Gym Cracks By Jim May 10, 2004 MORE LIKE PAT Former NFL player Pat Tillman led exemplary life, military service inspires By Jim (Babe) Berryman MissingNebraska.com So much has been written about Pat Tillman, I was reluctant to do so. Still, I think about this man most everyday. I think it is time to add a few words of my own. Tillman and some seven hundred others have paid the extreme sacrifice for their country. Many other soldiers will have life-long disabilities. Sociologists report we are a product of our environment. Why was Tillman so different than many others, including current and past national leaders? He didn't flee to England to study at a prestigious university. Nor did he apply for numerous deferments to avoid the draft. He didn't use political clout to hide in a branch of the service to avoid service combat. Tillman gave up a lucrative contract, reportedly $3.6 million for three years, to serve his country. It's hard for an individual like to me to fathom. I spent two years in the army during peacetime. Etched in my memory are basic training night maneuvers. One exercise was crawling under barbed wire with a machine gun firing, reportedly blanks, well above our heads. As trainees would look skyward, they could see the tracers. This was scary stuff for a 18-year old. I can't imagine what combat must be like. I have the opportunity to provide the Memorial Day tribute for deceased veterans this year at the Greeley, Nebraska Cemetery. Pat Tillman's name will be mentioned. Tillman's environment--including parents, church, schools, friends. teammates--apparently all helped in the formation of the psychic of this patriotic individual. America needs more of his ilk. Post/Read Feedback PREVIOUS GYM CRACKS: Click Here