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 8 vs. the Arizona Cardinals.
Hundreds of military and veterans will participate gameday honors, including:
- Pregame Enlistment Ceremony: Pregame in Ticketmaster Tailgate, fans can witness an inspiring enlistment ceremony with more than 60 soldiers, sailors, and U.S. Marine Corps recruits as they enlist in the United States military. Major General Bernard J. Harrington, a senior leader in the U.S. Army, will serve as the enlisting official.
- Flag Runner: Running the team out of the tunnel will be Master Chief Dave Suta from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
- Game Ball: Delivering the game ball will be Jack Hughes, age six, son of Navy Aircrewman Operator First Class, Alexander Hughes.
- National Anthem: Performing the national anthem will be Navy Petty Officer First Class (ret.) Generald Wilson.
- Flag Holders: Holding the American Flag during the national anthem will be representatives from FourBlock, accompanied by Boeing veterans and 60 active-duty service members stationed throughout the Puget Sound. Through the Honoring Our Heroes powered by Boeing program, the Seahawks and Boeing recognize and support an organization making a meaningful impact in the veteran community. Each year, the program celebrates a local veteran-serving organization through a financial donation, increased visibility across Seahawks platforms, a special gameday recognition and a collaborative community service project, helping shine a spotlight on the important work being done to support veterans and military families. This year, the Seahawks and Boeing are proud to recognize FourBlock and its work supporting veterans and military spouses as they transition to meaningful civilian careers.
- 12 Flag Raiser: Raising the 12 Flag will be Sergeant Major Robert "Tito" Sugai. Robert recently retired from the U.S. Army after 28.5 years of distinguished service, including 19 years with the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne). Throughout his career, he completed seven combat deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Southern Philippines and partnered with Special Operations Forces around the world. His military honors include the Legion of Merit and three Bronze Star Medals. He retired in March 2026 and now resides with his wife, Angelic, and their two children, Anthony and Amaya.
- Salute to Service Moment, presented by USAA: U.S. Army Veteran Billy Shearer will be recognized in-game during a special Salute to Service Moment, presented by USAA. With more than 20 years of service, Shearer served in multiple deployments across Afghanistan and the Pacific and earned numerous military honors, including two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. Today, he coaches middle and high school football and is pursuing a master's degree to become a public-school educator and athletic director.
- Halftime: Fans will cheer service members on in the annual "Battle of the Branches," where five participants from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces will compete in a five-station relay race.
Salute to Service Donations: Throughout the month of November, 12% of official Seahawks Salute to Service merchandise sales at Seahawks Pro Shops will benefit the GoVA Foundation. The GoVA Foundation provides free financial education and resources to service members, Veterans, and military families nationwide, helping them build lasting financial stability and resilience.
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 have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with USAA on military-related events throughout the year. On gameday and beyond, supporting the military community is one of the Seahawks' key community engagement pillars. The Seahawks commit to engage, support, and celebrate members of the military community including service members, veterans, families, and non-profit organizations in our local community through a variety of programs, recognitions, and events throughout the year.
