POCATELLO — Four-time NFL Super Bowl champion and Vietnam War Army veteran Rocky Bleier is set to speak at Farm Bureau’s 12th annual Salute to Veterans event on Nov. 1.
The Salute to Veterans event is held as a prelude to Veterans Day, celebrated 10 days later by the various veteran’s service and military organizations in memoriam of all current and former military men and women that have dedicated themselves to the betterment of the country.
The event runs from 10:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Farm Bureau located at 275 Tierra Vista Drive in Pocatello. The event is free and current armed services personnel, veterans and their families are invited to attend.
“At Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Idaho, we are deeply honored to continue our tradition of supporting those who have selflessly served our country,” said Todd Argall, the company’s President and CEO. “The 12th Annual Salute to Idaho Veterans is our way of expressing gratitude to these men and women, and we are committed to making this event a memorable celebration of their dedication and sacrifice.”
The salute will open with an informal meet and greet and will feature a presentation from Bleier, a traditional flag ceremony, luncheon, veteran slideshow, military branch hymns performed by the Idaho Falls Brass Quintet. Attendees will receive a complimentary commemorative coin. Free photo portraits for veterans and armed services personnel will be provided by professional photographer Deloy Stuart.
“Bleier’s journey embodies courage both on the football field and in Vietnam. Drafted by the Steelers as a late round pick, Bleier’s career seemed over when he was drafted again by the U.S. Army,” a Farm Bureau press release said. “At the height of the Vietnam War, Bleier was thrust into combat early and was seriously wounded when his platoon ran into an ambush. Receiving wounds from both rifle fire and grenade fragments in his legs, he was barely able to walk and was told he would never play football again. For more than two years, Bleier worked tirelessly to recover. Little by little he overcame obstacles and fought his way back.”
The press release continued, “Remarkably, he not only returned to the Steelers, but also became a starting running back, contributing to the team winning four Super Bowls and solidifying their legacy as one of the most successful teams of the 20th century.”