General speaks at VFW, receives honors
Tenacity, grit and focus are skills Peter Talleri said are rooted in his Butler high school football career, and they are skills he carried into his service in the United States Marine Corps.
Now a retired major general, Talleri was recognized Monday as the 2022 recipient of the Butler Football Hometown Hero award at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 249.
The Butler Football Hometown Hero program recognizes locals who have contributed to the football legacy in a variety of capacities and has honored more than 60 people since 2004.
Talleri, who graduated from Butler in 1975, will receive the award at Art Bernardi Stadium at the season-opening game Friday, Aug. 26.
According to Kevin Vogel, a member of the group, the focus on Talleri’s football career as a defensive end and 34 years of military service opened doors for veteran recognition.
“We wanted to honor veterans this year. We thought Talleri was a deserving gentleman. There’s not many generals from Butler who go that far,” he said. “On Friday, we’re honoring the veterans, active men and women who give up so much time from their families to protect us and our country.”
He added that all military veterans at the season opener will be admitted free and honored during the game. Coaches and players will wear camouflage jerseys in commemoration of the event.
During his service from 1979 to 2013 and contributions to operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, Talleri said he took principles taught to him by Coach Art Bernardi and the Butler team with him.
“Everything is from them: tenacity, grit, focus, getting the job done, never quitting,” he said.
Friends and fellow servicemen and women gathered to hear Talleri’s acceptance speech, which often pointed back to the brave leaders who came before him.
“It is incredibly meaningful, but it’s not about me,” he said of the honor. “It reminds you the town never leaves you, and you should never leave your town.”
Talleri added that 1% of the United States population has served or are serving their country, and creating servicemen and servicewomen starts in a hometown such as Butler.
“We’re the ones who have to set the example, we have to do our job,” he said. “I’m supposed to be here because we want our military out here (Friday)."
Ralph McElhany, a committee member of the Hometown Heroes organization, said the group is trying to reach as many veterans as possible to be recognized at Friday’s game.
“We’re so fortunate to maintain a rich football tradition. We’re tremendously excited for this weekend, not just for (Talleri), but for all the veterans,” he said.
Talleri said the award was especially gratifying, as it stems from a place of which he is so proud.
“I put on a helmet in football and happened to keep a helmet on for the next 34 years in the service,” he said. “You Butler football guys, I want to thank you for being hard-nosed sons of a gun, because that’s where I learned it.”
