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Seahawks Hit Record Numbers At 2023 Military Day

A record-number of active troops attended the Seahawks’ Military Day, an annual training camp event in partnership with USAA, for a day of fun and support for our troops.

Aug 09, 2023 at 05:01 PM

Maliik Obee

Seahawks.com Contributor

Fans came out for day 11 of training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash. on Aug. 8, 2023.

Supporting our Troops.

Yesterday was Military Day at Seahawks Camp, where for the first time ever we hosted over 100 active troops at practice. They were able to meet our entire roster and we also held a boot camp for them on our field! #SaluteToService #GoHawks x @USAA pic.twitter.com/DoiDVIBF6f
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) August 9, 2023

Every season, the Seahawks celebrate the United States military community with a day of honor, as the front office, players and fans get a chance to interact and show appreciation for their service. Tuesday's 2023 Military Day celebration at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center saw a record-number of active troops in attendance, as the Seahawks put on a day to remember for service members, veterans and families from all over.

View more of Military Day: https://t.co/mMh0vv54CZ pic.twitter.com/qhvtmCXC8T
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) August 9, 2023

The Seahawks’ have long been an active participant in the NFL’s year-round Salute to Service initiative, supporting military personnel and bringing awareness to efforts and sacrifices made to protect the country. Last November, General Manager John Schneider was nominated for the NFL’s 2022 Salute to Service Award, recognizing the efforts made by NFL personnel to honor and support U.S. service members, veterans and their families. The organization has also collaborated with former Active Duty Green Beret, Seahawk Legend and Merging Vets & Players (MVP) Co-Founder Nate Boyer. Formed in collaboration with NFL Insider Jay Glazer, the nonprofit helps vets and former athletes reacclimate to the rigors of life. During Week 17 of the 2022 season, Seattle faced the New York Jets at home. Team Dancer Victoria got the surprise of a lifetime from the organization, when her father, David Wade, was honored by the Seahawks and USAA for 26 years of service in the United States Air Force.

As the @NFL season approaches, USAA is inviting currently serving military to training camps across the nation. Yesterday, our #SaluteToService boot camp was held with the Seattle @Seahawks, where military watched practice, met players, and ran combine drills. pic.twitter.com/F5qNloAuDn
— USAA (@USAA) August 9, 2023

In collaboration with USAA, Seattle invited currently serving military personnel to embark in a Salute to Service boot camp, where troops were invited to watch and participate in practice, run drills and meet their favorite Seahawks players. In a turnout unseen in year's past, more than 100 active military members showed up in uniform ready for the day. And in return, the Seahawks went out of their way to make them feel at home. Coach Pete Carroll ran out of the building to greet each guest personally, as Schneider arrived at the field with autographed memorabilia and apparel as gifts. Quarterback Geno Smith and wideouts Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf were just a few of the Seahawks that participated on the meet-and-greet on the practice field, as coaches and the football operations team got to share their appreciation. Following practice, the guests got to participate in a live boot camp, with many shedding their uniforms for shirts and shorts to run drills. Military representatives received a memory to cherish, as Carroll actively led and participated in offensive and defensive drills right on Seattle's practice field.

Following Schneider's nomination for the Salute to Service award last season, he spoke on the importance of supporting the military, emphasizing his family's history.

"There's a lot of different aspects of why my wife and I try to do as many things as we try to do," said Schneider. "One of them being family. My father was a medical doctor on a B-52 during the Bay of Pigs, then my wife Traci's father served in Vietnam, so there's a family aspect for sure. Just being able to connect with veterans, whether it be through MVP or at games in the pregame period, just giving that time to people—the No. 1 gift you can give somebody is your time, so being able to ask, 'How are you doing, where are you from, what does life look like for you, what are your goals?' Being able to connect, and compassionate for what's coming their way, and being thankful for the veterans and everything they've done for us."

The Seahawks' efforts to recognize military personnel for their efforts won't be stopping anytime soon. But with Tuesday's record-breaking attendance, it's clear that those serving our country know where to come for fun and some appreciation.