NFIB

The members of Pennsylvania's leading small-business organization, the National Federation of Independent Business, marked Veterans Day with a poignant tribute to World War II veteran and pro-football legend Charles P. "Chuck" Bednarik. NFIB presented Bednarik with its 2007 NFIB Trailblazer Award for his lifetime commitment to excellence.

"Tonight, we thank Chuck Bednarik for the thrills he shared with all us on the football field," NFIB member Lucien Calhoun told a large gathering of state lawmakers, NFIB members and small-business supporters. "And we honor him for the courage he demonstrated on the battle field."

Bednarik served as a B-24 waist gunner with the Eighth Air Force and flew 30 combat missions over Germany as part of a highly decorated military career. Following his military service, Bednarik enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania and embarked on an 18-year college and pro-football career that included two NFL championships with the Philadelphia Eagles, eight Pro Bowl appearances, and induction into both the college and pro football halls of fame.

"It takes passion to run a small business," Calhoun said. "Every day is fraught with new challenges and a few potholes, but also an awful lot of satisfaction. It takes a special kind of person who is willing to sacrifice day in and day out to do whatever it takes to keep that business going and support the workers and families that depend on us.

"As a small-business owner, I take great pride in my work. I also appreciate watching others invest the same effort, discipline and spirit in their own endeavors. For 14 seasons -- on every down of every quarter -- Chuck Bednarik did whatever he had to do to help his team win. But Chuck's achievements on the gridiron pale in comparison to his service to his country. Chuck's efforts defending our freedom and our way of life stands as a shining example to us all."