ESPN News: Lubbock lsu -congratulations to Danielle Green, former LSU women’s basketball player Iraq war veteran, and purple heart recipient, for winning the pay Tillman award for service at …………… more details
In an emotional and historic moment that stirred hearts across the nation, Danielle Green former LSU women’s basketball standout, Iraq War veteran, and **Purple Heart recipient, has been honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service The announcement was made during a veterans recognition ceremony in Lubbock Texas, and broadcasted nationwide by ESPN, marking a powerful celebration of courage, resilience, and selfless service.
Danielle Green’s journey is one of extraordinary transformation. As a student-athlete at Louisiana State University, she was known for her speed, leadership, and fierce competitiveness on the basketball court. She stood out not only as a gifted player but also as a natural leader among her teammates. Her time at LSU laid the foundation for what would later become a life devoted to service and sacrifice.
After graduating, Green answered a higher call — enlisting in the United States Army driven by a passion to protect and serve. Her deployment took her to Baghdad, Iraq, during a highly volatile period in 2004. It was there, amid the chaos of war, that Danielle’s life changed forever. During a routine security mission, she was severely injured by a rocket-propelled grenade, resulting in the loss of her left arm.
Her injury could have ended her story — but for Danielle Green, it was just the beginning of a new chapter.
Named after the late NFL star and Army Ranger Pat Tillman who left behind a promising football career to serve his country and was tragically killed in action, the Pat Tillman Award for Service recognizes individuals who embody Tillman’s legacy of duty, integrity, and service above self.
Following her recovery, she returned to civilian life with determination, earning a master’s degree in counseling** from Loyola University Chicago. With a heart still committed to service, she began working with wounded veterans, focusing on mental health, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society.
Through her work with the Department of Veterans Affairs she has become a beacon of hope for those struggling with trauma and recovery, using her own experiences to uplift and guide others.
The award ceremony in Lubbock was packed with emotion. Surrounded by fellow veterans, athletes, and community leaders, Green took the stage to a roaring standing ovation. In her speech, she spoke with grace and conviction:
I may have lost a limb in battle, but I gained a greater purpose in life. I serve not for glory, but for the voices that need to be heard, the hearts that need to heal, and the lives that deserve another chance.
Her words echoed beyond the auditorium, resonating with millions watching across the country. Social media lit up with messages of congratulations, admiration, and gratitude. LSU’s athletics department also issued a statement celebrating their former star, calling her a “true champion both on and off the court.
Today, Danielle Green continues to serve as a motivational speaker, advocate, and mentor for countless veterans and young women facing adversity. She has turned her pain into power and now empowers others to rise beyond their own limitations.
Winning the Pat Tillman Award is not just a recognition of her past — it is a celebration of her present impact and future influence. Her story is proof that real heroes are not defined by what they’ve lost, but by how they rise.