RENTON, Wash. - The Seahawks announced today gameday activities for the team's annual Salute to Service game, presented by USAA, the Official Seahawks and NFL Salute to Service Partner. Salute to Service is a year-round NFL initiative to honor, empower, and support our nation's service members, veterans, and their families. The Seahawks' Salute to Service game will be held November 3 versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and include more than 150 service members and veterans as part of game honors, including:
- United States Army Special Forces Sergeant Major Ed Hall will lead the team out of the tunnel carrying the U.S. Flag. Sergeant Major Hall has served in the Army Special Forces for 19 years, taking part in combat patrols in 13 different countries. In addition to being a trained sniper, he has performed combat jumps from as high as 18,000 feet. He is a decorated service member with two Bronze Stars, two Meritorious Service Medals, and a Combat Infantry Badge.
- 150 service members representing each branch of service will unfurl a full field flag during the National Anthem.
- Presenting our nation's colors, a Joint Honor Guard led by Staff Sergeant Chemika Duckett of the I Corps Honor Guard at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The guard is comprised of military service members representing all branches of the armed services. Along with the national flag, this joint service color guard carries flags for the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.
- United States Navy Veteran Generald Wilson will sing the National Anthem.
- The 12 Flag will be raised by Army Special Forces Veteran Ryan Hendrickson, who was severely injured after stepping on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan in 2010. Military medical staff were able to reattach his leg and 17 months later he chose to redeploy back to Afghanistan. Hendrickson has since been awarded numerous medals including a Purple Heart, a Silver Star, five Bronze Star Medals, and an Army Commendation Medal with Valor, among many others.
- During half-time, all five military branches will take part in an on-field "Battle of the Branches" obstacle course.
- During the first, second and third quarters, USAA Salute to Service moments will honor WWII pilot Lucky Bourgoin, Vietnam Veteran and former POW Joe Crecca, as well as Marine Sergeant Randi Price.
Throughout the month of November, the Seahawks will raise funds for wear blue: run to remember, a national nonprofit running community that honors the service and sacrifice of the American military. wear blue: run to remember creates a support network for military members and their families while bridging the gap between military and civilian communities.
Support for wear blue: run to remember will include:
- Seahawks Pro Shop Donation: 12% of Seahawks Salute to Service merchandise sales from Seattle-area Pro Shop locations (Downtown 4th & Pike, CenturyLink Field, Renton Landing and Alderwood Mall) will go to wear blue: run to remember. The Seahawks Pro Shops will also take donations at checkout throughout November.
- Game-Worn Items:Fans are encouraged to visit the Seahawks Auction Site after the game to bid on game-worn items; 100% of proceeds from those items will go to wear blue: run to remember.
- Lyft: The preferred rideshare partner of the Seahawks will donate 12% from all rides to and from CenturyLink Field on November 3 to wear blue: run to remember.
About USAA
The USAA family of companies provides insurance, banking, investments, retirement products and advice to 13 million current and former members of the U.S. military and their families. Known for its legendary commitment to its members, USAA is consistently recognized for outstanding service, employee well-being and financial strength. USAA membership is open to all who are serving our nation in the U.S. military or have received a discharge type of Honorable - and their eligible family members. Founded in 1922, USAA is headquartered in San Antonio. For more information about USAA, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@USAA), or visit usaa.com.
