RANDY GRADISHAR
Randy Gradishar’s love of football is matched by his passion and support for our nation’s military, veterans and their families. His commitment to our community stems from his father, who fought in the South Pacific during World War II. Proud of that service, Randy has dedicated his time to Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, a nonprofit founded by Phil Long Dealerships’ President and CEO Jay Cimino.
Gradishar has gone on several USO Goodwill Tours to visit military servicemen and women stationed in the Middle East and continues to support the veteran community in his role as corporate ambassador for Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, a nonprofit founded by Phil Long Dealerships’ past President and CEO Jay Cimino. Gradishar’s dedication to veterans stems from his father, who fought in the South Pacific during WWII.
USO TOURS
POST-NFL HIGHLIGHTS
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United States Armed Services Support & Outreach
2004-2012
Fort Carson “Welcome Home Troops” ceremonies
2004-2012
Operation Home Support
(Of note, Gen. David H. Petraeus was keynote speaker in 2009; Col. Oliver North (Ret.) was keynote speaker in 2010)
2009
United States Air Force Academy Civilian Wing, Colorado Springs, CO; guest speaker
2004, 2005, 2007
Middle East Goodwill Tours; Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia
2008
Denver National Day of Prayer, Co-Chair/Speaker
2008
United States Defense Space Program Birthday Ball, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Springs
2009
Lockheed Martin Military Support, Denver; guest speaker
2004
“A Soldier’s Promise – A True Story” authored by Army First Sergeant Daniel Hendrex. Gradishar was involved with the care of Steve-O…the book’s 14-year-old hero.
2006-2012
Fort Carson Wounded Warrior Soldiers Program
2006-2010
Fargo, ND, Veterans Administration Medical Center
2008
The Denver Salvation Army’s Capital Fundraiser Campaign, Co-Chair
(Of note, Dallas Cowboys Owner Mr. Jerry Jones was the keynote speaker.)
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Post-NFL Career Highlights
1997-2012
Phil Long Community Fund, President
The mission of the PLCF is to sponsor activities and resources that champion the self-esteem and performance of youth in their pursuit of excellence in education, sports and recreation.
Since its inception, the Phil Long Community Fund has granted over $2 Million Dollars to youth organizations across the Front Range. With support of Mike Shanahan and the Denver Broncos Charities, the first fantasy playground was built in 1996, and a total of 15 playgrounds were created across the state of Colorado.
1992-1995
NFL Players Special Advisory Council
Per NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue’s request, Randy joined the Players Special Advisory Council, which consisted of former NFL players who advised the Commissioner on various issues pertaining to current and former players.
1994-1997
Promise Keepers Staff Leader under former CU Coach Bill McCartney
1984-1992
Broncos Denver Youth Foundation, President
Randy was the founding president of the Denver Broncos Youth Foundation, a non-profit organization that works to serve young people in the Denver Metro Area and Colorado, including the Governor’s Council and the Mayor’s Youth Initiative. Randy’s leadership with DBYF earned him a well deserved reputation in the Colorado Rocky Mountain Region as an oustanding role model and advocate for young people.
1997-Present
Phil Long Dealerships Champion Ambassador
Randy is the champion ambassador for the #1 privately-held Auto Group in Colorado, with over 1,300 employees. Randy’s role aligns Phil Long’s corporate vision by creating partnerships and opportunities that better communities across Colorado’s Front Range.
2014- Present
Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center Champion Ambassador
Randy serves as champion ambassador for Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center which is headquartered in Colorado Springs and has satellite offices in Pueblo, Fountain and Trinidad, Colorado. In his role, he actively supports our veteran and military community, attending PTSD groups, events and directly touching the lives of individuals who have sacrificed for our country.
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