The Green Bay Packers and Network Health paid special tribute to U.S. Air Force veteran Elizabeth Disalvo and her son, U.S. Army Sergeant Jake Disalvo, during Sunday afternoon's game against the Chicago Bears for 'Operation Fan Mail.'
This year marks the 18th season of Operation Fan Mail, the program that recognizes military families and veterans at each Packers home game.
Elizabeth joined the Army in 1988 and transitioned to the Air Force a year later. Over the course of her career, she deployed to a combat zone in Iraq as a dental hygienist and earned the rank of chief master sergeant. In addition to fulfilling her operational duties, she participated in multiple humanitarian missions across the world. Elizabeth retired in 2023 after more than 35 years of service to her country.
Inspired by his mother's selflessness and commitment, Jake joined the Army in 2020. He is currently stationed in Hawaii as a sergeant and has served tours in South Korea and the Philippines.
Natives of Mequon, Wis., the Disalvos are lifelong Packers fans. They attended today's game with Elizabeth's son, Dominic, and his wife, Tricia. Jake nominated his mother for recognition.
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 hosted a family at each 2024 home game and recognized them on the field during pregame activities. A total of 216 families have been saluted during the past 17 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 next 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.
