&uot;The difference," a colleague said, "Is that he's somebody people know; someone they can relate to. In reality, he's just like all the others who were killed: they all meant something to somebody."

On Saturday, as millions of NFL football fans watched and waited to see if their team would draft a new superstar, America mourned a real hero.

Pat Tillman, a former safety for the Arizona Cardinals, was shot and killed this week in Afghanistan.

Today as football fans second-guess this year's draft picks and begin playing the game of "what if" in preparation for this season, hopefully a few thoughts will turn to Pat Tillman.

The smaller-than-average Tillman wasn't an instant superstar in the NFL. In fact, was drafted in the seventh round in 1998. After working hard on the Cardinals special teams, he earned his spot as the starting safety.

It was a dream come true. Who wouldn't want that? Being an NFL starter brings with it money, adoring fans and prestige.

Young fans look up to you as a hero, for simply doing your job and being athletically talented.

Things were going great for him. In 2000 he made franchise history by breaking its record for tackles.

Then, America's outlook changed on Sept. 11, 2001, and, so did Pat Tillman's.

Eight months after the attacks, Tillman let his heart take over. He walked into his coach's office and walked away from the life of NFL glamour. He traded in his cleats for combat boots and joined the U.S. Army Rangers in the war on terror. The Rangers motto, "Rangers lead the way," tells a little about how treacherous the group's duty can be. These are among the soldiers who are immediately sent to the worst of the fighting. Pat Tillman knew that and understood the risks.

While many of the rest of us complained about extra security and wondered if the White House was handling the war on terror appropriately, Pat Tillman jumped in with both feet.

His story is one that books and films often feature. Interestingly, Tillman went out of his way not to make a fuss. He didn't say a word about his decision publicly, choosing instead to let his actions speak for him.

Tom Brokaw, in a 1998 book, dubbed the phrase "The Greatest Generation" to describe Americans who fought in World War II.

Those men and women helped lead America into a war that ultimately reshaped the world. And they did so in spite of great personal sacrifice.

How many of us would give up a lifetime of dreams to defend their beliefs?

Thousands did so during World War II and thousands are doing so each day today.

Pat Tillman - and all of the other soldiers who have died for our country - may not have fought during World War II, but they are most certainly part of "The Greatest Generation."

And we should remember each and every one of those "great" men and women for what sacrifices they have made.

Kevin Cooper is publisher of The Ironton Tribune. He can be reached at (740) 532-1445 ext. 12 or by e-mail to kevin.cooper@irontontribune.com.