PHOTO: Courtesy of WLUK
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Tuesday was a day full of surprises at Lambeau Field for families who have endured so much loss.
As part of the team’s Military Appreciation Week, the Green Bay Packers welcomed the families and loved ones of five military service members who lost their lives as a result of serving their country.
Kat Wopat lost her brother, U.S. Army Corporal Stephen Shannon 17 years ago while he served in Iraq.
“He just had an energy about him. He had such a care for people and helping others and he led, everything he did was with his heart,” said Wopat.
Kat’s family and others had the opportunity Tuesday to assemble and paint American flags with surprise Packers guests: Josh Jacobs, Eric Stokes, Tucker Kraft, Lukas Van Ness and Josh Myers.
“Really, I don’t know the level of grief that they’re going through and the way that they were all just so positive and smiling and, you know, their hearts are hurting. So it’s just, it’s inspiring, really, to see how positive all of them are,” said Myers.
The event was held with national nonprofit TAPS, which stands for Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. The organization helps provide care and resources to those grieving a death in the military or veteran community.
“Events like this really make me feel my dad is here more than ever, because he was a huge Packers fan. I remember watching games with him every Sunday down in the basement,” said Kate Banholzer, the daughter of fallen U.S. Air Force Col. David Banholzer.
Families were also surprised with signed custom Packers jerseys with their fallen loved one’s name on the back.
“Getting to interact and meet some of they players and build the flags with them is such an honor and a treat for us. It makes us feel special, makes us, you know, feel like Dave’s service was meaningful,” said Alison Banholzer, the surviving spouse of Col. Banholzer, who died in 2016.
During a tour of Lambeau Field, the five service members were top of mind for the families inside the bowl, as their names were displayed on the video boards.
While the pain they’ve endured is indescribable, families say events like this help them keep the legacy of their loved ones alive.
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