22. Where Men Win Glory

22. Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman -         by Jon Krakauer

In an odd way I was lucky not to have known about Pat Tillman until just a few weeks ago (it’s June 2012). Despite my friends wondering which rock I had been hiding under, being clueless meant I was unhindered by the rumors and conspiracies which surround Tillman. As I would soon find out he is not considered the quintessential American hero by all.

The book thrilled me almost immediately as it described the complexities of warring in the Hindu Kush area of Afghanistan by describing its topography and using precise maps. He is also quick to point out how such an immense enemy arose, with a summary of its progenitors and catalysts, including references to another recent read, The Looming Tower by Lawrence Wright.

The Soviets had become stuck in this quagmire for most of the 80’s thanks to Afghan guerilla tactics and support from the U.S. and Saudi Arabia (through Pakistan). Support which included bucket loads of cash and weapons like the shoulder-mounted grenade launcher that turned the fight for the skies over Afghanistan. As per usual, Krakauer is a dispassionate narrator and prefers to hold up events for the reader’s examination rather than tint them with his own light.

The background provided on the region’s history, the events leading up to the twin wars and then the unfolding calamities were superbly detailed and a powerful reminder of our recent history. We forget all too quickly why there are such limited options in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and instead like to tell ourselves –and each other – that “the solution is simple: just pull out.” The reality of it is far more convoluted.

Importantly, and presciently, Krakauer spends a good deal of time running through Pakistan’s role in the Taliban and continued conflict. From the inner make-up of sympathizers in the upper reaches of the ISI (Intelligence Services Agency), Pakistan’s intelligence agency, to the Frontier troops who patrol the “Zero line” dividing Afghanistan and Pakistan, Krakauer examines the chances for a turnaround and finds it bleak. This was written in 2009 so it makes one wonder how on earth relations between any two of the myriad entangled “frenemies” hasn’t erupted. Also consider, as Krakauer points out, that Bush ordered unilateral strikes on Pakistan without prior permission from Pakistan’s government or military. At that point it was thought that troops would be going over and engaging, then came the drones…

Pat’s enthralling tale is heroic and a breaking of the mould. He is not the stereotypical jock even though he is a champion athlete and handsome young man. His pivotal moment is a fight outside of a late night restaurant frequented by New Almaden (near San Jose, CA) high school students. In a rare act of rash rage, he assaults a boy who he perceives to have beaten up his close friend. He pummels the guy to within an inch of his life, ignoring the pleas of the boy’s friends to stop. Afterwards, having not apologized because of his dad’s advice not to admit guilt, he is sentenced to 2 months of juvenile detention. It is life-changing for the graduating football star and almost cuts down his chance of joining a division 1 football team at Arizona State University.

With his life put in perspective by, he begins to better himself through reading and keeping a journal. It is through these that Krakauer is able to reveal some of Pat’s most intimate ideas on life, religion and morality. For instance, Pat writes that is important to have “faith in oneself”, to “do good, influence lives, show truth and right.” He is not scared of death and will “cross that bridge when [he] comes to it.” He doubts there is an afterlife.

Pat Tillman is a truly remarkable human being who deliberately asked not to be revered for the sacrifice he made: joining the army after 9/11 rather than take a $3.6 million NFL contract. In the end, he is killed by friendly-fire in the Khost region of Afghanistan, near the since-named Forward Operating Base Tillman (FOB Tillman), and posthumously used by the army and government to draw attention from the atrocities of Abu Graib. It is testimony to his indefatigable character (and spirited family) that, even after lies and conspiracies were spun around him, he is untarnished and stands as an Übermensch among heroes.