What:
- Active-duty U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jack Zimmerman, a lifelong Packers fan, will be honored at Lambeau Field as part of the Operation Fan Mail program during the Christmas Day, Dec. 25, Green Bay Packers game against Cleveland.
- Zimmerman, age 20, was present on Aug. 26, 2021, at the Abbey Gate in Kabul, Afghanistan during the suicide bombing. He was hit by shrapnel, shot at by gunmen, yet carried and assisted others who were wounded or killed in action. Three of his best friends were among the 13 killed in the attacks: David Espinoza, Kareem Nikoui, and his roommate, Rylee McCollum.
- Zimmerman was awarded the Purple Heart for his wounds and bravery.
- Zimmerman, originally from Kingsford, Mich., in the Upper Peninsula, is currently stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, Calif.
Where:
Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wis.
When:
Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2021, at 3:30 p.m. (game time) Recognition may be held pregame or during game, TBD.
Why:
The Operation Fan Mail 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 are hosting an honoree at each 2021–2022 season home game and recognize each honoree on the video boards during pregame activities. More than 140 individuals, families, or groups have been recognized through the program since it began.
Quote from Operation Fan Mail nomination essay:
“I think being recognized for his brave and selfless actions will help him understand how much of a hero he is.”
—Zachary Zimmerman, older brother of Lance Cpl. Zimmerman.
