The Green Bay Packers and WPS Health Solutions paid special tribute to U.S. Army veteran Michael Kirby and his family during Sunday's Packers-Giants game for 'Operation Fan Mail.'
Kirby, originally from Racine, Wis., served for 14 years in the U.S. Army, from March 2001 through October 2015. When he enlisted, he served as a medical logistician with the 452nd Combat Support Hospital in Milwaukee. While assigned to this unit, Kirby was mobilized in 2003 for Operation Iraqi Freedom and shortly after, he left the reserve unit and transitioned to active duty.
In 2007, Kirby volunteered for recruiting, becoming a station commander in 2009. Following his time in recruiting, he was assigned to the 10th Regional Support Group in Okinawa, Japan, where he provided logistic support to the Pacific command.
During his time in the service, Kirby earned the rank of Sergeant First Class and earned his Glen E. Morrell Medallion, in addition to numerous commendation medals.
A lifelong Packers fan, Kirby and his family currently live in Stoughton, Wis. He attended Sunday's game with his wife, Katie, his son, Aidan, and his friend, Nick.
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 will host a family at each 2016 home game and recognize them on the field during pregame activities. A total of 99 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. 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.
