On Tuesday, the Seahawks Salute to Service nominee presented by USAA, Brady Russell spent part of his off day at the Eastside Veterans Day Ceremony hosted at Sunset Hills Memorial Park Cemetery.
"It was super cool," Russell said on the event. "I learned a lot. We got to hear from some super special people, like the first Gold Star Child of the Vietnam War. His dad was the first person to pass in the Vietnam War. Got to hear from him and he had some crazy stories and [was] really knowledgeable, just about the history of American wars and hearing his perspective on the military and what they do for us and how important they are is really special."
Throughout his time with the Seahawks, Russell has participated in more than 13 military-focused events and engagements and has impacted over 500 service members and their families through those events.
"It means the world, just being a part of an organization that cares, that supports its community and is aware of what's around them," he said. "We have so many military folks and bases out here that have done so much for the United States, so giving back to them and helping them, even if it's showing your face around, that's special for the guys and I want to be able to do that."
Russell was born on Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base, where his father Randy was stationed. His brother, Captain Tyler "Friction" Russell, is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and currently serves as a Marine Corps Osprey pilot.
Although he is in the NFL, it has always been a priority to support the military in the same way his family has, for generations, even if it looks a little different for him.
"It's huge because that's something I always wanted to do (go to the military), but I always knew that if I could, I was going to pursue football for as long as I could," Russell said. "And obviously, that's something that's probably passed my time at this point, but to be able to contribute in just a small way and give back to the military community, even if it's just by putting a face out there for the people, that's huge."
Brigadier General Richard Steve Ritchie "Cinco" of United States Air Force, raised the 12 Flag prior to kickoff of the Week 10 matchup vs. the Cardinals.
Brigadier General Richard Steve Ritchie "Cinco" of United States Air Force, raised the 12 Flag prior to kickoff of the Week 10 matchup vs. the Cardinals.
Brigadier General Richard Steve Ritchie "Cinco" of United States Air Force, raised the 12 Flag prior to kickoff of the Week 10 matchup vs. the Cardinals.
Brigadier General Richard Steve Ritchie "Cinco" of United States Air Force, raised the 12 Flag prior to kickoff of the Week 10 matchup vs. the Cardinals.
Brigadier General Richard Steve Ritchie "Cinco" of United States Air Force, raised the 12 Flag prior to kickoff of the Week 10 matchup vs. the Cardinals.
Brigadier General Richard Steve Ritchie "Cinco" of United States Air Force, raised the 12 Flag prior to kickoff of the Week 10 matchup vs. the Cardinals.
Brigadier General Richard Steve Ritchie "Cinco" of United States Air Force, raised the 12 Flag prior to kickoff of the Week 10 matchup vs. the Cardinals.
Brigadier General Richard Steve Ritchie "Cinco" of United States Air Force, raised the 12 Flag prior to kickoff of the Week 10 matchup vs. the Cardinals.
Brigadier General Richard Steve Ritchie "Cinco" of United States Air Force, raised the 12 Flag prior to kickoff of the Week 10 matchup vs. the Cardinals.
Brigadier General Richard Steve Ritchie "Cinco" of United States Air Force, raised the 12 Flag prior to kickoff of the Week 10 matchup vs. the Cardinals.
Brigadier General Richard Steve Ritchie "Cinco" of United States Air Force, raised the 12 Flag prior to kickoff of the Week 10 matchup vs. the Cardinals.
Brigadier General Richard Steve Ritchie "Cinco" of United States Air Force, raised the 12 Flag prior to kickoff of the Week 10 matchup vs. the Cardinals.
Brigadier General Richard Steve Ritchie "Cinco" of United States Air Force, raised the 12 Flag prior to kickoff of the Week 10 matchup vs. the Cardinals.
Brigadier General Richard Steve Ritchie "Cinco" of United States Air Force, raised the 12 Flag prior to kickoff of the Week 10 matchup vs. the Cardinals.
Brigadier General Richard Steve Ritchie "Cinco" of United States Air Force, raised the 12 Flag prior to kickoff of the Week 10 matchup vs. the Cardinals.
Brigadier General Richard Steve Ritchie "Cinco" of United States Air Force, raised the 12 Flag prior to kickoff of the Week 10 matchup vs. the Cardinals.
