On the Border
Forward Operating Base Tillman, Afghanistan – Way out here on the far eastern edge of Paktika province, less than two miles from the Pakistani border, is FOB Tillman. It’s named after Pat Tillman who gave up a multi-million dollar NFL contract with the Arizona Cardinals to serve his country.
Just after 9/11, he enlisted in the Army with his brother and then trained to become an elite Ranger. Five years ago this week, he was killed when his patrol was ambushed in this rugged country. His death was a result of friendly fire, but to those soldiers we have spoken with out here, it does not matter how he died. He gave up his life serving his country.
Kabul-based Fox News reporter Conor Powell’s and my journey to this remote spot started on Monday at Bagram Air Field, about an hour’s drive from Kabul. One C-130 flight to Salerno FOB, a Chinook helicopter and an overnight in FOB Orgun-E and then another Chinook flight this morning got us to our final destination.
To be honest, our timing was lucky. We did not plot out actually being here on this solemn day, the exact day and region where the man so many have called an American hero was killed … and on the base named after him.
While waiting for our flight at Bagram we were killing some time at the USO Pat Tillman Center and a plaque with the date of his KIA caught my attention. We could not believe the timing. We did the story right then and there on the 5th year since his death and the USO center named after him. It was only until we reached Orgun-E that we found out that we were coming to FOB Tillman.
Here’s a link to a story on Pat Tillman aired on the Fox Report:
doneDuring our stay over the next few days we will tag along with the 509th Baker Company as we learn the situation along this stretch of the border and how a ‘rubber meets the road’ approach is working by the three involved parties (Afghan security forces, US Army and the Pakistani Army) as they attempt to stamp out the cross border movement and attacks by insurgents. There’s a lot at stake and has been for some time, but with the major focus by the Obama administration, the political instability in Pakistan and the Afghan Presidential elections around the corner, they ante is now through the roof.
Scott Heidler is an Islamabad-based correspondent for FOX News Channel. He has reported on politics and conflicts from Baghdad, Kabul, and Jerusalem. He had an exclusive one-on-one interview with Pakistan's President Musharraf just days after the leader declared the 2007 state of emergency, and also interviewed opposition leader Benazir Bhutto just weeks before she was assassinated. 
Thanks Scott for the excelent reporting. We always read you as what you report on is important to all Americans although many are distracted these days with action closer to home. Hope you will not ever be discouraged in your all important work. Tell our brave Military men that many of us do try to keep up with what they are going through over there and how very much we appreciate them. They are the best ….the cream of the crop of America….and we remember them daily. Our prayers are with them all. Thanks again Scott. Stay safe.
Thank you for being there, stay safe. Thank you for bringing the stories of FOB Tillman and especially the story of the “BAKER BOYS” to all who read this. My son is a soldier on that FOB and in Baker Company. I appreciate you keeping the mission of all who serve in Afghanistan from going unforgotten.
Most Americans have not forgotten our Military men and all they do for us. They alone stand between us and our enemies. They may not make the headlines much but that doesn’t change the fact that we are more interested in them and what they are doing than the things that do make the headlines. Please let them know that we think they are the best of America, especially now when we are seeing the worst of America here at home. We hang our hopes on them and nothing else except God right now. We promise to fight for them here at home while they fight for us over there. Thank you Scott for coving the stories you do. You are worth a hundred wall street reporters and just one Military man is worth a whole Government full of politicians. Our thoughts are with them every day.
Scott, Thanks for your reporting. My son is in the 509th currently at FOB Tillman. I talked to him today on the phone and he told me to look up Fox News online to see what is going on so thank you for your reporting and the pictures. We appreciate those who keep our boys in their hearts and prayers. I put together a blog for Chad. http://www.chadsyellowribbonpage.blogspot.com. Thanks again-
Thank you to all who keep our boys in their hearts and prayers. My son Chad is a member of the 509th. I am very proud of him! His blog page is http://www.chadsyellowribbonpage.com. Thank you Scott for the pictures and the reporting.