The Seattle Seahawks have teamed up with 12 local non-profit veteran organizations to form Task Force 12.
The organizations, which were already doing significant work for veterans across Washington, will now have access to each other and the Seahawks' resources. Task Force 12's mission is to "work together to create and provide life-changing support to our military community." The team also launched a landing page for fans to learn more about each of the organizations selected, available here.
Task Force 12 was formed with the belief that veteran support means something different for each individual veteran. From minority veterans to veterans going through trauma or PTSD, Task Force 12 will allow veterans to have the support of 12 different organizations all with different focuses. Rather than each organization needing to support their veterans in different ways, the veterans now can lean on 12 organizations to assist in solving issues they are going through. This will make life as a veteran in Washington as supportive and inclusive as possible.
The Seahawks' goal is to assist in helping the 12 organizations promote awareness, support upcoming events, and assist in fundraising opportunities. Task Force 12 will host collaborative events at CenturyLink Field, beginning Nov. 21 with "Operation Turkey Drop."
Teaming with Fob Hope and Minority Veterans of America – two of the 12 organizations – Task Force 12 will distribute turkeys, other food, masks, gloves and more supplies to at-risk veteran families and homeless veterans. Grocery store and gas station gift cards will also be given out. Events like the upcoming Turkey Drop will provide life-changing access and supplies for our local veteran community. Residents of King County can sign up to attend the event by clicking here.
Last month, Task Force 12 hosted its first military supply drop at CenturyLink Field to provide important items to veterans in need.
The Seahawks will host the Arizona Cardinals for their annual Salute to Service game on Thursday at 5:20 p.m.
Here's a look at the 12 participating organizations and information about each. You can learn more about the groups by clicking on their name:
Mission: "We empower veterans to cultivate purpose and belonging by growing food, community and each other."
Mission: "Veteran Rites initiates Veterans into true identity, purpose, and belonging after military service."
Mission: Finding strength in the fellowship of other Gold Star Mothers who strive to keep the memory of our sons and daughters alive by working to help veterans, those currently serving in the military, their families and our communities.
Mission: "Helping veterans overcome trauma by serving God & their communities."
Mission: "The Mission of Salmon for Soldiers is to offer a sense of normalcy and relaxation to our nation's Veterans through fishing."
Mission: "Experience joy. Find purpose. Fall in love again. Heroes Homestead is a day-use farm for veteran families. Welcome home."
Mission: "We help veterans and first responders throughout the Pacific Northwest access, effective, long-term solutions to transform Post-Traumatic Stress into Post-Traumatic Growth."
Mission: "Providing proven pathways for Veterans to discover and deploy their greatest gifts in family, work, and life."
Mission: "Northwest Battle Buddies empowers combat Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by partnering them with professionally-trained, specifically matched service dogs."
Mission: "The mission of Minority Veterans of America (MVA) is to create belonging and advance equity for minority veterans."
Mission: "To solve the tragedy of death among Veterans experiencing homelessness."
Mission: "Service Above Self" – An innovative organization approaching community need through a group of like-minded Veterans and family members, that reflect the growth of a diverse military community, culture and programming.
Seahawks staff, along with Seahawks Dancer Kiana and Blitz, visited Naval Base Kitsap to honor service members as part of Salute to Service Month.
