I hear you. Good post!
Pat Tillman was set up by the government as a symbol and recruitment tool.
None of the other soldiers lives that were lost in Iraq and Afghanistan are any less valuable than Pat Tillman's death, certainly not to their loved ones.
The point that is being made is that the US government and military used Pat Tillman as a recruitment poster boy, and when he was killed by "friendly fire", they attempted to cover it up.
The truth is, Pat Tillman made a sacrifice few would likely make. Because of his love of country and convictions, he walked away from a multi-million dollar job, that included fame and prestige.
That doesn't make him better as a person than a person whom gave up a career at Arby's, but it is certainly much more noteworthy media-wise (for better or worse).
I'm sorry about the loss of your friends. I can relate, since I also lost friends during my military service.
ADG