Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman, by Jon Krakauer

A book that changed my perspective on an American hero and an enduring war

Krakauer did a tremendous amount of research to reveal the historical background on Pat Tillman, who went from playing NFL football, giving up a multi-million dollar contract, to become a "friendly fire" statistic in Afghanistan. He also documented the many details of the incident that most people would not be aware of. The book jumps back and forth between recent events to focus on Tillman's life, marriage, and friends concluding with how it was possible for him to be shot by an individual from his own platoon. The biography was vivid and compelling, however the main point of the story could be construed as a sobering story of how powerful people can manipulate the facts to further their own agenda at the expense of individuals.

Everyone who has followed current events over the past five years knows that football hero and soldier Pat Tillman was killed in Afghanistan, and that the military had trouble telling the truth about his death. He had a remarkable life for one who died at age 27. This book will make you angry but you should not be angry with the author but rather with the actions of the military and our government. One fact that I found sobering about the book was the amount of fratricide that occurs in conflicts that is not reported and discussed. Krakauer says thus far in the current Iraq War 41% of U.S. casualties are by "friendly fire". The number was 39% in Vietnam and 52% in Desert Storm. Everyone needs to suspend their political beliefs and just focus on the extraordinary story of Pat and what he did for his country. Then you can ponder who exploited Pat Tillman? Who covered up the facts? And what is the motivation behind the two wars we are now in? The politics behind the story is vital to the context of the story. It's what makes him a tragic hero, and a story that only romanticizes his sacrifice. Those who are truly aware will appreciate this book; those who are not aware of what is going on overseas should read this to become attentive to the situation. It's an engrossing tale that is hard to put down.

Now that you are finished with this book… and this one was a five star… …this next book is double that: Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10, by Marcus Luttrell.

The book review on this one will be completed soon… and it reads perfectly after reading Krakauer.