The Green Bay Packers and WPS Health Insurance paid special tribute to Bryenna L. Brooks during Thursday's Packers-Saints game for 'Operation Fan Mail.'
Brooks, a Packers fan from Sherwood, Wis., just completed a six-month deployment as a volunteer USAF medic joining U.S. Army convoys in Afghanistan. Brooks and her convoy were attacked by Taliban insurgents and fired upon, wounding her and others inside. Brooks recovered well and was awarded the Purple Heart Military Medical Medal, Air Force Combat Action Medal, Joint Force Commendation Medal and the Army Combat Medic Badge.
"Attending past games we've appreciated the opportunity to show support for our many courageous military men and woman," said Tomas Brooks, Brooks' father. When Brooks returned to the United States, her plans were to visit the Packers Pro Shop and Curly's Pub at Lambeau Field.
Operation Fan Mail, which debuted in 2007, is designed to recognize families with a member who is on active duty. The Packers and WPS Health Insurance will host a family at each 2011 home game and recognize them on the field during pregame activities. More than 38 families have been recognized during the past four-plus seasons.
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 fan 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 to the Packers online at http://nfl.packers.com/gameday/gamedaypromotions/operationfanmail/.
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.
