The Green Bay Packers and WPS Health Solutions paid special tribute to Petty Officer 1st Class Jeff Brickson and his family during Saturday's Packers-Vikings game for 'Operation Fan Mail.'
Brickson, originally from La Crosse, Wis., joined the U.S. Navy in 2006, becoming the fourth generation of his family to serve in the Navy. He has served on a total of four deployments to various locations in the Persian Gulf, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
In his role as a fire controlman, he operates and maintains CIWS, a weapons system that protects ships and assets against incoming missiles and enemy aircraft.
He spent last Christmas out to sea on a seven-month deployment to the Persian Gulf/Middle East and Asia, receiving a Navy achievement medal for his tireless work in assisting operations supporting maritime security operations and theater cooperation efforts.
Currently stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii, Brickson and his wife, Sarah, have traveled back to Wisconsin this year to celebrate the holidays. Brickson is a lifelong Packers fan and Saturday was his first time at Lambeau Field for a game.
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 Solutions hosted a family at each 2017 home game and recognized them on the field during pregame activities. A total of 107 individuals or families have been recognized through the program thus 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 saluted next season. Essays can be sent to: Operation Fan Mail, P.O. Box 10628, Green Bay, WI, 54307-0628 or submitted online at **packers.com/gameday/gamedaypromotions/operationfanmail**.
In addition to being recognized on-field prior to the game, selected families receive four tickets to the game. Families intended for recognition are those that have a member serving on active duty. The family member can be a spouse, mother, father, son, daughter or sibling.
