The Green Bay Packers and Fleet Farm are set to honor veterans and members of the military through the team's annual "Salute to Service" initiative throughout November.
A league-wide program in conjunction with recognition of Veterans Day, the Packers and Fleet Farm are celebrating veterans and those currently serving through special events, fundraising, discounts for military members and veterans, player and alumni visits, and gameday features. The program was launched Tuesday with a press conference featuring Packers running back Aaron Jones, who is this year's Salute to Service spokesperson.
"We're proud to honor members of our military and veterans this November through our Salute to Service initiative," said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. "We're looking forward to partnering again with Fleet Farm to recognize and thank the brave men and women of our armed forces who have sacrificed so much for our country."
Packers fans and shoppers can take part in the initiative at all Wisconsin Fleet Farm locations from Nov. 1-11 by rounding up their purchase to benefit H.O.O.A.H. WI. This nonprofit aims to eliminate suicide by proactively addressing the overall wellness of service members, veterans and their support systems. The Packers will match up to $10,000 of these donations to benefit H.O.O.A.H. WI's programs, which provide veterans and service members with resources and assistance and create opportunities for them to connect.
Additionally, the Packers will designate one special week as Military Appreciation Week from Oct. 30 to Nov. 5, with daily events aimed at honoring those who have served. The week will kick off with a Packers Give Back Day Oct. 30, with Packers employees volunteering at the Green Bay Vet Center's Veterans Garden, followed by Huddle for Heroes Oct. 31, which will bring together Packers players and veterans at The Turn in Titletown, as well as the Salute to Service Flag Football Tournament at Titletown on Nov. 3, featuring teams representing each branch of the military. The Packers also will host a three-day seminar for veterans who are participating in a 12-month intensive program through Mark Divine's Courage Foundation aimed at mitigating post-traumatic stress, promoting post-traumatic growth, and establishing a pathway toward civic leadership.
The week will wrap up with a 50 For the Fallen sendoff event on Saturday, Nov. 4. This 50-mile ruck over 18 hours will raise awareness and funds and pay tribute to veterans, beginning at the Brown County Veterans Memorial and covering 50 miles around Green Bay before ending at halftime of the Packers-Rams game on Nov. 5. Participants will walk through the tunnel and escort veterans onto the 50-yard line to be honored by the fans. The 50 For the Fallen organization hosts similar events around the country to address the worsening mental health crisis experienced by Special Operation Forces veterans. Fans can learn more and see how they can participate at https://50ftf.org/.
The contest against the Los Angeles Rams will serve as the Packers' Salute to Service game, presented by Fleet Farm. Players will wear and use special equipment that features the NFL Salute to Service camo-ribbon decal. The stadium will feature Salute to Service goal post wraps and pylon decals, and in-game video features will include shoutouts to those who are serving and recognition of veterans. Fans coming to the game will receive a Salute to Service paracord bracelet. The game will also include a flyover featuring U.S. Air Force jets.
Lambeau Field Atrium businesses also are offering special discounts and promotions for veterans and military members, with free Packers Hall of Fame admission with their military ID on Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11. Members of the military and veterans eating at 1919 Kitchen & Tap also can receive a 25 percent discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages through November. The Packers Pro Shop is offering all active military members and veterans 20 percent off on Veterans Day and 10 percent off throughout November on all in-store items, with some standard exclusions. The Pro Shop has this year's Salute to Service gear in stock, with the NFL donating any profits to benefit its military non-profit partners. Fleet Farm also is honoring all veterans and active military members by offering an extra 10 percent off their in-store purchases Nov. 11.
Throughout November, packers.com and the Packers' social media platforms will be sharing highlights from the team's efforts to recognize military members and veterans throughout the year, including the team's participation in this year's Stars & Stripes Honor Flight with Packers alumni, as well as an upcoming visit to Fort McCoy for current Packers players to greet students at Challenge Academy.
