Pat Tillman's Brother: 'I Wish He Would've Lit These F--king Idiots Up'. The award was presented to Tillman's family a week later in San Jose, just days before the memorial service. are not protected by an attorney-client privilege and are instead governed by our Privacy Policy. COVID-19 Tip: If you're speaking at a virtual funeral using a service like GatheringUs, make sure you know how much time you'll have to speak. And whatever they had to do to sell that story, truth be damned. LinkedIn. So they told me their version at the time of what happened, which is the heroic tale that they initially came out with. You want to make sure everyone feels as though they have been warmly welcomed to join in and mourn together. Tillman's family has long been upset about the lies told following his death. O. W. Wiley Mortuary ~ Marie's Chapel 1290 Pinemont Dr, Houston, TX 77018, Houston Memorial Gardens 2426 Cullen Blvd, Pearland, TX 77581. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld wrote a personal letter to him after he enlisted in the Army, members of the Tillman family told ESPN.com; so he was on the political radar as a high-profile recruit long before he was killed in Afghanistan. Set the Tone for a Funeral with Your Opening Remarks, If you need more help with planning a funeral or memorial service, read our guides on. Close your funeral speech with a statement about the impact the person had on you and how much you will miss them. During a separate interview with investigators, Saunders, the company commander, said when he arrived at the scene of the battle early on the morning after Tillman died, he was told fratricide was suspected. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. Finally, his voice cracking with emotion, White painted the battlefield picture with brushstrokes that made Tillman's action so valorous as to be worthy of a Silver Star, one of the Army's most distinguished awards. Officer involved in investigation, In the fall of 2004, at a ceremony at Sun Devil Stadium in which Tillman's Arizona Cardinals jersey was retired, the president delivered a video message on the stadium's giant screen. I was furious at the time. Hes not religious so, thanks for your thoughts, but hes fucking dead.. Its a very disturbing film to watchinfuriating in factand Jon Krakauers book, Where Men Win Glory, presents the story in excruciating detail in a compelling narrative. How pathetic. Thats why, when he did have something to say, we listened. But he never let me down. But as we grew up, we began to understand his wit and laugh at the things he said. He taught me how to think critically, and not to take things at face value. Just make no mistake, hed want me to say this. But that intent, if it existed, wasn't executed. I fell in love with the language on a different level thanks to him. Menu. He died in April 2004 as a result of friendly fire, but a military cover-up initially hid Tillman's true cause of death to promote the narrative that he was killed by enemy fire. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Stephen endeared himself to me even more when we became parents. It made things interesting. Chicago Sun-Times Homepage. Richard Tillman at Pat's funeral on "Real Time With Bill Maher". My mother was a phenomenal woman who possessed reserves of strength and patience that seemed to be infinite. That policy and oversight review, which has been under way for nearly a year, might be the Tillmans' last and best hope. I said, 'Does that sound accurate?' She never met a stranger: everyone was always immediately a potential new friend. Eight Carefully Crafted Emails for Your Last Day at Work. Wake up to the day's most important news. Im proud to have called this incredibly special man my brother. Ranger with Tillman on ridgeline But looking out at everyone here today, I see so many people Rebecca loved. This includes deciding who will be saying a funeral speech at the funeral service. Though she had been ill for some time she was not sad, nor did she fear death. Richard R Tillman. That may make him sound like he was distant, but nothing could be further from the truth. William Saunders acknowledged providing the information needed for Tillman's recommendation, stating "we became aware that his death was a possible fratricide" before its submission. Pat Tillman died more than six years ago in Afghanistan, but his death remains a flash point to this day. Its pretty hard to get your head around that., Host: So you suspect thats probably the reason this thing [the familys persistence in getting to the bottom of Pats death] is running on., Kauzlarich: I think so. You want to make sure everyone feels as though they have been warmly welcomed to join in and mourn together. All Rights Reserved. But she hoped that our grief would be tempered by remembering that she has gone to a better place. He was a caring brother whod do anything to protect me. Loss is hard. At the time of Tillman's death, the administration was dealing with a series of distressing public images that were shaping a negative perception of the war. Here well share some tips on writing opening remarks for a funeral service. Richard Tillman's statement is probably the most true thing said about Pat at that funeral and he definitely represented his brother's memory and legacy the way it should be, the REAL Pat Tillman. One of my favorite memories of David is the one-and-only time my mother asked him to water her indoor plants. Richard Darrell Tillman -- Funeral services were held at 10 am on Saturday, July 30, 2005 from the chapel of Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. A unique and lasting tribute for a loved one. Like me, I know you all will continue keeping him in your heart today and always., Funeral opening remarks are almost akin to a. . "Just a lot of like a panic to cover up. Theyre also in mourning. My father was a quiet man. The question is, what does he know and when did he know it.". 2005-2023, Media Research Center. He said, 'Absolutely. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. subject to our Terms of Use. of an actual attorney. In his interview with Maher, Richard elaborated: I dont go into your church and say this is bullshit, so dont come to my brothers service and tell me that hes with god., Thanks Lauren Morrell. In battle, he had never lost a soldier under his command until the day Pat Tillman was killed by friendly fire in southeastern Afghanistan. The last thing I imagined myself doing today was delivering the eulogy at my mothers funeral. Many users would be better served consulting an attorney than using a do-it-yourself online For more information, please see our Our post-loss checklistcan help you face and overcome those challenges, whether they're legal, financial, or personal. Obituaries Section. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. I wish he didn't have so much character, and he would've shot his own guys.". Adams-Green Funeral Home & Crematory 721 Elden Street | Herndon, VA 20170 P: (703) 437-1764 or (703) 471-4090 | E: bill@adamsgreen.com TILLMAN, Rev. Among the Army officials gathered that afternoon to mourn and celebrate Pat Tillman, listening to the heroic story and offering condolences to the family, was Lt. Gen. Philip Kensinger Jr. of the U.S. Army. But you must be able to get through the speech you have prepared. "And I would be more than surprised if this isn't a discussion that reached the president himself, considering the fact that he himself expressed regrets. Tell a story about the person if you feel its applicable. And he called me, devastated -- 'What is going on?' How inconvenient. Tillman was the NFL star who gave it all up to join the military cause in Afghanistan after being inspired by 9/11 to do something for his country. "Once we were on vacation in a city wed never been to, and we still managed to run into someone Marian knew. 01 A good funeral speech starts with an introduction. . Cake values integrity and transparency. In the transcript of his interview with Army investigators, the officer who wrote the recommendation acknowledged he purposely massaged the wording to be vague. We survived high school together. December 15, 2020 Sample remarks for a religious funeral "Thessalonians 4:13 reads, 'Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.' During the interview he discusses the military cover-up and murder conspiracy theories revolving around his brother Pats death. Richard E., departed this life December 31, 2007. By clicking "Accept", you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. "With rare exceptions, Silver Stars are not awarded for friendly fire incidents," said Thomas Jones, chief of the Army's freedom of information and privacy act program. But I will treasure the years I had with her in my heart for the rest of my life. I didn't think it was my responsibility to go up to them and say, 'Hey, you know, this is a possible friendly fire.' I wish Id had more time with her, I really do. 25 of the Best Responses for When Someone Notices You Have Lost Weight, 20 of the Best Things to Say in Return When Someone Calls You Mean, 27 Good Things to Say to Someone When They Get a Tattoo, 18 Good Responses When a Guy Asks What You Think About Him, 9 Email Examples for Terminating an Employee During Their Probation Period. He was always interested in what was going on in our lives and was extraordinarily proud of our achievements. Any information you provide to Cake, and all communications between you and Cake, He was the loving husband of the late Marilyn C. Lyn (DeLooze) Tillman who passed in 2017. 40 Best Examples for a Thank You Note to Teacher. It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish. I couldnt have asked for a better father for my children. What are some ways that people generally open speeches at events? We went to different colleges after high school and the careers and lives we pursued after our studies were poles apart. In an interview with ESPN.com, White said he was spoon-fed that story by an Army representative just an hour or so before he took the stage, draped with American flags that gently swayed in the afternoon breeze, for the memorial service. He picked them up when they fell or failed. and our Sergeant firing at Afghan fighter I found the following exchange to be among the most disturbing things in the entire film that was missed by most reviewers, starting in reference to the grieving Tillman family who were at the time vigorously pursuing an investigation into Pats death and the government cover up of it: Kauzlarich: These people are having a hard time letting it go. Though it rushed to award the Silver Star in time for Tillman's memorial service, the Army took another three weeks to tell his family that Pat's death was the result of fratricide. The two of them have pored over the documents given the Tillman family by the Army, weighing explanations and possibilities and talking about the inconsistencies in the Army's version of events. And he wonders whether he was set up to tell the phony story. It took us a while to grasp it because, as children, we didnt get it. She would turn her mind to an obstacle and work on it until shed overcome it. It only takes 5 minutes. Id like to start by offering Johns family my sincerest condolences. Lives in Pensacola, Florida. Like our page to stay informed about passing of a loved one in Richmond, Virginia on facebook. There is no mention in the documents of even a single bullet hole discovered in any of the Ranger vehicles on the scene. Adapt those rules to the situation. She graduated from McKinley High School in 1950 and attended Indiana University. Two years after Tillman's death, the perspectives on the circumstances are still very much at odds and the story is still very much alive. Now that weve seen some examples of opening remarks, lets break down how to write them. He let me cry on his shoulder when I went through my first break-up. Hes left a gap in our lives that we cant even begin to contemplate filling. True to form, David came up with a plan to make the job easier. Richard Tillman appeared on Real Time With Bill Maher on September 24, 2010. But you may have had a harder time finding a comprehensive guide on writing opening remarks. Here we share some examples: Thessalonians 4:13 reads, Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope., "Anyone who knew my mother quickly learned that she was a woman of deep and abiding faith. What this knucklehead nincompoop is saying is that if the Tillman family were good Christians they would have gone along with the patriotic platitudes of the military in assuaging everyones grief by pretending that it was all done in the name of god and country. Even if your speech doesnt go perfectly, people wont mind. There were crushes and boyfriends that caused heartache and heartbreak. This link will open in a new window. She was always comforting others, even when it probably should have been the other way around. Maher Praises Pat Tillman Brother Richards Rip Against Religion fro, As the actor Richard Tillman brother of former Army Ranger and former NFL player Pat Tillman appeared as a guest on HBOs Real Time with Bill Maher on Fridaypromoting the film "The Tillman Story"about his brothersdeath in Afghanistan, host Maher played a clip from Pat Tillmans funeral in which Richard Tillman mocked the religious references made at the funeral by speakers Maria Shriver. "He couldn't go forward to do what he intended to do because he was pinned down," Kauzlarich said in his interview with investigators. Ultimately, perhaps early this fall, the inspector general is expected to make recommendations based on his office's investigation. As the actor Richard Tillman - brother of former Army Ranger and former NFL player Pat Tillman - appeared as a guest on HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher on Friday promoting the film "The Tillman Story" about his brother's death in Afghanistan, host Maher played a clip from Pat Tillman's funeral in which Richard Tillman mocked the religious references made at the funeral by speakers . Sympathy Ideas . My sister Marian has always been a gregarious and outgoing person. She was always willing to step up and help people in need. The importance of saying "I love you" during COVID-19, Effective ways of dealing with the grieving process, Solutions to show your sympathy safely during the Covid-19 pandemic. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. This isnt surprising to me. 02 You can tell the congregation who you are and what your relationship is to the deceased. Legacy.com reports daily on death announcements in local communities nationwide. You had a special man in your midst, and Im cant imagine the depth of loss you must feel. The . That was my mother in a nutshell. Here are some examples of a funeral speech that celebrates the deceaseds life but at the same time expresses the grief of the speaker. Legacy invites you to offer condolences and share memories of Richard in the Guest Book below. And he deserves the truth, period. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. He was right by my side working so hard to help me, even though Im sure the last thing he felt like doing was revamping the patio. Ill never forget the look on my mothers face and the mischievous grin on Davids. But Congressmen Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) and Honda, who represents the Tillmans' home district, were quick to respond. In an effort to shed light on how Tillman died and whether there was an attempt to use his good name and valor for political purposes, ESPN.com has interviewed more than 50 Army officials, politicians, and medical and military experts, plus nine of the 35 Rangers who were engaged in the firefight. In an interview as well as an investigation document, Lt. Col. Ralph Kauzlarich, the Ranger regiment executive officer in Afghanistan, said Tillman wasn't the only man positioned along the ridgeline to engage the enemy and take pressure off the second group. Tillman, the president said that night, "was modest because he knew there were many like him making their own sacrifices.". "And is there a possibility that something far worse occurred? Richard Ronald Tillman "Billy" entered into eternal rest on Saturday, June 18, 2022. Brownlee, now retired from the Army, said he has not read Jones' findings. If youve been asked to speak at a funeral, remember that everyone is in the same boat as you are. Richard Tillman on his brother Pats death: Hes not with God. This link will open in a new window. The right words can even help bring closure or comfort to grieving loved ones. That he got that for doing what he did.". The lives of our children and their achievements gave Stephen an enormous amount of satisfaction. Funeral Service will be Live-Streamed on Saturday July 2, 2022 - 2:00 PM EST. It can be nerve-wracking to stand in front of a group of people and give a speech. Nine days after Tillman died, at the May 1, 2004, White House Correspondents' Association dinner, Bush said the death of Tillman "brought home the sorrow that comes with every loss and reminds us of the character of the men and women who serve on our behalf." And others like to get right to the point of what theyll be saying. As a husband, Stephen was supportive of everything I did. She didnt make it easy. If youre grieving, your creative well may feel like it has run dry. "They wanted me to let everyone know he was being awarded the Silver Star, posthumously, and all that," said White, a senior chief petty officer who instructs Navy SEALs in urban warfare. If you want to relate a situation or event that occurred in the deceaseds life, do so tastefully. Milne wrote, If there ever comes a day when we cant be together, keep me in your heart, Ill stay there forever. Having to say goodbye to someone you love is always difficult. Public speaking is a real challenge for many people. If a eulogy is on the schedule for later in the ceremony, you shouldnt give much biographical background on the deceased, as it might end up being repeated later. They [said], 'Absolutely not; we're all on the same team, yada, yada, yada. Whenever Id get angry or upset with him for whatever reason Id always wind up laughing because he could always make me see the funny side of it. Brent Bozell Slams Media at CPAC: No Longer Liberal, They're Marxist! Janet was an exemplary student. Ive learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. My cousin Rebecca was one of those people who always made people feel loved and welcomed. He sacrificed so much for his country, and then the government turns around and uses him for propaganda. From the outset, David stood out as an individual. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Richard Tillman (Houston, Texas), who passed away at the age of 66, on December 15, 2020. Shed open those beautiful big brown eyes and remind me that she was my flesh and blood. He also had some choice words about religion. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. Echovita offers a solidarity program that gives back the funds generated to families. Look at what just happened; and even worse, we did it to ourselves.' Richard Scott fratricide was suspected when Scott, another company commander within Kauzlarich's regiment, was assigned the initial inquiry. 40 Thank You Dad Messages Every Dad Will Appreciate. According to Army regulations, the Silver Star is to be awarded for "gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States. RICHARD TILLMAN, PAT TILLMAN'S BROTHER: Yes, I'm not just going to sit up here and break down on you. You cannot afford to break down and cry in the moment. Search by Name. Only Tillman. One of my fondest memories of my mother is watching her sit down and relax after a long day. I thought your rank deserved it and anticipated something different from the new and improved investigation. Tillman died on the scene after being struck by three shots to the head. And he wonders whether he was set up to tell the phony story. One example of this is a funeral speech. He encouraged them to keep going. We have to ask these questions. We'll help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out. Cake offers its users do-it-yourself online forms to complete their own wills and A funeral speech is difficult to deliver if youre feeling over-emotional. Lives in Fort Worth, Texas. "That degrades the award. A unique and lasting tribute for a loved one. Having a little sister who wanted to tag along was, at times, infuriating. He could have stayed in a protective position. "So some of the (earlier) verbiage describes the actions in combat fighting an enemy. The remains of American contractors working in Iraq, strung up in Fallujah, appeared in photographs and on news reports three weeks before; and "60 Minutes II" prepared to broadcast photos just six days later depicting abuse by U.S. soldiers working as guards in Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison. Be open and sincere about what their presence means for you. But that version wasn't a part of the story White told at the memorial service. He seldom said much. Your opening remarks dont have to be even that long. Hed have given anyone the shirt off his back. Anytime shed open those beautiful big brown eyes of hers, silently reminding me that she was my flesh and blood, I couldnt stay angry with her. But sitting down to write down what you want to say may feel overwhelming. I summarized it and read it back. For example, generally people know ahead of time if theyre going to a celebration of life service as opposed to a more traditional funeral. You can refer to them by name, and you can also mention your relationship with them for anyone who doesnt know. Leave your condolences to the family on this memorial page or send flowers to show you care. Saying goodbye to someone as young as Remy is even more challenging. In fact, there were times I had to ask him to be a bit more hands-off so that I could get to my babies! If you're hosting the funeral, you can work with GatheringUs to create a detailed itinerary that you'll follow on the day. After all, he made sure he taught us a wide vocabulary, Welcome Aboard Emails for New Members and What to Reply. And my guess is that Secretary Rumsfeld is well-advised on this. He made the written word come alive in class. But Pat Tillman wasn't just any Ranger. When you sit down to decide what youre going to say in your eulogy speech, there are a few factors you need to take into consideration. The Navy SEAL said he is embarrassed by his words now. " Brownlee said. Chicago Sun-Times. Public speaking can be anxiety-inducing even for professionals. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? Today, we gather together to remember Remy and the light he brought into our lives. On a parallel path, Patrick K. Tillman, Pat's father and a San Jose attorney, sent an angry letter in April 2005 to Brig. He frets about the additional pain his speech might have caused Tillman's family just two weeks after Pat's death. In June 2005, Tillman's father passionately condemned an army investigator, writing, "I assume, therefore, that you are part of this shameless bullshit. The most recent obituary and service information is available at the Kuiper Funeral Home website. In fact, right now, thats the place I wish I was more than anything else. You have funeral questions, we have answers. Today, we gather together to remember Remy and the light he brought into our lives. tax-deductible. This will make them feel less like an audience, and more like they are part of a meaningful occasion. Richard Tillman. As the Defense Department Inspector General's Office nears the completion of yet another investigation into Tillman's death, many very important questions remain unanswered. At Cake, we help you create one for free. We, her children, were her pride and joy; she regarded us as the greatest accomplishment of her life. Four congressmen sent a bipartisan letter to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld expressing concerns that the Army place a priority in getting to the truth regarding Pat Tillman's death. White, it turns out, was telling it like it wasn't. But it's unclear whether he did anything more courageous than what any of the other Rangers who were positioned along the southeastern Afghanistan ridgeline near the border with Pakistan did. "My recollection was that [Tillman] exposed himself and was waving his arms and I think popping a purple signal grenade trying to get the fire off him," said Brownlee, himself the recipient of two Silver Stars, three Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. During the interview he discusses the military cover-up and murder conspiracy theories revolving around his brother Pat's death. Would you like to contribute to this photo album? And delivering even a brief speech when youre in mourning can be extremely challenging. He may not have known it, but John fulfilled an important role in my life. When the firing stopped, Tillman was dead. Lives in Deltona, Florida. White told them all how his war-hero buddy had been killed two weeks earlier in the mountains of Afghanistan during an epic fight against the Taliban. She made everyone feel not just good, but also important or valued. The names of soldiers and officers involved in the battle and subsequent investigations have been redacted by the Army, but through extensive interviews and reporting, ESPN.com has been able to confirm the identities of many of the individuals referred to in the documents, including those who played the principal roles. Tillman was an NFL star who gave up his promising and lucrative career to join the Army in 2002, just months after the September 11 attacks. He later added, "In sum: Fuck you and yours. My sister Janet never met a challenge she didnt conquer. According to Spc. Authorize the publication of the original written obituary with the accompanying photo. The Army began crafting Tillman's Silver Star application in the days just after his death; and according to transcripts of investigation witness statements, top Army officials already suspected fratricide when they wrote it. What is the relationship between yourself and the deceased? My mother was the heart of our home, the center of our universe, and the greatest example of unconditional love we couldve hoped to have. White, a Navy SEAL, thought he was telling it like it was to the 2,000 or so people gathered in the California sun and to a television audience watching ESPN's live coverage of the memorial service for Tillman on May 3, 2004. Really sorry for the long story, hope it was worth the read. "I wanted to have an idea of what happened. The name of the person who directed this high-ranking officer to put Tillman in for the Silver Star is redacted from the document. Uthault also was shot on April 22, 2004, and the platoon leader now calls coping with the aftermath of the incident "the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with.". "Courageous and humble, a loving husband and son, a devoted brother and a fierce defender of liberty. Sometimes it helps to remove the word funeral from the equation and think of it in more general terms. We believe reflecting on our mortality can help us lead more meaningful lives. We laughed and cried together so many times. If youre making opening remarks, make sure they fit in with the overall tone of the service. ", In retrospect, White wonders whether Army officials were covering for themselves by not coming forward with the real story, or even the suspicion, of friendly fire. That meant that she had very little time to herself. "Is this the Army covering up, for political or public relations purposes, this possible fratricide?" He was a hardworking man who set a great example for my siblings and me. In a video clip aired on the show, his response to comments made at his brothers funeral by Maria Shriver and John McCain, in which they envision Pat having gone to a heaven overseen by a loving god, is particularly powerful. I took those lessons to heart. Sometimes the hardest part is just getting started. We use ads to keep our content free for you. According to a transcript from the Army's November 2004 investigation, Kauzlarich said he believes it was Tillman's "intent" to take his team, which consisted of an Afghan fighter and a young Ranger soldier, Spc. And that is one of the things the investigation is going to get after.". I dont know how an atheist thinks, but I can only imagine that that would be pretty tough. In another transcript obtained by ESPN.com, an unidentified high-ranking Army officer who claimed credit for writing the Silver Star citation said he learned of the possibility of fratricide on the morning of April 25. In answer to the second question, a sergeant in Tillman's platoon who spoke to ESPN.com on condition of anonymity, said, "Well, of course not.". Shed always be knitting or sewing or making something that we needed. Some have a more somber tone, while others take on a more celebratory bent. The MRC is a research and education organization operating under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and contributions to the MRC are tax-deductible. This is about Pat Tillman. Richards take on religion is particularly passionate.