The EagleBank Bowl announced today that former Pittsburgh Steeler and Vietnam veteran Rocky Bleier is appearing in a public-service announcement campaign in support of the Bowl’s charity partner, the Wounded Warrior Project.
The public-service campaign is designed to raise awareness of the Wounded Warrior Project’s mission and highlight that every ticket sold for the game helps provide aid to these severely injured service members. The PSA will run on television and radio outlets in the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore markets.
“Rocky Bleier’s story of triumph against adversity is an inspiration to all Americans, and we are honored he has joined in the EagleBank Bowl effort,” says Steve Beck, executive director of the EagleBank Bowl. “The Wounded Warrior Project provides much-needed aid to severely injured service members and every ticket purchased for the 2009 EagleBank Bowl helps our nation’s wounded warriors.”
At the height of the Vietnam War and following his rookie season with the Steelers, Rocky Bleier was drafted into the U.S. Army. Bleier was seriously wounded during combat when his platoon ran into an ambush, and he received injuries from both rifle fire and grenade fragments. As a result of his injuries, Bleier was barely able to walk, and his professional football career seemed destined to be finished.
For more than two years after the ambush, Bleier overcame obstacles and fought his way back to the football field. As a result of his tenacity and unyielding faith, Bleier was not only able to reclaim his spot with the Steelers, but he eventually became a starting running back and helped lead his team to four Super Bowl victories.
“I am where I am today in large part due to the help the Wounded Warrior Project provides, and I am glad to have the opportunity to support the EagleBank Bowl through its public-service announcement campaign,” Bleier says.
Along with the Bowl’s title sponsor, EagleBank, the city of Washington, D.C., is committed to growing the Bowl into a community and charitable event that draws fans from all over the region to Washington, D.C., during the holidays.
“We are honored to have Rocky Bleier team with the EagleBank Bowl for the benefit of the Wounded Warrior Project,” says Erik Moses, managing director of the WCSA Sports, Entertainment and Special Events Division. “His support is indicative that awareness and support for the Bowl continues to grow.”
“We want to recognize and pay tribute to the dedication and sacrifices of the men and women of our United States Armed forces,” adds Ronald Paul, chairman and CE Chief Executive Officer of EagleBank. “The Wounded Warrior Project provides these individuals with a tremendous opportunity to make a successful transition into the private sector and have a chance for economic prosperity.”
