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By Ken Askew

Some needed the aid of a cane, a walker, or a wheelchair, but about 300 mostly older military veterans from the 39th Legislative District mustered for the 4th annual Veterans Appreciation Picnic, organized and hosted by PA State Representative Rick Saccone on July 25 at the Broughton Fire Department in South Park.

Rocky Bleier, Rick Saccone and Brigadier General Anthony J. Carrelli

Master of Ceremony duties were eloquently handled by Lieutenant Commander, US Navy (retired) Rick Elster. Illustrious speakers included Dr. Saccone, Brigadier General Anthony J. Carrelli (Deputy Adjutant General – Air, Pennsylvania National Guard), and Rocky Bleier, who as a soldier received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam—and as a former Pittsburgh Steeler, earned four Super Bowl rings in the 1970’s.

Representative Saccone—an Air Force veteran—lauded the room full of true heroes from every branch of the military for their exemplary service to the country. He explained that uniformed men and women under duress cope by thinking of “Not what’s in front of you, but what’s behind you back home.”

General Carrelli noted that only ¾ of 1% of the country were in uniform. He praised the current motivated generation of armed forces and believes that the modern level of trust and respect of the military is very high. Today’s uniformed personnel have a deep love of country, and a sincere desire to serve.

Rocky Bleier encouraged the audience to not be silent about their military experience but rather to share their stores with their kids and grandkids, since it is better that they hear about war from someone they know, rather than a movie version of what it may be like. Transitioning from the battlefield to the football field, he went on to regale the attendees with football stories, including one about how he caught a pass in a Super Bowl and scored a touchdown.

In gratitude for our hard-fought liberties, nine corporate sponsors provided the funding and food donations for a delectable hot lunch. A cadre of volunteers ensured that all facets of the event were carried out smoothly, as a collective salute to the veterans’ sacrifices, and acknowledgement that freedom is not free.

In the photo above right:
Three speakers delivered enthusiastic messages, (l to r): Rocky Blier(former Pittsburgh Steeler and Vietnam veteran), PA Representative Rick Saccone (former Air Force Counterintelligence Agent and foreign diplomat in Asia and the Middle East) and Brigadier General Anthony J. Carrelli (current Deputy Adjutant General in the PA Air National Guard).

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