Vikings Nominate Pete Bercich for Salute to…

Mossberg, 30, old had committed to the Army National Guard in 2008 while still a junior in high school.

An infantryman working as a gunner during a deployment to Iraq, Mossberg suffered his life-changing injury when he fell from a military truck. After a year-and-a-half of treatments, the decision was made to amputate Mossberg’s leg.

“How do you pay that back?” Bercich asked.

Bercich also visited the family of Liam Zeigler, 9-year-old who lives in Lakeville, Minnesota, with his mom, Jessica Hansen-Kriesel; her husband, Ryan Kriesel; as well as his younger brother Henry and infant sister Hattie.

Kriesel is an Army veteran who served two tours of duty, and Liam’s biological father is Patrick Zeigler, an Army Staff Sgt. who served two combat tours as a cavalry scout with the 1st Cavalry Division during the surge of American forces in 2007.

Bercich instantly connected with Mossberg and Liam because his appreciation for the service and sacrifices made by military families runs deep.

“It’s truly been amazing to be able to do things like this for families like theirs and hear their stories,” Bercich said. “I’ve been a Viking for 25 years, and this is probably one of the most amazing things I’ve been able to do.”

One month — November — and one game — when the Vikings annually host their Salute to Service — stand above all others for Bercich.

He’s able to survey the scene inside U.S. Bank Stadium from the radio broadcast booth as multiple tributes touch his heart. The changing of the guard at the seat that is permanently unoccupied to honor POW/MIA is a solemn reminder of why he’s been able to live his dream.

“We’re here because of the sacrifices they’ve made,” Bercich said.

The full-field American flag and flyovers take him back to his youth when he envisioned attending the United States Air Force Academy and becoming a pilot.

Bercich’s father Bob played two seasons for the Dallas Cowboys and was in the Air Force reserves. An uncle served in Vietnam, and a first cousin is currently in the reserves.

“My dream as a kid was to go to the Air Force Academy. That’s what I wanted to do, go to the Air Force Academy and fly jets,” Bercich said.