MIDLOTHIAN, Va. (WTVR)–Colonel Patrick Kelly, a Midlothian resident, was saluted on Sunday at the Packers-Viking game, as part of ‘Operation Fan Mail.’
Kelly and his wife, along with their two children attended the NFL game, which was at the Green Bay Packers home stadium at Lambeau Field.
As part of ‘Operation Fan Mail,’ which debuted in 2007 to recognize families with a member who is on active duty, the Kelly’s received tickets and a care package to the game. The event is funded by the Packers and Wisconsin health insurance.
The Kelly’s are all avid Packers, so it was good news that the team scored a nice win over the Vikings.
Colonel Kelly joined the Army in 1976 and had held many roles within the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps and, as of 2010, is the Chief of the explosive ordnance disposal directorate.
Kelly is a graduate of the United States Military Academy, the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, the Ordnance Advanced Course and the Naval School of Explosive Ordnance Disposal at Indianhead, Md., the Air Command and Staff College.
He also holds a master’s degree in strategic studies from the Air War College and a master’s degree in human resources management from Troy State University.
Throughout his career, Kelly has been deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq several times as a Battalion and Brigade Commander.
His service to the United States has earned him several awards including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge and Parachutist Badge.
