RENTON, Wash. – The Seahawks announced today various military and veteran honors as part of 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 connect with our nation's service members, veterans and their families. The Seahawks official Salute to Service game will be October 30 vs. the New York Giants, with kickoff at 1:25 p.m. PT.
The Seahawks Salute to Service Game Honorees will include:
Flag Runner: Running the American flag out of the tunnel will be U.S. Army Green Beret and former Seahawk Nate Boyer. Boyer is a Bronze Star recipient and served deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He is the co-founder of Merging Vets & Players.
National Anthem: The National Anthem will be sung by Generald Wilson. Wilson is a retired United States Navy veteran with 21 years of honorable service. As a veteran, his goal is to encourage and inspire others through song.
Military Flyover: Following the National Anthem, fans will enjoy a flyover by two EA-18 Growlers from the Electronic Attack Squadron 133 out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
12 Flag Raiser: The 12 Flag will be raised by Master Sgt. Earl D. Plumlee. Master Sgt. Plumlee was recently awarded the military's highest accolade, the Medal of Honor, in Dec. 2021 by President Joe Biden for actions of valor and bravery during Operation Enduring Freedom. His additional awards and decorations include the Silver Star, the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, two Navy Achievement Medals, and the Combat Action Ribbon, among many others. Plumlee is currently based at Washington's Joint Base Lewis-McChord, where he serves as a team sergeant at 3rd Battalion 1st SFG (A).
Salute to Service Moments presented by USAA: The team will feature four Salute to Service moments throughout the game. During halftime, all five military branches will take part in an on-field "Battle of the Branches" obstacle course.
Salute to Service Donations: Throughout the month of November, 12% of official Seahawks Salute to Service merchandise sales at Seahawks Pro Shops will benefit Heroes Homestead. Located in the farmlands of Williams Valley in Clayton, Wash., Heroes Homestead offers community-connected care to service members, veterans, and first responder families as they return home from service or overcome the challenges of PTSD.
Proceeds from the Week 8 Gameday Poster featuring our matchup vs. the New York Giants will benefit Growing Veterans, whose mission is to empower veterans through growing food and a community network in an effort to end social isolation. Posters came be purchased here starting Tuesday, October 25 at 10:00 AM.
Military Challenge Coin:
Prior to kickoff, the Seahawks will also present a special military challenge coin, designed and created by USAA, for use in the official coin toss. In what has become a long-standing tradition, challenge coins are given by one member of the military to another to reward or encourage excellence, boost morale, or to recognize a fellow brother- or sister-in-arms. The Seahawks partner with USAA on military-related events throughout the year, including the team's annual "Change of Command" ceremony to recognize an honored military unit. This season, USAA and the Seahawks welcomed its 2022 honored military unit, Bangor Trident Base. This marks the 10th year that USAA has partnered with the Seahawks adopt an honorary military unit.
About USAA
Founded in 1922 by a group of military officers, USAA is among the leading providers of insurance, banking, and investment and retirement solutions to more than 13 million members of the U.S. military, veterans who have honorably served and their families. Headquartered in San Antonio, USAA has offices in eight U.S. cities and three overseas locations and employs nearly 38,000 people worldwide. Each year, the company contributes to national and local nonprofits in support of military families and communities where employees live and work. For more information about USAA, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@USAA), or visit usaa.com.
Members of the military and their families had the opportunity to enjoy a Seahawks practice along with their families on October 26, 2022 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton. The visit was one of several Salute to Service events taking place throughout the week in advance of Sunday's game vs. the Giants.