HONOREE:
Bridgett Manning
BRANCH:
U.S. Air Force
GAME:
Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings
The Green Bay Packers and WPS Health Solutions paid special tribute this week to now-retired Chief Master Sgt. Bridgett Manning in conjunction with the Jan. 2 game against Minnesota. Operation Fan Mail, the program that recognizes military families and veterans at each Packers home game, marks its 15th season in 2021.
Manning, originally from Muskego, Wis., joined the U.S. Air Force in 1995. During the next two decades, she spent time serving around the world in Afghanistan, Africa, Alaska, Georgia, and Germany. She worked not only as an airman, but as a humanitarian, asking for donations of shoes, toys, and toiletries to donate to local orphanages.
Through her hard work, Manning earned the rank of Chief Master Sergeant and oversaw hundreds of enlisted men and women. She officially retired this weekend after serving for 26 years.
Aside from her military career, Manning advocates for veterans as an intern at VETS2PM, where she assists veterans in finding employment. She also serves on the board of directors for the Jacksonville Veterans Chamber of Commerce as the vice president of external affairs and career development.
In her nomination essay, Manning’s best friend, Michelle Pinkert, said, “She is a shining example of a woman overcoming substantial odds and emerging triumphant.”
Manning’s husband, Casey, is also a veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years. A lifelong Packers fan, Manning attended Sunday’s game with Casey, Pinkert, and Pinkert’s husband, Matt.
As the honorees for Operation Fan Mail this week, the Manning family also received four tickets to the game and a $150 Packers Pro Shop gift card, courtesy of WPS.
The appearance of U.S. military visual information does not imply or constitute endorsement by the U.S. military.
