Marc Fogel’s return to the United States was as much a Pittsburgh moment as it was patriotic.
“I’m a proud Pittsburgher,” said Fogel, the 63-year-old teacher, formerly of Oakmont, who was released Tuesday after nearly four years in Russian prisons.
He was wearing a Steelers stocking cap as he kissed the tarmac on U.S. soil late Tuesday night.
He held an Iron City beer as he spoke at the White House, an American flag draped over his shoulders.
He was amid a group of people including President Donald Trump and several members of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation: Rep. Chris Deluzio, Rep. Guy Reschenthaler and Sen. Dave McCormick, whom Fogel greeted as “Mr. Squirrel Hill.”
“I’m a middle-class schoolteacher who is now in a dream world,” said Fogel, whose family recently moved to Pittsburgh’s North Side. “I wish I could articulate it better.”
First order of business was to #PumpAnIron. Welcome home, Marc Fogel! pic.twitter.com/BHt15BzyuO
— Pittsburgh Clothing Co. (@PGHClothingCo) February 12, 2025
WELCOME HOME, MARC!???????? pic.twitter.com/0b2Igcqudp
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 12, 2025
Welcome home, Marc Fogel. ???????? pic.twitter.com/3WJ2uDDfm5
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 12, 2025
“It was quite a surprise and truly heartwarming to see the news late last night and this morning,” said Rachel Gill, spokeswoman for Pittsburgh Brewing Co., based in East Deer.
“We understand that Congressman Chris Deluzio provided him with a Steelers hat and Iron City Beer. Nothing makes a Pittsburgher feel more at home than that,” Gill said. “It is an honor to see that Iron City is more than just a beer to the people of Pittsburgh — it’s a part of the community and culture, and that’s what we strive for as a brand.”
The company plans to invite Fogel and his family to the brewery for more beer and concert tickets, Gill said.
Staff writer Kellen Stepler contributed to this report.
