Greenfield High School Honors Vietnam Hero

The Greenfield High School baseball community came out in full force Tuesday to greet alumnus and Vietnam War hero Bob Wieland, who was honored with a re-dedication of the team's baseball field that was named in his honor.

"I love being a Hustlin' Hawk, being part of this great community and this great high school. It taught me so many values and principals that I have been able to carry on," he told the high school varsity team along with a couple of dozen friends and community members who attended the ceremony in the school's auditorium. 

"I trust that when everyone steps on the Bob Wieland Field, they are going to give it a little extra effort because that is what my life has been about, going the extra mile," he added. 

Wieland, who graduated from Greenfield High School in 1964, lettered in four sports. Instead of playing professional baseball with the Philadelphia Phillies, he joined the Army. 

In 1969, the combat medic stepped on a land mine while attending to a fellow soldier. He lost both legs above the knees. 

"My legs went one direction, my life another," he said. 

After his recovery, Wieland enrolled at California State University and majored in education. Among his accomplishments, Wieland was once the Green Bay Packers physical trainer, holds the world record in the bench press and was named “One of the Six Most Amazing Americans” by People magazine in 1996.

"He inspires us to be better people and go out and strive for what we really want deep down," said Tyler Braden, a senior pitcher and infielder.  "You can see what he has done with his life. It's great what he has done."

In two weeks, Wieland embarks on a 7,000-mile double crossing of the United States in which he will peddle his hand-powered cycle the entire route. Contributions to Wieland's Spirit Ride 3 will go to police officers, firefighters, wounded veterans and youth.