Each November, the Washington Football Team joins the National Football League in celebrating Salute to Service Month, which is committed to celebrating a year-round effort to honor, empower, and connect our service members, veterans, and their families. It's the teams privilege to work with USAA, the Official Salute to Service Partner of the Washington Football Team, to honor, empower, and connect the great men and women that have served our country throughout the month of November!
Through a variety of programs to honor and recognize service members, events benefiting the organizations committed to service members and campaigns to connect our military community through their love for the game of football, our team is able to leverage and support service members, veterans, and family members across our region that have sacrificed so much for our freedom. This year, despite COVID-19 mandated NFL/Military restrictions, we've committed ourselves to that standard in the safest and healthiest ways possible.
Honoring Military Members & Veterans:
Throughout the season, Washington Salute has invited service members to FedExField, brought cheerleaders to local installations, and worked with our players and coaches on a comprehensive plan to maintain a 20-plus year tradition of honoring and recognizing military members at each and every home game. Thanks to the help of local commands, the strategic communications team with the DOD, and many military organizations, the Washington Football Team will feature all of the ceremonies and recognitions traditionally held during the Salute to Service Game presented by USAA.
This year's Salute to Service Game presented by USAA will be held Sunday, Nov. 8 against the New York Giants. Be on the lookout for performances from the U.S. Army Ceremonial Band, U.S. Army Drill Team and the Joint Branch Color Guard on FedExField; features highlighting the Official Salute to Service Partner of the Washington Football Team, USAA, and its work to connect players with the military community; and shoutouts from military leaders to all of the veterans who have given so much to our country.
Empowering Military Organizations:
The Washington Football Team is proud of its partnerships with local military organizations that support those who have served our great nation. It's the team's privilege to host a variety of events that leverage these military organizations, raise funds for their efforts, and spread awareness for their programs. We're pleased to announce our Salute to Service Community Event Calendar with USO-Metro, Operation Homefront, Wounded Warrior Project, Friends of the World War II Memorial, Blue Star Families, and the HEADstrong Project.
Two Viewing Party with DC National Guard at DC Armory with Operation Homefront (10/26 & 11/08):
Washington Salute will work with Paisano's to provide lunch and Washington Football SWAG to over 200 National Guard members and their families during viewing parties at the DC Armory. Both viewing parties will be closed events to thank them for their sacrifice and service throughout the pandemic.
Stay tuned for highlights proceeding the event!
Gaming Exhibition with Wounded Warrior Project featuring Saahdiq Charles & Kamren Curl (10/27):
Two Washington Football players will virtually join the Wounded Warrior Project to learn about gaming initiatives that have kept wounded warriors grounded and connected during the pandemic. They'll also compete with warriors in Madden 2021!
Stay tuned for highlights proceeding the event!
Connecting Generations Discussion featuring Jason Wright, Doug Williams, and Tuskegee Airman General Charles McGee with Friends of the World War II Memorial (10/29)
The Washington Football Team will be hosting a 45-minute sit-down featuring Tuskegee Airman General Charles McGee, Washington Football Team President Jason Wright and Vice President of Player Development Doug Williams. The discussion will be hosted by GeNienne Samuels and feature topics like General McGee's historic military background, Wright and Williams' profound accomplishments in the NFL, and how they strategically deal with inequality, adversity, and injustice at a pivotal point in American History.
Stay tuned for highlights proceeding the event!
Virtual Tour of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center with USO-Metro (11/10):
Washington Salute will host an hour-long "virtual tour" of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center with three Washington Football players/coaches in honor of the NFL's Salute to Service Month. By connecting and engaging with patients receiving treatment and physical therapy at Walter Reed, we will be continuing our long tradition of honoring, empowering, and connecting our nation's service members, veterans, & their families.
WoW & Salute Virtual Chair Yoga Session with SweatNGlow and Blue Star Families (11/17):
In mindful preparation for the holidays, Washington Salute, Women of Washington, and SweatNGlow will host Blue Star Families, Wounded Warriors, Caregivers, and their families for a virtual chair yoga practice consisting of several postures and best-kept secrets for children and adults to survive eight-hour work days from behind the screen.
Pass for Peace with the HEADStrong Project (12/01):
In collaboration with the HEADstrong Project, WF Salute will be hosting the first-ever Pass for Peace Virtual Seminar with Washington Football alumni. Pass for Peace is an initiative to connect NFL veterans and military veterans to discuss transition, adversity, and mindfulness at the conclusion of their careers. The entire event will be based around a simple seminar on how to throw the perfect spiral – transitioning to veterans giving their backgrounds, opening dialogue, making connections, and advocating for the HEADstrong Project.
Connecting Service Members in our Community:
The Washington Football Team players and coaches may be under strict travel and engagement guidelines, but that has not heeled our efforts to use our platform to connect our military community and connect with our fans in the region both digitally and in person! Our team is holding ourselves accountable to ensure every installation and military fan has the opportunity to celebrate with us this November!
Join the Washington Football Team in saluting the brave men and women who serve our country by honoring a hero you know with fan cutout of them placed in the stadium for our Salute to Service Game at FedExField. If possible, please use a photo of your service member in their military uniform. Proceeds from the Washington Salute cutouts will go to the USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore.
Join the Washington Football Team in sending messages to troops that are currently deployed for a chance to win an exclusive Salute to Service Watch-from-Home Gift Package including a variety of game day necessities showcasing the Washington Football Team's Military Appreciation Platform, Washington Salute. Let's ban together and thank all the men and women serving protecting our freedoms!
Throughout the month of October, Washington Salute has joined forces with GEICO Military, Buffalo Wild Wings, USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore and USO Hampton Roads to distribute over 1,500 appreciation packages on 15 military installations throughout Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC. The team's initiative is to personally thank military members for their service throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Each stop featured virtual cheerleader engagement and virtual interviews with Washington Football personalities.
