One of professional bowling's biggest names, Johnny Petraglia, has joined the Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL) as a bowling teacher for veterans receiving care in VA Hospitals nationwide. The Learn-to-Bowl clinics have been part of the BVL program for more than 50 years. Through this effort, the BVL organization sponsors special bowling classes for veterans receiving care at the hospitals, designed to provide a physical and emotional outlet during their stay at the facility. Petraglia joins an impressive list of professional bowling stars who have served as BVL Clinicians, including Nelson Burton, Jr. and, currently, Helen Duval, one of the pioneers of women's professional bowling.

"We are delighted that Johnny will be joining us," commented BVL Board of Directors Chair Elaine Hagin. "Johnny's unique perspective as a professional bowler and a Vietnam Veteran will be a great asset to our program and for those veterans with whom he will work."

Petraglia lays claim to 16 National and 35 Regional and other professional bowling titles, including bowling's coveted triple crown -- the PBA National Championship, the U.S. Open and the Tournament of Champions.

Petraglia, a touring pro since 1965, was elected to the PBA Halls of Fame in 1982, and has served three terms as that organization's president (1979-1980, 1989-1990, 1997-1998). After just launching his bowling career, Petraglia was called to duty in Vietnam in 1967 -1968, during the Tet Offensive. There he served as an Army Spec. 5 in Long Binh and Bien Hoa. Like many veterans, Petraglia lost many friends in Vietnam, and a couple of close friends suffered leg amputations. "After coming home, to see the way they live their lives and what they've done with themselves, it's really inspirational."

Continues Petraglia, "In terms of my career, it's helped me put things in perspective, if I throw a clutch strike on TV to win, I tell myself that this isn't tough. Tough is going through the war experience."

"I'm looking forward to getting out and meeting more of my fellow veterans. BVL does many great things for our veterans, and I want to be a part of that." Petraglia will visit VA Hospitals throughout the country while competing on the PBA Senior Tour.

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