Jim Nemec, founder of the Western Pennsylvania chapter of Team Red, White and Blue, is going the distance, and he's not going it alone.
A national initiative started by Army Maj. Mike Erwin of West Point, Team Red, White and Blue helps veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan reintegrate into society by getting them involved with physical and athletic events.
“I was very moved by September 11, as were all Americans, so Team Red, White and Blue was kind of a natural for me,” Nemec said.
A retired Army colonel, Nemec started the Western Pennsylvania chapter about a year ago. He initially considered starting a smaller chapter.
“I was just looking at an Armstrong County Chapter to begin with and so many people were interested in Western Pennsylvania that it's just grown,” he said.
Nemec's daughter, Kate Bielak, serves at the group's communications officer. She said the scope helps a lot of veterans.
“We're getting people from Erie, Uniontown and all around the Pittsburgh area, so they knew there was a need,” she said.
Helping veterans stay active and involved helps not only their physical health, but their mental health, Nemec said. The group gets veterans involved as athletes and also pairs them with advocates who help them with their efforts.
“You're trying to meet goals,” he said. “(Sharing) goals with other people promotes camaraderie. They're all working on a common goal.”
Those involved with Team Red, White and Blue are currently working toward a specific goal.
Nemec came up with the group's “93 cents for Flight 93” campaign. Just as its name implies, the fundraiser seeks to raise money for the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville by asking for donations of 93 cents each.
On September 8, the group will partner with the Travis Manion Foundation, which supports families of fallen soldiers, for its 9-11 Heroes Run. Following a 5K fundraising run at South Park for the Flight 93 Memorial, a Team Red, White and Blue group will leave from there with the money and run 93 miles, relay-style, to Shanksville. They will then present the donation at the Flight 93 Memorial Chapel.
An avid runner, Nemec will be part of the relay team. For him, that kind of team work is an essential part of life in the United States.
“I'm a big believer in volunteerism,” he said. “Volunteerism is the heartbeat of American communities.”
Nemec, a dentist who has offices in Kittanning and Cheswick, also has served as a volunteer assistant football coach for many years. He's currently on the staff at Springdale High School.
For more information on Team Red, White and Blue, go to www.teamrwb.com. To get involved with the Western Pennsylvania Chapter, call 724-664-9382.
