Rory

Since last September I have been following the journey of Rory Fanning as he makes his way across the United Sates on foot. Hopefully you have clicked his link to the right, but if not...

Rory is a former Army Ranger. He served in the 2nd Ranger Battalion and did two tours of duty with Pat Tillman. Rory so loved and valued his friendship with Pat that he decided to walk away from his banking job in Chicago and walk from coast to coast to raise 3.6 million dollars for The Pat Tillman Foundation. 3.6 million is what Pat walked away from to go and fight for the Country he loved more than anything.

So, these past few weeks Rory and I started talking more and more as he got closer to the valley. Last Friday I invited him to come speak at Cindy's school, and he graciously accepted. What a great impression he left on the students and staff. He is one of the most generous and humble human beings I have ever met. He took his time and answered countless questions the kids had for him. I have no doubt he would have stayed into the night talking to the kids and spreading Pat's message.

After Pat's Run last Saturday, and a few days spent with the Foundation, he resumed his journey towards the West Coast. I don't know if you have ever walked over a few miles in the desert, but when the temperature gets up there...it ain't fun. Throw about 50lbs on your back and it becomes and study in pain. Rory is doing it without complaint and with a heart full of love. Just awesome.

This morning we took a drive out to the Gila Bend are to hook up with him and buy him lunch. As we were leaving he called and said he had a reporter with him. She is a freelance photojournalist for all the big names you can think of. We picked them up and drove into Gila Bend for lunch at the Space Age Lodge & Restaurant. The boys loved the decor and friendly staff and Cindy and I got lost in conversation with Rory. When you meet someone with so much passion it is easy to get wrapped up in that passion and near impossible to shake that feeling afterward. He is a man I wish you all have a chance to meet one day.

It was hard saying bye to him at the end of our time together. Seeing him put the pack on and start walking makes you really appreciate what he is has undertaken. Like Pat though, he is not doing it for himself. Every step is for someone else. Every step is a way of telling his buddy that even though his life is over, his spirit will never die.

Rory, thank you for everything. I hope that my sons grow up to be men with your character and passion. It is a blessing to call you our friend.