Green Bay Reporter

The Green Bay Packers and Network Health honored U.S. Navy veteran Todd Hope and his son, U.S. Army veteran Sam Hope, during Saturday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks as part of 'Operation Fan Mail.' The program is now in its 19th season and recognizes military families and veterans at each Packers home game.

Todd Hope served for two decades in the U.S. Navy as a diesel mechanic, reaching the rank of Chief Petty Officer (E-7). His deployments included missions off the coast of Iraq and to Pakistan during Operation Desert Storm. Inspired by his father’s service, Sam Hope joined the U.S. Army in 2011 as an infantryman (E-4), serving overseas in Korea, Japan, and Thailand, as well as at Fort Benning and Fort Carson in the United States. After reenlisting for five more years, Sam was medically discharged following an injury.

Both Todd and Sam are lifelong Packers fans from Green Bay. Sam recalled watching games with his family every Sunday growing up, noting that supporting the team helped keep their family connected during times apart due to military service. They attended the game with their wives, Jessica and Alyssa. Sam nominated his father for recognition through Operation Fan Mail.

"Operation Fan Mail, which debuted in 2007, is designed to honor those who are on active duty or are veterans of the military, along with their families," according to the organization. "In addition to being recognized on the video boards prior to the game, selected families will receive four tickets to the game, courtesy of Network Health."

Each home game this season featured a different family being recognized on-field before kickoff. Over 18 seasons, a total of 218 families have been honored through this initiative.

To participate in Operation Fan Mail next season, families or friends can submit a short essay explaining why a particular fan should be saluted. Submissions can be mailed or sent online via packers.com/Lambeau-field/operation-fan-mail.

Families eligible for recognition include those with members currently serving on active duty or who are veterans; eligible relatives include spouses, parents, children or siblings.