Air Force airman from West Allis recognized by Packers during Sunday's game

By: Justin Thompson-Gee Facebook | Twitter

Posted: Nov 19, 2017 4:35 PM CDT

GREEN BAY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Green Bay Packers paid special tribute to Senior Airman Taylor Manz and his family during Sunday’s Packers-Ravens game for ‘Operation Fan Mail.’

Manz, originally from West Allis, joined the U.S. Air Force in 2013. After completing basic training, he assumed the role of boom operator aboard the KC-135 Stratotanker. Filling an undermanned position with a highly sought after skill set, he has since deployed four times to the Middle East, and is currently stationed in Tampa.

Manz now serves as an in-flight refueling specialist and will soon be training to be an instructor. He has received four aerial combat medals and one aerial achievement medal.

A lifelong Packers fan, Manz counts attending the NFC Championship game during the 1996 season, when the Packers defeated the Carolina Panthers to reach Super Bowl XXXI, as one of his favorite Packers memories.