I Never Forget My Days in Uniform
By Rocky Bleier
To millions of football fans, Rocky Bleier is the legendary running back who helped propel the Pittsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl victories in the 1970s. Vietnam veterans remember him as the Army infantryman who earned a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart, beat the odds by overcoming his combat injuries and returning to the gridiron, and won the recognition that made them proud they’d served.
Southwestern Pennsylvania World War II Memorial
Rocky has lent his support to the establishment of the Southwestern Pennsylvania World War II Memorial. It is the goal of the memorial to create an opportunity for future generations to be inspired by the memorial and to carry on the spirit of service, duty, and love of country.
The City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, working with local Veterans organizations, formed the WWII Memorial organization through a series of funding commitments. The memorial will be located on the banks of the North Shore Riverfront Park on a portion of the Great Lawn called the Bosque.
RBVetCo
Rocky is one of the owners and managing members of RBVetCo. RBVetCo is a service-disabled, veteran-owned company. It specializes in the construction of commercial buildings, additions and renovations including planning, design, scheduling, value engineers and sub-contracting. Recent projects include USX Corporation, VA Medical Healthcare System Pittsburgh, VA Northern Indiana Healthcare System, Department of General Services Federal Buildings in Pittsburgh and Erie, and Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Iowa City, IA
National Veterans Foundation
Rocky Bleier serves on the board of the National Veterans Foundation. The National Veterans Foundation is a human service agency committed to serving the crisis and information needs of all veterans and their families. The VVAF has become a recognized resource for veterans of all wars who are struggling to access benefits, locate services, or overcome the emotional scars of war. The mission of the VVAF is…
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To serve the crisis management, information and referral needs of all U.S. Veterans and their families through: Management and operation of the nation’s only toll-free helpline for all veterans and their families.
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Public awareness programs that shine a consistent spotlight on the needs of America’s veterans.
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Outreach services that provide veterans and families in need with food, clothing, transportation, employment, and other essential resources.
National Veteran Wheelchair Games
As a veteran, Rocky served as the Honorary Chairperson for the National Veteran Wheelchair Games held in Pittsburgh in August 2011. More than 600 athletes, all military veterans from across the United States, Puerto Rico and Great Britain, convened in Pittsburgh to compete in 17 competitive events, such as quad rugby, wheelchair slalom and basketball. Some competitors were first-time, newly injured veterans; others were world-class Paralympians.