Niemer served in the Navy from 1974-78. Stationed on an aircraft carrier, he learned of two available positions – one in the fire room, where he'd build up the steam to catapult the jets and another in the engineering log room. The thing is, Niemer didn't know how to type. So, to his relief, the Navy sent him to typing school. Years later, he studied communications and roomed with someone who loved to cook.
That's why Niemer, a man with many skills and a boisterous personality, is still serving – as a chef now.
"I wanted to get out of my little hometown and see the world, and that's what I did," he said.
An unlucky car accident fractured his fibula and landed Niemer at the VA. Six weeks into rehab, he said he's nearly close to putting weight on his leg again, and he nearly did at the sight of five Vikings players.
Tight end T.J. Hockenson, tackle Walter Rouse, running back Zavier Scott and outside linebackers Gabriel Murphy and Bo Richter attended an event on behalf of the Vikings, in partnership with Polaris, to honor veterans and their families during the month-long NFL Salute to Service initiative.
It was an inspiring day, and sacrifices of service members resonated with each player in a unique way.
Both of Hockenson's grandfathers were military men; Rouse's grandfather was in the Air Force; Scott's dad served 23 years, with a couple tours in Iraq; several of Murphy's family members served, including his father in Operation Desert Storm; and Richter graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy two years ago.
"We're all super happy to be here and serve you today, like you guys have served us for so long," Richter said, addressing a room of veterans and their loved ones before a few of them bantered from their seats.
One man in a wheelchair shouted, "McCarthy is the truth!"
Another quipped, "You guys don't look as big without your pads on."