field itself should be up for grabs.
On a lighter note, I hope they’re only auctioning off a training round for that GAU-8. You wouldn’t want to scare any leftist in the neighborhood with the DU boogeyman.
Very sad about Tillman – what an amazing American.
Good for you Frank – we can all do something. I’ve donated, and this weekend, me and my band are playing a ‘welcome home’ gig for about 300 soldiers from the 4th ID and their families (we live close to Ft. Hood).
It isn’t much, but it’s a chance to say “thank you” and have some fun.
Thanks to all those brave soldiers that risk their lives each and everyday to protect us…..and those people who constantly give them flak can go f**** themselves.
Frank, I just used payPal to send something to Spirit of America. Thanks for the heads up.
Pat Tillman’s death is going to get a lot of media coverage because of his celebrity and what he gave up for the cause, but everyone who has died overseas and everyone who is now serving there is a hero and full of the same spirit and integrity. I know it sounds obvious to say it, but in the trumpets of salutes to Pat Tillman, let’s not lose sight of the rest.
We won’t forget the rest – and it’s because of men like Pat Tillman that they will be remembered by the whimpering press.
We are actually having a sort of a contest of bloggers who are donating to Spirit of America.
There are three groups – Castle Argghhh’s Fighting Fusiliers For Freedom, The Victory Coalition and the Liberty Alliance
To join in the fun – donate here.
Pat Tillman defines the word patriot.
The sacrifices of men like Tillman are amazing. What an honor to have them fighting for our country.
I mean no disrespect by this post, so please don’t take it that way, but take a quick look at Ebay and search for “Pat Tillman.” There are Tillman rookie cards bring upwards of five figures. FIVE FIGURES. It’s rather ironic that the guy who gave up money for principle has become such a hot commodity in his death.
You’re right dviant & devil dawg – where are the Glenn Millers of our day? We know of at least one now in Pat Tillman.
My thoughts and prayers are with all the families of our soldiers. I don’t have the words to express how grateful I am for heroes like Pat Tillman, and all the other people who gave and who give for my security and freedom.
I just found out the other day that my cousin Eric is slated for deployment in the next 2 weeks, and while the media thinks that one has to give up millions to inspire, they miss out on all of those people like my cousin who inspire me. Not for what they give up to serve us, but why they choose to give. Go kick some ass Eric, I pray for a speedy return when your misson is completed.
Operation Gratitude Sending Care Packages to U.S. Troops Overseas, reaching thousands of American Troops stationed or deployed overseas.
As you previously linked
(You’re GREAT, Frank my best Edie Gorme imitation)
e-Claire and ME are matching donations dollar for dollar if you e-mail us your donation receipt (sans personal information, of course) and judge our Freak out Falluja insurgent taunting contest.
Make us go broke!
I’m even going to auction off an official Baath party notecard a soldier pal sent me!
(he sent me two, I’m not that altruistic:)
If you are part of an alliance (well, even if you aren’t), you could put the word out you were going to raffle something off to the person who pledges to donate the most to SOA…
not sure what would get the most response, a personalized taunt at one’s enemies, a la know thy enemy, an offer to taunt someone’s line of thinking, like the limey’s, or some of the other day’s targets. Maybe a member of one of your fan clubs could be given space to reply to one of your orders? (you could post it in code, of course)
Err.. that’s about all I can think of, at the moment.
You know, if you guys wanna be really offended, check out WND.com and look for an economist named Doug Casey – he thinks (and op-eds) that the military ARE the Scum of the Earth – ignorant, lower class, etc, etc (don’t just read one, read em all). I lambasted the editor, but it turns out that because he contributes major bucks, he gets a say.
Pat Tillman was the best our country had to offer, along with my nephew Brent, who serves in the same outfit. These are the kind of young men we can ill afford to lose and yet so often do.
Former Sgt. William Myers (USA)