To honor two brave native sons who sacrificed by serving their country in the armed forces

Mike O’Callaphan of Nevada

Patrick Daniel Tillman Jr. of Arizona

Mike O’Callaphan bravely lied about his age in order to serve as a Marine (1946-48), in the Airforce (1950-52), and in 1952 he transferred to the Army where he lost his leg in action in the Korean Conflict. Upon his return to the States, he was awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star. His subsequent careers included teacher, Coach, Probation Officer, Regional Director of the Office of Emergency Preparedness, Lieutenant Governor and finally Governor of the state of Nevada. He was also the Editor of the Las Vegas Sun, and publisher of two other newspapers until his death in 2004.

Corporal “Pat” Tillman was a distinguished football player for Arizona State, leading his team undefeated to the Rose Bowl his freshman year. This achievement was followed by a stellar academic and sports record culminating with his being drafted by the Arizona Cardinals. After playing 3 years of professional ball, he turned down a $3.6 million contract to enlist in the US Army. Where he trained and served in the 2nd Ranger Battalion and was deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Corp. Pat T sacrificed his life for the freedom of others in 2007, a casualty of friendly fire.

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