The Green Bay Packers and WPS Health Insurance will pay special tribute to Jim "Maggie" Megellas during Sunday's Packers-Cowboys game for 'Operation Fan Mail.'
Megellas, a 93-year-old Fond du Lac native, will be the first World War II veteran to receive the program's recognition.
A widely respected veteran and a hero in his hometown, Megellas is the most decorated officer in the history of the legendary 82nd Airborne Division. During his years of service, Megellas led World War II's best Airborne Infantry Platoon from the front and has been honored with two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts, and remains a candidate for the Congressional Medal of Honor. He also has received numerous awards from outside of the military, including a recent award from the city of Nijmegen in the Netherlands for his heroism there in World War II.
Most recently, Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold has written President Obama and Army Secretary McHugh in support of the Medal of Honor for Megellas.
Megellas continues to be a passionate veteran's advocate and maintains his camaraderie with U.S. soldiers, no matter where they serve. He spends his time traveling to Afghanistan, or Iraq, or Yemen, to inspire them and to boost their spirits.
To help honor Megellas this evening, Col. Martin Schweitzer, the deputy commander of operations for the 82nd Airborne Division, plus six members of the 82nd's honor guard, will be on the field for the pregame program.
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 Insurance will host a family at each 2010 home game and recognize them on the field during pregame activities. More than 30 families have been recognized during the past three-plus seasons.
To choose families, the Packers and WPS Health Insurance 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. Essays also can be submitted to the Packers online at http://nfl.packers.com/gameday/gamedaypromotions/operationfanmail.
Families intended for recognition are those that have a member serving on active duty. The family member can be a mother, father, son, daughter or sibling.
In addition to being recognized on-field prior to the game, selected families will receive four tickets to the game and a care package from WPS.
