Fundraiser to benefit veterans programs features oldest living Steelers player
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A North Huntingdon veteran who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1957 will be the keynote speaker at a program next month to support veterans and veterans groups in the area.
Bill Priatko, 93, a second lieutenant in the Air Force, will discuss his experiences during the program at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 9 at Ferrante’s Restaurant on Route 30, east of Greensburg. While he was on active duty for three years in the 1950s, he served as part of President Eisenhower’s honor guard and at Arlington National Cemetery.
Priatko played linebacker for the Steelers in 1957.
Scott Brown of Greensburg, author of “Noble Knight,” will be the emcee. He penned an inspirational book about Priatko’s son, Daniel, a West Point graduate whose military career was cut short by a severe brain injury he suffered in a car accident.
There will be a silent auction with Pittsburgh Steelers items and information about services available to veterans.
Veterans may attend for free while the cost for non-veterans is $40. To register by Friday for the dinner, contact Anita Leonard at anitaleonard65@comcast.net or Shela Gornik at shela@heroesneveralone.org.
Veteran Angels Inc. of Latrobe, along with Heroes Never Alone Inc. of Ligonier, are sponsoring the dinner. Veteran Angels raises money to help local and regional groups that focus on assistance to veterans wounded, injured, ill or in need of housing.
Heroes Never Alone seeks to provide affordable housing for the elderly and disabled veterans. The houses are remodeled to suit the needs of the veteran.