Posted by DEAN SKIP RUTHERFORD – Marie Tillman, the wife of Army Ranger and Arizona Cardinal Pat Tillman, spoke at the Clinton School last night. She was accompanied by her brother-in-law, Alex Garwood. Marie and Alex head up the Tillman Foundation which was established after Pat’s death from friendly fire while serving our country in Afghanistan. It was Marie’s first speech since Pat’s death, and we were highly honored that she came to the Clinton School for it. Her speech, as one might expect, has received national and international media attention.
The Tillman Foundation has established an undergraduate leadership program at Arizona State University, which was Pat’s alma mater. Participants become Tillman Scholars and we at the Clinton School hope to recruit Tillman Scholars to our graduate public service program. Yesterday, I hope, was the beginning of a good partnership.
Following her remarks, Marie spent time visiting with our students and having photographs made with them. Marie and Alex then joined some Clinton School staff and students for dinner and candid conversation at Doe’s Eat Place, which became well known during Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign. As we gathered in Doe’s famous ‘back room,” I recalled occasions where we met there to watch University of Arkansas basketball games on television with President Clinton on his return trips home.
It was a privilege for us to host Marie and Alex. Marie is a gracious, thoughtful and courageous woman who is turning a terrible tragedy into encouraging young people to make a positive difference in the world. The work the Tillman Foundation is doing is worth supporting. Though I never met Pat Tillman, like millions of Americans I was inspired by his example and that of his brother, Kevin, who enlisted with him. And I am now inspired by Marie.
Yes, because I know people will ask, Marie liked the tamales at Doe’s.