As a society and within the media, the word "hero" is used too frequently. In sports, a "hero" is someone who won a game in spectacular or dramatic fashion. On the cover of Sports Illustrated was Tom Brady, after having won his second Super Bowl in three years. The headline was "The Hero (Again)." Not to dismiss the accomplishments of Tom Brady on the football field, but he's no hero.

Pat Tillman is a "hero." A true hero. The firefighters and police officers who risked and gave their lives on September 11, 2001, are "heroes."

By now, most of the U.S. has heard the story of Pat Tillman: a soldier who was a millionaire football player and decided to serve his country after the horrific events of 9/11. Not only did Tillman forfeit his $3 million p/yr salary, he forfeited the opportunity to become an officer within the military, which was Tillman's right by way of earning his college degree.

Pat Tillman was better than most of us. He gave everything that he had to offer his family & country. May there be more like him and may his family & friends have our nation's deepest sympathy.