By Anthony Welch

Former Denver Broncos linebacker Randy Gradishar’s father served in World War II, as did his uncles.

Growing up, he always had an appreciation for those who served in the military. That’s why in college he enlisted in the Army ROTC during the Vietnam War era. He was never drafted, however Gradishar has always made a point to work with veterans throughout his career.

Recently, the Denver Broncos selected the Ring of Fame linebacker as the team’s 2018 Salute to Service nominee for his work at Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center here in Colorado Springs. He was recognized at the Broncos Nov. 4 game against the Houston Texans.

Gradishar serves as outreach coordinator at Mt. Carmel, commuting 70 miles from Denver to Colorado Springs several days a week to assist veterans in adjusting back to civilian life. The center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources and assistance to veterans, military members and their families.

“I enjoy having the opportunity to pay it forward in someone’s life,” Gradishar said. “Sometimes that’s just listening to their stories and encouraging them or signing an autograph and taking a picture.”

Since his retirement from the NFL, Gradishar has participated in three USO tours visiting troops in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Between his several trips overseas, Gradishar has traveled more than 120,000 miles to show his support of active duty service men and women.

During his four years at Mt. Carmel, Gradishar has helped motivate and encourage military, veterans and family members seeking the very best in career and transition, supportive, behavioral health services and more.

“It’s a great honor to be recognized by the Denver Bronco organization, Gradishar said. “It’s a greater honor meeting our active military men and women and our veterans.”

For more on Mt. Carmel, visit www.veteranscenter.org.