Screening of Documentary Film 'The Tillman Story' March 13, 2011

Inserted into the headlines - enshrined, then buried, then exposed - was the tale of NFL football star-turned-soldier (and south bay native) Pat Tillman, who along with his brother responded to the 9/11 terrorist attacks by enlisting and becoming a U.S. Army Ranger.

Much was made of the multi-million-dollar football contract Tillman gave up to fight first in Iraq - where he began to question the war - and later in Afghanistan. Even more was made, by the Bush administration, of his death in 2004 during combat; he was held up as an American hero and his memorial service was on national TV. But when stories surfaced that Tillman's demise was the result of "friendly fire", it was war opponents' turn to weigh in, especially given his family's persistent attempts that were repeatedly rebuffed by military officials, to find out what really happened. The military "dance" extended to its responses during Congressional hearings.

In 2010 documentary filmmaker and TV producer Amir Bar-Lev released "The Tillman Story", a documentary film chronicling Tillman's life, brief military career, death and especially the subsequent investigation by Tillman's family and by Congress. On Sunday evening March 13, 6 days before the 8th anniversary of the beginning of the U.S. war on Iraq, Peace Action of San Mateo County will host a free screening of "The Tillman Story". We want to share with our members and friends this history of the details surrounding the death of an American soldier and subsequent coverup of its details.

The 95-minute film is rated R for some profanity. The UU is wheelchair accessible at the Beck Hall entrance on Ellsworth. Refreshments will be available.

Official Website: http://www.sanmateopeaceaction.org