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Seattle Seahawks share Lombardi Trophy with military fans

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Madelyn McCullough
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. --  MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. -- The glory from the Seattle Seahawks' first ever Super Bowl win has not yet ended for some fans. On July 1, Airmen and Soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord shared the win when Seahawks team members came to Hangar 9 here, signed autographs, and presented the Lombardi Trophy.

After finishing the 2013 NFL season with their first Super Bowl win in franchise history, the Seattle Seahawks have been sharing that win with a "Heroes of 12" tour at military bases in Washington. The tour's purpose is to thank the men and women of the military for their support and service.

"To the Airmen and Soldiers who could not be here today and their families, we are with you wherever you go and you obviously are with us wherever we go," said Tony Ventrella, Seattle Seahawks spokesman.

Performances by Blue Thunder, the Sea Gals, and Blitz led the show and were followed by an introduction of the three players attending the event - Phil Bates, wide receiver; Deshawn Shead cornerback; and Korey Toomer, linebacker.

Airmen cheered as the players talked about their Super Bowl win and thanked the 12's (as fans are known) for their undying support.

"The 12s in general are like my family because I'm from Nebraska," said Bates. "It's awesome that I can be a part of something like this and get to see what you guys do and how awesome you have been."

Airmen also enjoyed the chance to show their appreciation.

"It's been great just to bring the Seahawks out here and show our support for them and know that they support the military community," said Maj. Josh Ellis, 728th Airlift Squadron pilot who has been a Seahawks fan for 30 years. "I grew up in this area so I've been a Seahawks fan for life. It's neat to be able to reconnect with them on our turf."

After the show, Airmen enjoyed autograph signings and pictures with the players, Sea Gals, and Blitz the mascot , and were able to participate in a variety of games as well as an auction. The event left the Heroes of 12 excited for Seahawks future successes.

"Whether we were the 12s or not, the community is a huge part of the success of our home team crowd," said Ellis. "But we are the 12s, we are a big part of the 12s, and it's neat to be a part of that."