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WHEELING -- Former Pittsburgh Steeler Rocky Bleier will be on hand when the Wheeling Vet Center honors 200 of its Vietnam veterans during a ceremony set for Oct. 27.
The time for the event, which will be held at the new convention center at The Highlands adjacent to the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Mariott has not been finalized and will be announced at a later date.
The event is part of the Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration being observed throughout the country.
Bleier, a Vietnam veteran himself, will be on hand to present the veterans with lapel pins commemorating their service during the war.
Bleier, also a member of the 50th Commemorative Advisory Committee, will speak during the event.
The Vet Center is a stand-alone, community VA program that provides readjustment services for veterans exposed to experiences in combat and military sexual trauma, as well as their families.
It is located at 1058 Bethlehem Blvd. For more information, call 304-232-0587.
Wheeling Vet Center spokesman Michael Novotney said the Ohio County Commission is sponsoring this event.
"We are excited to have Rocky Bleier present our Vietnam veterans with their commemorative lapel pins. Rocky was drafted into the U.S. Army during his rookie season with the Steelers. He served as an infantryman in Vietnam and received a Purple Heart for wounds. Rocky would later rejoin the Steelers, where owner Art Rooney encouraged and supported his difficult rehabilitation and return to contribute to the Super Bowl (champion) Steelers," Novotney said.
The year 1966 was marked by many significant events leading the U.S. into military battle in Vietnam. Among those events were: on March 28, 1966, the 25th Infantry Division was deployed to Vietnam followed closely by U.S Naval Forces Vietnam established; Operations Rolling Thunder got underway on April 12 which struck targets in North Vietnam. On June 2, Operation Hawthorne was launched and on July 6 American prisoners of war were marched through the streets of Hanoi. The Vet Center encourages all veteran service organizations to become a Commemorative Partner, and to plan similar events to help honor all veterans who served during the Vietnam War. To become a partner, visit vietnamwar50th.com to submit an application.