MADISON, Wis.—Aug. 18, 2022—The Green Bay Packers and WPS Health Solutions paid special tribute this week to Army veteran Bob Washkuhn in conjunction with the Aug. 17 training camp scrimmage against New Orleans. Operation Fan Mail, the program that recognizes military families and veterans at each Packers home game, marks its 16th season in 2022.
Washkuhn, 97, is originally from Shell Lake, Wis., and served in the Army’s 9th Armored Division in Europe during World War II. He now lives in Spooner, Wis. Born in 1924, he’s always been a fan of the Packers. “I’ve always liked the Packers,” he said. “I think they’re the best team in the country.”
Washkuhn’s friend, Kristin Frane, nominated him for Operation Fan Mail. “Bob is an amazing person. World War II vet and he has always loved the Packers,” Frane said. However, Washkuhn wasn’t able to make the three-and-one-half-hour drive across the state to watch his beloved Packers. Still, he’s honored to be picked for this award.
As the honoree for Operation Fan Mail this week, Washkuhn received two tickets to a regular season game and a $150 Packers Pro Shop gift card, courtesy of WPS.
The program, which debuted in 2007, is designed to honor families with a member who is on active duty or a member who is a veteran. The Packers and WPS Health Solutions will host a family at each 2022 season home game and recognize the members on the video boards during pregame activities. A total of 148 individuals, families, or groups have been recognized through the program since it began.
The Packers and WPS Health Solutions invite interested families, or friends of eligible families, to submit an essay, 500 words or less, on why a particular family should be saluted this year. Families intended for recognition are those that have a member serving on active duty, or a member who is a veteran. The family member can be a spouse, mother, father, son, daughter, or sibling.
Essays can be sent to Operation Fan Mail, P.O. Box 10628, Green Bay, WI, 54307-0628 or submitted online at operationfanmail.com.
