ARIZONA REPUBLIC
As the year draws to a close, The Arizona Republic looks back at some of the biggest stories and catches up with some well-known figures from the Valley's past.
WHO: Marie Tillman, 29, says that in the last year she has immersed herself in helping keep alive the legacy of her late husband, former Arizona State University and Arizona Cardinals football star Pat Tillman.
IN THE NEWS: Tillman was killed in action on April 22, 2004, while serving with an Army Ranger unit in Afghanistan. He was 27 years old.
HOW DID IT AFFECT THE FAMILY? Marie has been working closely with various Tillman family members, including her brother-in-law, Alex Garwood, to form and strengthen the Pat Tillman Foundation. Garwood is director of the organization. The foundation's mission is to promote leadership and community service as exemplified by Tillman.
Marie said that while nothing will fill the gulf left by her husband's death, her work with the foundation has helped. And staying in touch with Pat's family has helped.
WHAT'S UP NOW: About $2 million has been raised for the foundation and a successful memorial run was held last spring. Garwood said the foundation has worked closely with ASU's business college to create the Leadership Through Action Program.
PLANS FOR THE NEW YEAR? The first group of ASU students in the program recently presented their ideas. "It makes me so happy that this program will go on forever in Pat's name," she said. "The program is about getting involved in your community, and it's about an active leadership style, which is what he was all about."
- William Hermann
WHO: Marie Tillman, 29, says that in the last year she has immersed herself in helping keep alive the legacy of her late husband, former Arizona State University and Arizona Cardinals football star Pat Tillman.
IN THE NEWS: Tillman was killed in action on April 22, 2004, while serving with an Army Ranger unit in Afghanistan. He was 27 years old.
HOW DID IT AFFECT THE FAMILY? Marie has been working closely with various Tillman family members, including her brother-in-law, Alex Garwood, to form and strengthen the Pat Tillman Foundation. Garwood is director of the organization. The foundation's mission is to promote leadership and community service as exemplified by Tillman.
Marie said that while nothing will fill the gulf left by her husband's death, her work with the foundation has helped. And staying in touch with Pat's family has helped.
WHAT'S UP NOW: About $2 million has been raised for the foundation and a successful memorial run was held last spring. Garwood said the foundation has worked closely with ASU's business college to create the Leadership Through Action Program.
PLANS FOR THE NEW YEAR? The first group of ASU students in the program recently presented their ideas. "It makes me so happy that this program will go on forever in Pat's name," she said. "The program is about getting involved in your community, and it's about an active leadership style, which is what he was all about."
- William Hermann