Packers salute US Navy Jack Zimmerman for “Operation Fan Mail”

The Green Bay Packers and WPS Health Solutions paid special tribute to US Navy Jack Zimmerman in Saturday’s game against the Browns for “Operation Fan Mailâ€.

Operation Fan Mail, the program that recognizes military families and veterans at every Packers home game, marks its 15th season in 2021.

Zimmerman, from Kingsford, Michigan, joined the United States Marine Corps in 2019. He was present during the August 26, 2021 troop evacuation in Kabul, Afghanistan. Working at the gate of the Abbey of Hamid Karzai International Airport, he was among the servicemen who were attacked by a suicide bomber wearing a 25-pound explosive vest.

Zimmerman was hit by shrapnel and shot dead by gunmen, but he transported and helped others injured or killed in action. Three of his friends were among 13 US servicemen and 60 Afghans killed in the attack. They were David Espinoza, Kareem Nikoui and Zimmerman’s roommate, Rylee McCollum.

Zimmerman received the Purple Heart for his injuries and is currently stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego.

In his nomination essay, Zimmerman’s older brother, Zachary Zimmerman, said, “I think being recognized for his courageous and selfless actions will help him understand how much of a hero he is.” The Zimmermans are longtime Packers fans and attended Saturday’s game with several family members.

Operation Fan Mail, which began in 2007, is designed to honor families with a member on active duty or a member who is a veteran. The family member can be a spouse, mother, father, son, daughter or brother. The Packers and WPS Health Solutions will host a family or group at every home game in 2021 and recognize them on the video board during pre-game activities. A total of 145 individuals, families or groups have been recognized through the program so far.

To choose families, the Packers and WPS Health Solutions are asking interested families, or friends of eligible families, to submit an essay, 500 words or less, on why a particular fan should be recognized next season. Essays can be sent to Operation Fan Mail, PO Box 10628, Green Bay, WI, 54307-0628 or online at packers.com/lambeau-field/operation-fan-mail.

In addition to being recognized on the field before the game, selected families will receive four game tickets and a $ 150 Packers Pro Shop gift card courtesy of WPS Health Solutions.