Air Force TSgt. Richard Graham Jr. and his family were recognized by the Green Bay Packers and WPS Health Insurance at today's game vs. the Dallas Cowboys for 'Operation Fan Mail.'
Graham, a graduate of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan's North Central Area School in Spalding, has served in the Air Force since June 1999 shortly after graduating from high school. He currently is serving a 15-month tour at Incirlik Air Base in Adana, Turkey, where he manages the largest disbursing operation in the desert.
He has earned more than 15 ribbons and five medals, including the Joint Service Achievement Medal and Commendation Medal for aid provided to victims of the 2002 California wild fires and the Volunteer Service Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal for support of those affected by Hurricane Katrina. Additionally, Graham received the "Airman of the Year" award in 2001 and the "NCO of the Quarter" award in 2008 and 2009.
Graham, who is stateside on a brief leave, was joined at the game by his wife, Diane, daughter, Hannah Claire, and son, David Paul.
Now in its third season at Lambeau Field, Operation Fan Mail this year is a partnership between the Packers and WPS Health Insurance. Designed to recognize families with a member who is on active duty, the Packers and WPS Health Insurance will host a family at each 2009 home game and introduce them on the field during pregame activities.
To choose families, the Packers and WPS Health Insurance are asking interested families, or friends of eligible families, to submit an essay, 500 words or less, on why a particular family should be saluted. Essays can be sent to: Operation Fan Mail, P.O. Box 10628, Green Bay, WI, 54307-0628. Essays also can be submitted online via Packers.com by clicking here.
Families intended for recognition are those that have a member serving on active duty. The family member can be a mother, father, son, daughter or sibling. In addition to being recognized on-field prior to the game, selected families will receive four tickets to the game and a care package from WPS.
