The Green Bay Packers and Network Health paid special tribute to U.S. Marine Corps veteran Dan Pokorny and U.S. Army Supply Specialist Sergeant Michael Pokorny during Sunday night's game against the Kansas City Chiefs for 'Operation Fan Mail.'
Operation Fan Mail, the program that recognizes military families and veterans at each Packers home game, is marking its 17th season this year.
Dan Pokorny served in the U.S. Marine Corps from November of 2005 until November 2011, earning the rank of Sergeant, non-commissioned officer (E-5). He served two deployments – one in Iraq in 2006 and one in Southeast Asia in 2009. Michael Pokorny served in the U.S. Marine Corps from October of 2010 until July of 2015. Earning the rank of Lance Corporal (E-3), he served two deployments – one in Afghanistan from 2011 to 2012 and one in Southeast Asia from 2013 to 2014. He began serving in the U.S. Army in 2019, and is a Supply Specialist Sergeant stationed on Fort Liberty, N.C.
The Pokorny family always prioritized the importance of giving back, hence their decision to serve their country and their incredible sacrifice. The family's Packers fandom runs deep, as their great grandfather, Jug Earp, played for the team from 1922 until 1932 and is in the Packers Hall of Fame. Their loyalty to the team has never waned, despite their parents growing up in Chicago and the brothers growing up in Grand Rapids, Mich. To be recognized for their service at Sunday's game means a lot to their entire family.
Dan Pokorny was able to attend the game with his wife, Robyn, son, Wyatt, and daughter, Rori. The brothers were nominated for recognition at this week's game by their sister, Emily Pokorny.
Operation Fan Mail, which debuted in 2007, is designed to honor those who are on active duty or are veterans of the military, along with their families. In addition to being recognized on the video boards prior to the game, selected families will receive four tickets to the game, courtesy of Network Health. The Packers and Network Health will host a family at each 2023 home game and recognize them on the field during pregame activities. A total of 184 families have been saluted during the past 15 seasons.
To choose families, the Packers and Network Health 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 this season.
Essays can be sent to Operation Fan Mail, P.O. Box 10628, Green Bay, WI, 54307-0628 or online at packers.com/Lambeau-field/operation-fan-mail. Families intended for recognition are those that have a member of their family serving on active duty, or a member of their family who is a veteran. The family member can be a spouse, mother, father, son, daughter or sibling.
