LUKAS VAN NESS, DEFENSIVE END
The Green Bay Packers are nominating defensive end Lukas Van Ness for the 2024 Salute to Service Award in recognition of his commitment to honor, empower and connect service members, veterans and their families. Lukas began to make an impact on the military community as soon as he entered the league. During his rookie season, he connected with local veterans through a Huddle for Heroes event, answering questions and spending time with the veterans to personally thank them for their service. He also wrote letters to be sent to active-duty military members to encourage and empower them while on deployment. During the Packers' 2024 military appreciation week, Lukas will assist a family grieving the loss of a service member in assembling and painting a commemorative flag to honor their fallen soldier. At the end of the event, he will present the family with a gift on behalf of the Packers. Growing up with several family members that have served in the military, including his grandfather who earned the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army during his 27-year career, Lukas learned from a young age how important it is to honor the men and women who give so much to our country. Lukas continues to use his platform to salute the bravery and sacrifice of service members, veterans and their families.