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Ex-Ranger nears end of Tillman-inspired walk

YUMA, Ariz. — A former Army Ranger walking across the country in honor of fallen comrade Pat Tillman has arrived in Yuma County in southwestern Arizona.

Rory Fanning, a 31-year-old Chicago native, began his trek in September, walking a circuitous route from Virginia Beach, Va., to Huntington Beach, Calif. in hopes of bringing more awareness to Tillman’s charitable foundation and seeking to raise $3.6 million in the process.

He also wanted to share his own personal story about Tillman.

“I only knew [Tillman] the last six months of his life, but he made a real strong impression on me in that short time,” Fanning said.

Tillman is the former Arizona Cardinals player who walked away from a multimillion dollar contract and career to join the Army and become a Ranger. He was killed in Afghanistan by friendly fire in 2004.

Fanning has walked more than 3,000 miles so far, averaging about 25 miles a day. He arrived between Dateland and Wellton on Thursday morning, and should be in Yuma by Sunday.

Fanning said he particularly enjoyed his stop in Tempe, where Tillman went to college at Arizona State University and played football.

“It’s been a complete joy,” Fanning said of his journey. “Doing this was the best decision I ever made.”

Fanning left his finance job in Chicago to make the trek. He wants to raise $3.6 million because that’s the same amount of money that Tillman’s Cardinals’ contract was worth when he left to join the Rangers. He said he’s raised $25,000 so far.

“Now that it’s getting close to being over I’m having mixed emotions,” Fanning said. “While this has been the best thing I have ever done, I’m also looking forward to not having to walk 25 miles a day anymore.”

Fanning said he has made many speaking engagements along the way, talking to high school students, prisoners and others about Tillman.