Ashley Bright's passions are his family, all kids, his faith - and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

So forgive the chief professional officer of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming for being a bit excited today.

Wednesday, more than 1,000 people will gather on the floor of the Casper Events Center for breakfast together at 7 a.m.

There, they'll honor oil man John Martin, also a devout family and faith man; listen to Rocky Bleier, a hero in Vietnam and member of the four-time Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers, and celebrate the most wonderful natural resource of all - central Wyoming's children.

As if all of that wasn't enough of a draw, the 9th annual Award and Recognition Breakfast this year holds even more significance.

The Central Wyoming Youth of the Year winner will be announced from three finalists - KW junior Dominique Maestas; KW sophomore Philicia Martinez and NCHS senior Joelon Jackson.

Each will present the three-minute speech delivered previously for a judging panel. The winner will then will be announced to the breakfast crowd.

"It's the dream of every Steelers' fan to celebrate the team's 75th anniversary with something momentous, and what could be bigger than having a four-time Super Bowl champion be present with us," Bright said Monday.

Martin was an Air Force pilot from 1969-1974 before moving to Casper. After a stint with Schlumberger and as Natrona County Airport manager, he joined McMurry Oil Company, which he managed for 18 years.

He is president of the Martin Family Foundation and delights in being able to "help those who cannot help themselves."

He and his wife, Mari Ann, have four children and three grandchildren and split time between homes in Casper and Greenwood Village, Colo.

He is a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and enjoys golf, fishing, hunting, travel and anything with his family.

Bleier was drafted first by the Steelers in 1968 and then by his country before his rookie season, where he suffered rifle and grenade wounds in both legs in Vietnam.

He worked for two years to return to the football field and that battle is chronicled in his book, "Fighting Back."

He played for the Steelers for 12 years, rushing for more than 1,000 yards in 1976, and contributed to four Super Bowl victories.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming serve more than 3,500 members, many of whom receive scholarships for the $10 annual membership fee.

Bright, his staff and energetic board of directors hope to raise $160,000 at the event - an ambitious sum considering not a soul pays for his or her scrambled eggs.

Although more than 1,000 have already registered, limited seats for the breakfast are available today by calling 235-5694. There is no set ticket price but attendees are asked to make a contribution or pledge to financially support the programs of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming. Doors open at 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

Community News editor Sally Ann Shurmur can be reached at (307) 266-0520; sallyann.shurmur@casperstartribune.net or read her online at www.casperstartribune.net/dishin