Seahawks Kick Off Salute To Service With Events All Month Long

The Seahawks organization, in partnership with USAA, have a series of events and initiatives planned to both recognize and support service members, culminating with their Salute To Service game on November 21 vs. Arizona.

Nov 11, 2021 at 05:26 PM

Morgan Jenkins

Seahawks.com Contributor

Every November, as the NFL recognizes Salute to Service month across the league, the Seattle Seahawks are eager to show their gratitude to our nation's service members with special events happening throughout the month, including at the team's official Salute to Service game on November 21.

Salute to Service is a year-round NFL initiative to honor, empower, and support the nation's service members, veterans, and their families. As the Official Seahawks and NFL Salute to Service partner, the Seahawks work closely 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 year's Salute to Service game will include honoring more than 100 women of service. Throughout the game, the Seahawks will recognize women who serve or have served in the military. There will be an all-women color guard, flag runner, flag raiser, holders for the giant on-field USA flag, and four Salute to Service moments honoring women throughout the game.

Additional Seahawks Salute to Service events and honors include:

October 26: Task Force 12 Mental Health Summit

Leaders of 12 veteran non-profit organizations sat together to discuss mental health in the local community. The participants were joined by Seahawks Legend Walter Jones and team clinician Charisse Williams. The event focused on the state of mental health here in our local military community, how we are currently addressing its needs, and what areas are for improvement.

November 10: Operation Turkey Drop

The Seahawks and Task Force 12 organizationsteamed up with Starbucks, Delta Air Lines and other organizations to distribute 2,000 care packages to go to non-profit veteran assistance organizations and their families. The care packages consisted of turkeys, groceries, socks, masks, mittens, beanies, hand sanitizer, Seahawks wristbands, a stuffed Delta airplane, $7 Starbucks gift cards, and a Starbucks reusable coffee cup. One hundred special veterans were able to receive a $75 gift card in addition to their care package.

November 17: Virtual Military Hiring Fair

The Seahawks will host their second-annual virtual hiring event with the WDVA and YesVets organization. During the event, hiring and supportive resources will be provided for military veterans and their families. There will be 100 virtual booths available to help increase opportunities and resources to support our military community. To register and attend, please visithttps://app.brazenconnect.com/a/washington/e/1qwNYCq.

Seattle Seahawks Salute to Service Nominee: Nino Gray

Gray is in his third season managing Seattle Seahawks military engagement programs. He served in the U.S. Army Infantry for nine years before receiving an honorable discharge after suffering an injury. Following his military service, Nino worked for the Wounded Warrior Project and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. In both organizations he served veterans facing PTSD issues, bringing hope to hundreds. He has carried that same dedication into his role with the Seahawks. Nino represents the best in terms of the NFL's commitment to "Honor, Empower and Connect" service members, veterans, and their families.

This season's Seahawks Salute to Service Veteran Non-Profit organization is Brigadoon Service Dogs. Brigadoon provides service dogs for Veterans, Children, and Adults with physical, developmental, and behavioral health disabilities, to promote a more independent and enriched life. This month, Seahawks Pro Shops will donate 12% of proceeds from in-store purchases of Salute to Service gear to Brigadoon Service Dogs. Fans can also make donations at checkout.

This month's events will all come full circle in what promises to be a special afternoon at Lumen Fieldon November 21 as the Seahawks honor the people that keep us safe and make our country proud.