Pittsburgh Steelers Nominate Troy Polamalu For ‘Salute To Service Award’
Oct 27, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. The Oakland Raiders defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 21-18. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu may have lost a step or two over the last two seasons due to his age. However, Troy has never lost a step in demonstrating sportsmanship and class – on and off the field. The Steelers recognize this and have nominated him for the Salute to Service Award this year. Here is the official press release:
"Troy Polamalu has been nominated by the Steelers for the third annual Salute to Service Award, presented by the NFL and USAA, the NFL’s official Military Appreciation sponsor. Troy Polamalu was nominated because of his passion for veterans which is demonstrated by the foundation he established with his wife, named for her grandfather, Harry Panos, who fought in World War II. The fund supports those who bravely serve our country. Some of the projects include working with the Pittsburgh VA hospitals to enhance their facilities for veterans, and partnering with Operation Once in a Lifetime (OOIAL) which works to make dreams of US soldiers and their families come true. For five years Troy has hosted various OOIAL groups of soldiers at a Steelers home game. Troy has also granted the wishes of several individual soldiers including an OOIAL terminally ill soldier whose wish was to go to Disney World with his family and another military family that needed a new van for their wheelchair-bound child."
Troy is a pretty quiet guy unless he’s popping the ball carrier with a brutal tackle, so it comes as no surprise that much of what Troy has done went under the radar of the media. He’s been busy with the Operation Once in a Lifetime organization, and the Steelers recognize the importance of serving the veteran community. The winner for the Salute to Service Award will be announced during the NFL Awards ceremony that takes place the day before the Super Bowl. We here at NPC wish Troy good luck and thank him and other athletes from all sports who take the time, money, and effort to support our nation’s vets.