ZANESVILLE — On Thursday evening, Oct. 7, an American hero will come to Zanesville.
Boy Scout, Vietnam War veteran, and four-time Superbowl Champion Rocky Bleier will be the keynote speaker at a fundraising “Leadership Dinner” hosted by the Muskingum Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America.
After being part of a national championship football team at Notre Dame, Bleier was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 6th round. He left the Steelers after his rookie season to serve his country in Vietnam.
While serving there, Bleier earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star, suffered serious injuries, and was told he would never play football again. When he returned to Pittsburgh, he was 30 pounds under his playing weight and couldn’t walk without pain.
He went on to become an NFL superstar. When he retired, he was fourth-leading runner all time in the Steelers organization. He has a tremendous story of perseverance that is certain to inspire. He attributes many of his accomplishments to the first uniform he wore, his Boy Scout uniform.
The dinner will be held at the Virtues Golf Club, 1 Long Drive, Nashport. Tickets and table sponsorships are available through the Muskingum Valley Council Scouts BSA by calling 740-453-0571.
“We are excited to host Rocky. He’s going to sign footballs and let sponsors get their photo with his four Superbowl rings. It promises to be an exciting and motivational evening,” said event chairman Greg Gentry of Gentry and Associates.
Funds raised will support local scouting programs.
“Rocky credits much of his success to the values and skills he learned as a young scout,” Gentry explained. “He is pleased to be able to support scouting by coming to Zanesville.”
The evening starts with a silent auction and reception at 6:30 p.m. Dinner follows at 7:15 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
The Muskingum Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America is committed to preparing youth for life. Boys and girls from kindergarten to age 21 are involved in Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Exploring programs.
Each program works to instill the values of the Scout Oath and Law while teaching citizenship and leadership. The Muskingum Valley Council serves youths in 10 counties: Knox, Coshocton, Muskingum, Morgan, Perry, Guernsey, Noble, Washington and Tuscarawas Counties in Ohio and Pleasant County, West Virginia.
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