Why Supporters and Fundraisers Choose PTF

The Pat Tillman Foundation would not exist if it were not for the investors and supporters who keep our mission alive. Because of your support, we can continue supporting military veterans and spouses and help them develop into the leaders of tomorrow. 

One important way to get involved is in our  Team Tillman program. Team Tillman is our community of everyday athletes who bring their passion for endurance events, like marathons and half-marathons, triathlons or biking, together with their passion for making a positive impact in the world. 

Whether a seasoned athlete or an individual who wants to take their endurance to the next level, one thing binds Team Tillman together—a passion for advancing the values and legacy of Pat Tillman. We asked our Team Tillman members to share what inspires them to fundraise and run for the Pat Tillman Foundation. 

Here’s what they have to say:

“I feel inspired by what Team Tillman represents, from pushing oneself to the limits to doing their best to making a positive impact in the world. Pat’s story speaks to committing to a cause that is bigger than oneself. I can’t think of a better way to represent that cause than in the NYC marathon.”

“I am a native New Yorker, who decided to join the Marine Corps after college. Service doesn’t end when you leave active duty, it only continues in new forms. One of those forms is making sure great organizations like the Pat Tillman Foundation get the support it needs. The Pat Tillman Foundation is working to support veterans that I know can help make our country and world a better place. The impact from the Scholar community, I have seen first hand. I have multiple friends that are Tillman Scholars, and I want to support the organization that supported my friends and brothers.”

“I have been aware of the Pat Tilman story since I was a young boy watching a special on ESPN. I am aware of the story through my love of sports, but have continued to follow the great work the Pat Tillman Foundation is doing because I believe so strongly in supporting our military service members. I am the president of Gladding Braided Products, a direct supplier and manufacturer of parachute cords for the United States Military. I see this fundraising opportunity as one more way to help support our troops all around the world.”

“My dad was a pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps guy and was raised by his widowed mother. He was fortunate enough to be accepted into and graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy. He credits his education as a life changing opportunity for employment and advancement. I was a benefactor to this and it instilled in me the importance of higher education. Sixty years later, he remains active with the academy and appreciative of the education that changed his life and made such a difference in ours. Team Tillman will give me a chance to align my appreciation of our military members with my desire for others to have access to higher education.”

“I’m running and raising for the Pat Tillman Foundation because encouraging veterans, reservists, active duty service members, and military spouses to pursue continued education has always been a passion of mine. When I expressed my interest in going to law school, my commanders supported it, wrote great recommendations, and have stayed in touch to keep up with my project. I encouraged this with my soldiers too. The military has wonderful perks, but education opens up so many doors outside of it that can make a difference in a service member or veteran’s life.”

“Giving has always been in my soul. Right now, that is taking shape most visibly in service to the country as an Army officer, but I don’t want that to end when my uniform goes in the closet at the end of each day. I want it to continue in all things, even lacing up my shoes. I could give a thousand reasons why I believe the work of PTF is amazing: rebirth, community, education, scholarship, ingenuity, commitment. But none of it would accurately describe the energy and essence of the veteran community or what they’re capable of. I simply want to give my dedication and grit to them, as they have for us.”

Interested in joining Team Tillman? We have less than 15 spots still available for the 2022 Chicago Marathon or you can start your own fundraiser started today!