The Green Bay Packers and Network Health paid special tribute to U.S. Air Force veteran Kerry Metoxen during Sunday afternoon's game against the Minnesota Vikings 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.
Metoxen is from Oneida, Wis., and served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years, retiring in 2000. A veteran of Operation Desert Storm, he was deployed to Oman and Kuwait. Throughout his military career, he was assigned to bases in New Jersey, Georgia, Michigan and Delaware, as well as Spain.
He now serves as director of Veteran Service for the Oneida Nation, providing support to those who have served locally. In his role, Metoxen assists veterans by helping them register for services, make appointments and connect with the community. Every Friday, he helps serve breakfast to 30 to 50 veterans. He always ensures everyone feels welcome by recognizing them by name and cooking their eggs just how they like them. He organizes potlucks, puts together birthday celebrations and makes sure that everyone feels like they have a place they belong. His fellow volunteers often remark on his dedication to camaraderie and continuation of his pledge to serve his country.
Metoxen retired at the rank of Sergeant. His decorations include the Air Force Commendation medal, Air Force Achievement medal, Air Force Good Conduct medal, National Defense Service medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary medal and Kuwait Liberation medal.
Metoxen attended Sunday's game with his wife of 47 years, Colleen, as well as his sons Lambert and Jacob, daughter Melissa, son-in-law Cory, granddaughter Anysa, and family friend, Aaron.
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 181 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.
