The Green Bay Packers and Fleet Farm are set to honor veterans and members of the military through the team’s annual “Salute to Service” initiative throughout November.
A league-wide program in conjunction with recognition of Veterans Day, the Packers and Fleet Farm are celebrating veterans and those currently serving through special events, fundraising, discounts for military members and veterans, player and alumni visits, and gameday features. The program was launched Tuesday with a press conference featuring Packers defensive lineman Lukas Van Ness, who is this year’s Salute to Service spokesperson.
“We’re proud to again be partnering with Fleet Farm to honor members of our military and veterans during our Salute to Service initiative,” said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. “We thank the brave men and women who have served our country for their sacrifice this November and throughout the year.”
Packers fans and shoppers can take part in the initiative at all Wisconsin Fleet Farm locations from Nov. 1-20 by rounding up their purchase to benefit H.O.O.A.H. WI. This nonprofit aims to eliminate suicide by proactively addressing the overall wellness of service members, veterans and their support systems. The Packers will match up to $10,000 of these donations to benefit H.O.O.A.H. WI’s programs, which provide veterans and service members with resources and assistance and create opportunities for them to connect.
As part of the organization’s Salute to Service efforts, the Packers recently held Military Appreciation Week, which featured daily events from Oct. 5-12 to honor those who have served. Packers alumni joined Wisconsin veterans on an honor flight to Washington, D.C., and employees put together care packages for veteran residents of Woodside Senior Communities. Current players surprised families of fallen soldiers, helping to paint and assemble a flag in their loved one’s honor through the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. Additionally, Lambeau Field hosted a ceremony for military members who were awarded the Order of St. Maurice for significant contributions to the Infantry, as well as a two-day training program for veterans to help mitigate the mental health effects of post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety and traumatic brain injury. The week concluded with a Salute to Service flag football tournament with branches of the military competing.
The contest against the San Francisco 49ers will serve as the Packers’ Salute to Service game, presented by Fleet Farm. Players will wear and use special equipment that features the NFL Salute to Service camo-ribbon decal. The stadium will feature Salute to Service goal post wraps and pylon decals, and in-game video features will include shoutouts to those who are serving and recognition of veterans. Fans coming to the game will receive a Salute to Service camo rally towel.
Lambeau Field Atrium businesses also are offering special discounts and promotions for veterans and military members, with free Packers Hall of Fame admission with their military ID on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11. Members of the military and veterans eating at 1919 Kitchen & Tap also can receive a 25 percent discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages through November. The Packers Pro Shop is offering all active military members and veterans 20 percent off on Veterans Day, with this year’s Salute to Service gear in stock. The NFL donates any profits to benefit its military non-profit partners. The Pro Shop also offers 10 percent off for military members and veterans year round on all in-store items, with some standard exclusions. Fleet Farm also is honoring all veterans and active military members by offering an extra 10 percent off their in-store purchases from Nov. 7 through Nov. 11.
