Seattle Seahawks celebrate NFL's Salute to Service initiative, presented by USAA

More than 350 military service members & veterans will participate in gameday honors

Nov 19, 2024 at 11:14 AM

RENTON, Wash. – The Seattle Seahawks announced today special 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 is Sunday, November 24 vs. the Arizona Cardinals.

The Seahawks Salute to Service Game Honorees include:

Flag Runner: Running the American flag out of the tunnel will be 1st Lieutenant C-17 Pilot Cassidy Pickrell of the United States Air Force, representing the 313th airlift squadron and 446th airlift wing from Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

National Anthem: The National Anthem will be performed by United States Navy Petty Officer 1st Class (Ret.) Generald Wilson, who served honorably for 21 years.

Military Flyover: Following the National Anthem, fans will enjoy a flyover from two EA-18 Growlers from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

12 Flag Raiser: The 12 Flag will be raised by 101-year-old Purple Heart recipient and World War II Veteran, Harvey Drahos. Drahos served in the United States Army's 96th Infantry Division. In 1945 at the age of 22, he was gravely injured in the Battle of Okinawa and nearly lost his life after suffering a traumatic brain injury and shrapnel wounds. Following his honorable discharge, Drahos dedicated his life to serving others, including as a search and rescue pilot for the Civil Air Patrol. His many decorations include a Bronze Star, World War II Victory Medal, Congressional Gold Medal, and Purple Heart, among others.

Halftime: During halftime, the Air Force, Army, Marines, Coast Guard, and Navy will each have five contestants taking part in an on-field "Battle of the Branches" team obstacle course competition. The winning branch will take home the BOB championship belt and Seahawks swag.

Salute to Service Moments presented by USAA: During a special in-game Salute to Service moment, the team will recognize United States Army Veteran, Jennifer Horn. After enlisting in the Army at age 19, Jennifer served as a tracked vehicle mechanic with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment's "Blackhorse" Opposing Forces unit. In 2005, her unit was deployed to Mosul, Iraq, where she sustained severe injuries from a mortar attack, resulting in temporary blindness and shrapnel wounds. She was later honored as the first female in her regiment to receive a Purple Heart. Her experience with the dedicated care she received during her recovery inspired her to pursue a career in nursing. Now a registered nurse, she is advancing her studies to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, with a focus on supporting veterans facing mental health challenges.

Salute to Service Donations: Throughout the month of November, 12% of official Seahawks Salute to Service merchandise sales at Seahawks Pro Shops will benefit Military Order of the Purple Heart. The Veteran service organization is exclusively for Purple Heart recipients with a mission to support the welfare and rehabilitation of Veterans through a variety of programs to ensure that those who have sacrificed for their country receive the care and assistance they deserve.

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 for the season.

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 37,000 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.