4th Annual Dinner for the Heroes

4th Annual Operation Patriots Forward Operating Base (OPFOB) Dinner for the Heroes-one of the biggest nights in the Lowcountry ever held honoring our nation's heroes!

• This event has SOLD OUT 
• You can still support our mission by participating in the silent auction. Sign-up below.
• All proceeds go toward keeping our 268-acre facility located in Ridgeland, SC and our programming 100% free to those whom we serve. Help us continue to make an impact--OPFOB has had over 36,000 visits to our facility in just 5 years.
• Your support also supports our mission to do what we can to reduce the alarming rate of veteran and first responder suicides.

Agenda

5:00 - 6:30: Check-in & Cocktail Hour

6:30 - 9:30:  Program & Dinner

Keynote Speaker, Rocky Bleier Combat Veteran. Super Bowl Champion. American Hero.

Rocky Bleier's story is one of relentless grit, unshakable purpose, and the kind of comeback that defines what it means to be a warrior-both on the battlefield and the football field. After winning a National Championship with Notre Dame, Bleier was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers-but his NFL career was put on hold when he was drafted again, this time by the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

• Member of the Notre Dame National Championship football team
• Combat-wounded Vietnam veteran, awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for valor
• Overcame severe leg injuries-told he'd never walk again, let alone play football-to rejoin the Pittsburgh Steelers after two years of grueling recovery
• Starting running back for the Steelers' historic run, winning four Super Bowls-one of only 34 NFL players to hold that honor
• Retired as the 4th all-time leading rusher in Steelers history, with 25 touchdowns to his name
• Lifelong advocate for veterans: President of Rocky Bleier Construction Group, a service-disabled, veteran-
  owned business; Supporter of Operation Strong Vet, Vietnam Veterans of America, Homeless Vet Run, and NaVOBA (National Veteran-Owned Business Association)
  

His story is one of survival, purpose, and paying it forward-a living reminder that service doesn't stop
with the uniform, and that true toughness is found in the fight to overcome.

Keynote Speaker, Admiral (Ret.) John "Boomer" Stufflebeem: Naval Warrior. NFL Veteran. Voice of Leadership in America's Darkest Hour.

Admiral John "Boomer" Stufflebeem is a living example of what it means to lead under pressure-with integrity, courage, and unwavering commitment to country. A standout U.S. Naval Academy athlete and former Detroit Lions punter, Stufflebeem went on to serve 39 years in the Navy, rising to top leadership roles, commanding in combat, and
becoming a familiar face during Pentagon briefings after 9/11.

• Graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a distinguished 39-year Navy career
• Former NFL punter for the Detroit Lions
• Top Gun graduate with over 4,000 hours in fighter aircraft and more than 1,000 aircraft carrier landings
• Served as a surface combatant and with multiple fighter squadrons
• Combat command leadership: Fighter Squadron Eighty-Four; Carrier Air Wing One during operations
  in the Balkans and Persian Gulf; Carrier Group Two during Operation Iraqi Freedom; Commander of the U.S. Sixth Fleet
• Served as Military Aide to President George H. W. Bush
• Widely recognized as the voice of the Pentagon during televised briefings following the 9/11 attacks
• Decorated with top honors, including: Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service
  Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Bronze Numeral "2", among others
• Dedicated advocate for veterans and athletes battling: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), Post-Concussion Syndrome, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
  

Vice Admiral Stufflebeem's leadership in uniform, on the field, and in the public eye is a reminder that
courage isn't just found in battle-it's found in every mission to protect, inform, and serve.

2024 Dinner for the Heroes

2023 Dinner for the Heroes