The NFL’s Salute to Service initiative is a collaborative effort with USAA to annually recognize, empower and educate about the nation’s armed forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force). And for their Salute to Service game, the Seahawks will honor Vietnam War veteran, inventor and para-athlete Jim Martinson, who will serve as the 12 Flag Raiser prior to kickoff of Sunday's matchup against the Washington Commanders.
Last November, Seahawks General Manager John Schneider was nominated for the 2022 Salute to Service Award for his continued efforts to recognize the nation's armed forces. Now, Schneider and the franchise are providing an American hero and longtime 12 the opportunity to represent the country he served and his favorite team.
In 1968, Martinson was serving in Vietnam, when a tripped explosive device caused him to lose both of his legs. That year, Martinson received the coveted Purple Heart honor from the U.S. Military, reserved for soldiers wounded at war. The longtime athlete was inspired by his children to stay motivated and active, thus sparking the creation of his company, Magic In Motion in 1981. Martinson became an inventor of special equipment for disabled athletes to compete, including himself.
After picking up wheelchair racing in 1976, Martin took home First Place in the 1981 Boston Marathon. In 1985, he created the ShadowMono-ski, a device that allowed the disabled to participate in the winter sport of skiing. It wasn't long before Martinson began to dominate both summer and winter paralympic events, excelling in track, basketball and eventually skiing. In 1990, Martinson joined the U.S. Disabled Ski Team, earning Gold at the 1992 Winter Paralympics in Albertville, France.
In 2003, Martinson was inducted into the National Disabled Ski Hall of Fame, before becoming the oldest competitor in the 2009 X-Games as a mono-skier. In 2010, Martinson became an ambassador for the Paralympic Games in Vancouver, Canada.
In 2011, Martinson starred in The Movement, a documentary about adaptive skier and director Kurt Miller. The Sumner, Washington native and lifelong Seahawks fan didn't allow an unfortunate injury to steal his competitive edge. Now, Martinson gets to raise the 12 Flag before watching his team take on the Washington Commanders. In honoring the league's efforts to salute service members, Martinson's inspiring tale will be a source of motivation for the Seahawks on Sunday.
The Seahawks and Commanders face off on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023. Kickoff is set for 1:25 p.m. PT. Take a look back through history at the Seahawks' matchups against the Commanders.
Seattle Seahawks receiver Steve Largent (80) comes down with a catch, to tie the NFL record of 127 consecutive games with a reception as Redskins linebacker Rich Milot (57) tries to bring him down in the first half of their game in Washington, Sept. 28, 1986. Largent tied Harold Carmichael's record with this catch near the end of the first half. (AP Photo/Tom Reed)
Seattle Seahawks receiver Steve Largent, left, playing in the final game of his 14-year career, is unable to make the catch as he collides with Martin Mayhew (35), of the Washington Redskins during the first half of their NFL game in Seattle, Dec. 23, 1989. (AP Photo/Gary Stewart)
FILE - In this Nov. 3, 2002, file photo, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Bobby Engram (84) is unable to catch a pass that was deflected by Washington Redskins defender Champ Bailey in the second half of an NFL football game in Seattle. Bailey has decided to retire after a 15-year NFL career that included 12 Pro Bowl berths, a record for a cornerback. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)
Seattle Seahawks' Koren Robinson, right, pulls in a pass as Washington Redskins' Champ Bailey (24) looks on during the first quarter in Landover, Md., Sunday, Nov. 9, 2003. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Redskin's head coach Joe Gibbs, left, and Seahawk's head coach Mike Holmgren shake hands at the end of the their NLF divisional playoff football game in Seattle, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2005. The Seahawks defeated the Redskins, 20-10. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck scores in the third quarter against the Washington Redskins during their NFC divisional playoff football game in Seattle, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Washington Redskins halfback Chris Cooley is tackled by Seattle Seahawks strong safety Michael Boulware in the second quarter during their NFC divisional playoff football game in Seattle, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks' Maurice Morris (20) pushes off Washington Redskins' Lorenzo Alexander in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008, in Seattle. The Redskins won 20-17. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Washington Redskins Roy Helu breaks a tackle from Seattle Seahawks David Hawthorne (57) in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch tumbles in the end zone for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Washington Redskins in Landover, Md., Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013. The Seahawks defeated the Redskins 24-14. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) runs the ball after a catch during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks at FedEx Field on Monday, October 6, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. Seattle won 27-17. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham (88) is tackled during an NFL football game by Washington Redskins defensive back Josh Norman (24) on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in Seattle. The Redskins won the game, 17-14. (Greg Trott via AP)
