News

Seattle Seahawks choose Reserve wing as 2013 military unit

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jake Chappelle
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. --  Add "2013 Seattle Seahawks' Military Unit of the Year" to the 446th Airlift Wing's achievement file.

The Seahawks adopted Washington State's Air Force Reserve unit at a "change of command" event, sponsored by USAA--an insurance company that serves military members and their families--Sept. 10 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Warrior Zone.

The 12th Man flag, nicknamed after the Seahawks' wild and energetic fan base, was passed from the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division to the 446th AW. The 4th SBCT was the team's military unit the 2012 season.

The 446th AW is only the second military unit selected by the franchise.

"The '12' is a symbol of unity between our fans and the team," said Mike Flood, Seahawks' vice president of Community Relations. "We appreciate you, we thank you, we support you, we salute you."

Hundreds of Airmen and Soldiers from JBLM joined forces to celebrate the change of command, and show their "blue-green" blood for the Seahawks. About 20 players and Sea Gals - the Seahawks' drill team - made the 35-mile trip to pay their respects to the troops and autograph their team memorabilia.

Players, like rookie running back Christine Michael, and rookie tight end Luke Wilson, were among the athletes who appeared to honor the service members.

Michael gave remarks about the value of the JBLM troops and how they help strengthen the 12th Man.

"You guys play such a role in making our lives better," he said.

Col. Bruce Bowers, 446th AW commander, accepted a No. 12 jersey from Flood, which will be passed around the wing during the season as a keepsake for the team at the end of the year.

"The pride, professionalism, (and) dedication of the Seahawks are traits we look for, (and) traits we want to be," Bowers said.

Don Clark, USAA executive director of sponsorship marketing for the company, said military appreciation activities, such as last week's event, are a big part of what the company does.

"Bringing the NFL team to the members of the military is a boost for morale among the ranks, and serves as a way to thank the soldiers and airmen for their service," he said. "And there's nothing quite like football for bringing people together."

The ceremony ended with a meet and greet, where the players and Sea Gals socialized with, and signed autographs for, the 750-plus Citizen Airmen and Soldiers.

Since 2011, the 446th AW has been responsible for touring the 12th Man flag around several parts of the globe, including Antarctica, Afghanistan, Germany, South Korea, Hawaii, and the Mount Baker summit. Citizen Airmen from the 446th AW will ensure the flag remains a world traveler the duration of the 2013 NFL season and beyond.