Military members meet, train like Seahawks players

RENTON, Wash. — The roar of fighter jets filled the air Monday afternoon, as the Seattle Seahawks signed autographs and shook hands with 100 active duty service members.

“Getting to meet Russell Wilson and Pete Carroll and guys I've looked up to and, especially, getting the Super Bowl jersey from Russell Wilson signed, it was amazing. I'm a little star struck, but it's alright,” said Christopher Lynch.

Lynch, who is in the Air Force and a big Seahawks fan, called the event a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Not only did he meet Wilson, he got to train like him, too.

"We work out every day and I'm in the gym every day, so I think it'll pay off,” said Lynch.

Fifty military members broke up into teams and took part in drills similar to what players do at the NFL Combine.

This is the third year the Seahawks hosted USAA's Salute to Service NFL Boot Camp. The goal is to bring military members closer to the game they love and the players they admire.

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"It's been amazing. Meeting every single player has just been amazing. Watching them practice, everything, it's just amazing,” said Kristina Gadio.

The experience isn't just fulfilling for football fans, it's special for the Seahawks, too.

"It's kind of like a two-sided thing. They're big fans of us, we're big fans of them and just to hang out with them and get to meet them, tell them that we appreciate what they do and sign stuff for them, it's good for us,” said Seahawks tight end Nick Vannett.

"I'm so thankful and so grateful for what they do and what we're able to do for them,” said Lynch.

The military team that scored the highest at boot camp won free tickets to the game between the Seahawks and Green Bay Packers game Nov. 15.

USAA holds the designation of Official Salute to Service Partner of the Seattle Seahawks and provides insurance, banking, investments retirement products and advice to more than 12.4 million current and former members of the U.S. military and their families. Click here to read more.

Cox Media Group