I Feel Valued – Packers Move Veteran to Tears

On a chilly November afternoon in 2024, Lambeau Field was alive with more than the usual game-day excitement. While the Green Bay Packers prepared to face their rivals, the team was also hosting a special event to honor local veterans, a tradition that has long defined the franchise’s commitment to those who have served. Among the honorees was James “Jim” Callahan, a 72-year-old Vietnam War veteran whose emotional response to the day’s events would capture the hearts of Packers fans and move the community to tears.

The event, part of the Packers’ annual Salute to Service game, was a meticulously planned tribute to veterans, featuring a pre-game ceremony, free tickets for military families, and personal interactions with players. Callahan, a lifelong Packers fan and Green Bay resident, was one of 50 veterans invited to the field for a special recognition. What he didn’t expect was the profound impact the day would have, not just on him, but on everyone who witnessed his story.

Callahan, a retired mechanic who served two tours in Vietnam, had faced significant challenges since returning home, including PTSD and financial struggles. Despite his hardships, he remained a devoted Packers fan, often listening to games on the radio when he couldn’t afford tickets. His daughter, Emily, nominated him for the Salute to Service event through a Packers community outreach program, hoping to give her father a day to remember.

As Callahan walked onto the field, escorted by linebacker Quay Walker and safety Xavier McKinney, the crowd of over 70,000 roared in appreciation. The Jumbotron displayed a montage of Callahan’s service photos, including a black-and-white image of a young Jim in his Army uniform. Tears welled in his eyes as he waved to the crowd, overwhelmed by the outpouring of gratitude. “I haven’t felt this valued in years,” he later told WBAY-TV, his voice trembling. “The Packers made me feel like I mattered.”

The team’s efforts went beyond the ceremony. Earlier that day, Callahan and the other veterans were invited to a private breakfast at the Lambeau Field Atrium, where players like Jordan Love, Kenny Clark, and Matt LaFleur mingled with them, sharing stories and signing memorabilia. Callahan, a quiet man by nature, opened up to Love about his time in Vietnam, and the quarterback listened intently, later dedicating a touchdown to him during the game.

The Packers also surprised Callahan with a care package, including a year’s worth of groceries, a new winter coat, and a personalized Packers jersey with his name on the back. Emily, who watched her father’s reaction from the stands, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “Dad’s been through so much, and today, he smiled more than I’ve seen in years. The Packers gave him back his pride.”

The team’s Salute to Service initiative was the result of months of planning, with players and staff working closely with the local VA Medical Center to identify veterans in need. Packers Community Outreach Director Cathy Dworak told ESPN, “Our veterans are the backbone of this country, and we wanted to show them they’re not forgotten. Jim’s story is just one of many, but it’s why we do this.”

Callahan’s moment on the field was captured in a video posted to the Packers’ X account, which quickly amassed over 100,000 views. Fans flooded the comments with messages of support, with one writing, “This is why I love the Packers. They honor people like Jim who deserve it.” Another fan posted, “Seeing Jim cry made me cry. Thank you, Packers, for giving him this day.”

For Callahan, the day was transformative. He later visited the VA Medical Center to share his experience with other veterans, encouraging them to stay connected to the community. “The Packers didn’t just give me a day at the game,” he told reporters. “They gave me a reason to keep going.” Emily, who accompanied her father to the event, added, “I’ve always been proud to be a Packers fan, but now I’m proud of what they stand for.”

The impact of the event extended beyond Callahan. Inspired by the ceremony, several Packers players, including Walker and McKinney, committed to volunteering at the VA Medical Center in 2025, while the team pledged additional funding for veteran support programs. LaFleur, reflecting on the day, told Packers.com, “Meeting Jim and the other veterans reminded us why we play this game. It’s about bringing people together and lifting them up.”

As the game ended with a Packers victory, Callahan stood in the stands, clutching his new jersey and cheering alongside his daughter. For one unforgettable day, he wasn’t just a veteran or a fan—he was a cherished member of the Packers family, valued and celebrated by a community that refused to let him fade into the shadows. His tears, born of gratitude and belonging, became a symbol of the Packers’ enduring commitment to those who have served, a legacy that will resonate far beyond the 2024 season.