“Packers Tailgate Tour” tackles the U.P.
It’s the red carpet of sports, only the colors were green and yellow and the stars were alumni and current Green Bay Packer players.
Rolling into the U.P. this week is the “Green Bay Packers Tailgate Tour.” Wednesday’s tour stop was a surprise visit to the residents at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain.
The tour consisting of Paul Coffman, Lynn Dickey, James Lofton, Jarrett Bush, Mason Crosby, and Brad Jones was established to show fan appreciation for the loyal support that is shown to the team throughout the season. Gifts, conversations, autographs and of course a few selfies rounded out the visit.
“It takes me back because my dad served in the military for 22 years, he was a veteran in World War II and the Korean War and he would be about their age if he were still living, so there is that connection and because they are Packer fans. They are excited to see us there memories of when we played are still fresh in their mind. I asked when did you enroll? He said, I was drafted, I was drafted when I was 21, that was over 70 years ago so it was neat talking to him,” former Packers wide receiver James Lofton said.
“It felt good, to take their minds off whatever is going on, I asked which is better, Army or Marines? They both disagreed and said their branch was better and that was cool because they are still competitive and I am very competitive person so it was a treat for me,” Packers cornerback Jarrett Bush said.
The tour heads to Wisconsin for the rest of the week: Superior on Wednesday, Rice Lake on Thursday, and the tour ends Friday in Merrill.