MWC Barnes Regional Park Hosts First Annual 'Pat's Run'

This past Wednesday was the 11th anniversary of the death of Pat Tillman. Saturday, Midwest City's Barnes Regional Park hosted the first-annual “Pat's Run”.

Pat Tillman was an Arizona State University Scholar Athlete, who was also an All-Pro Safety in the National Football League. However, instead of signing a nearly $4 million contract extension, Tillman enlisted in the Army after the 9-11 Terror Attacks.

Tragically, Pat Tillman was killed by “friendly fire” during a firefight in the mountains of Afghanistan on April 22, 2004.

His legacy created “The Tillman Foundation.” That organization funds scholarships for families of military members, amongst other things.

Midwest City was one of 36 cities nationwide Saturday that hosted “Pat's Run.”

“It's so important to show his story and tell his story because he really lived a phenomenal life,” said ASU alumnus and Oklahoma City resident Justin Wilmeth. “For somebody to give up millions of dollars and the glory of the NFL to go serve our country, regardless of how he died, the fact is that he served our country.”

Controversy surrounded Tillman's death. U.S. Military leaders initially tried to cover up the fact Tillman was killed by American gunfire. However, that failed to tarnish anything about Tillman's legacy, which should never be forgotten.