Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
Editorials & Other Articles
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
Pennsylvania
Related: About this forumAfter lifetime of bouncing back, Rocky Bleier to receive Semper Fidelis Award from Marine Corps
(link) https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2023/05/29/pittsburgh-steelers-rocky-bleier-us-army-vietnam-marine-scholarship/stories/202305250109
If you don't know the name Rocky Bleier, then maybe you're not a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rocky Bleier has an amazing story to tell, and today's Memorial Day recognition of our military heroes is part of his story.
Grit has been a common theme throughout Rocky Bleiers life. Whether it was recovering from gunfire and grenade wounds he suffered during the Vietnam War, running through gaps in the Steelers offensive line, or speaking to the younger generation, Bleier has always put his best foot forward.
A list of Bleiers life achievements include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, four Super Bowl rings and being one half of the Steelers 1976 backfield, forming the second ball-carrier duo to rush for 1,000 yards in the same season though, if you ask Bleier, hell say he and Franco Harris were the first.
On Sept. 14, Bleier, who served in the United States Army, will add another achievement to his name as the ninth recipient of the Semper Fidelis Award at the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Steel City Awards Dinner at the Fairmont Hotel Downtown Pittsburgh.
Its a great honor to receive the Semper Fi award from the military because I know what [Semper Fidelis, latin for always faithful] means to the Marine Corps, Bleier told the Post-Gazette. While Bleier is honored to be on the receiving end of the award, the impact of the ceremony is the greater triumph to him.
All of the proceeds raised from the sold sponsorships and tickets will go toward the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, which provides scholarships to the children of Marine Corps and Navy veterans. The fund was originally started in 1962 but has ballooned into the countrys largest and oldest military need-based scholarship program. Since its inception, the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation has handed out more than 50,000 scholarships worth $185 million. The Steel City event alone has raised $3 million in the 10 years of its existence.
A list of Bleiers life achievements include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, four Super Bowl rings and being one half of the Steelers 1976 backfield, forming the second ball-carrier duo to rush for 1,000 yards in the same season though, if you ask Bleier, hell say he and Franco Harris were the first.
On Sept. 14, Bleier, who served in the United States Army, will add another achievement to his name as the ninth recipient of the Semper Fidelis Award at the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Steel City Awards Dinner at the Fairmont Hotel Downtown Pittsburgh.
Its a great honor to receive the Semper Fi award from the military because I know what [Semper Fidelis, latin for always faithful] means to the Marine Corps, Bleier told the Post-Gazette. While Bleier is honored to be on the receiving end of the award, the impact of the ceremony is the greater triumph to him.
All of the proceeds raised from the sold sponsorships and tickets will go toward the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, which provides scholarships to the children of Marine Corps and Navy veterans. The fund was originally started in 1962 but has ballooned into the countrys largest and oldest military need-based scholarship program. Since its inception, the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation has handed out more than 50,000 scholarships worth $185 million. The Steel City event alone has raised $3 million in the 10 years of its existence.
- more at link -
Rocky Bleier is a hero on and off the field. He has always acknowledged the help and encouragement he received from Steeler team owner Art Rooney Sr. and head coach Chuck Noll to recover from his serious leg and foot injuries. He retired as a Steeler in the 1980's and continues to live in Pittsburgh, where he is loved and respected. Read more about Rocky's story in his book "Fighting Back." It's available in most public libraries, or on Amazon.
InfoView thread info, including edit history
TrashPut this thread in your Trash Can (My DU » Trash Can)
BookmarkAdd this thread to your Bookmarks (My DU » Bookmarks)
3 replies, 2371 views
ShareGet links to this post and/or share on social media
AlertAlert this post for a rule violation
PowersThere are no powers you can use on this post
EditCannot edit other people's posts
ReplyReply to this post
EditCannot edit other people's posts
Rec (6)
ReplyReply to this post
3 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight:
NoneDon't highlight anything
5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
After lifetime of bouncing back, Rocky Bleier to receive Semper Fidelis Award from Marine Corps (Original Post)
FakeNoose
May 2023
OP
OAITW r.2.0
(28,236 posts)1. He was one tough dude....he had that NFL mentality.
What a great ic of Franco, Terry, and Rocky.
BOSSHOG
(39,661 posts)2. I was neither a foe or a fan of the Steelers
But they had some awesome football players and Rocky was way up high on the list. In my humble opinion Terry Bradshaw was the best QB to wear number 12.
Disclosure. I divide my loyalty between the Iggles and the Saints and drew Brees is my GOAT.
AZ8theist
(6,453 posts)3. Not a fan of the Steelers either...
But had a lot of respect for Bleier. He was a working-class "lunch pail" type of player.
No show boating, just a great work ethic.
Bradshaw, post NFL career, has shown himself to be nothing more than a buffoon.