The Washington Commanders announce programming for the team’s annual Salute to Service-themed game, presented by Verizon, the Official 5G Network of the Washington Commanders. Verizon will be debuting a new 5G-powered interactive wall to enhance the fan experience at FedExField. As a partner that shares the team’s commitment to supporting our nation’s military, the wall will feature a Salute-themed interactive board and photo booth this week, where fans can showcase personalized cards and words of encouragement to honor service members and veterans.
“We are proud to join forces with the Commanders for the annual Salute to Service game and reinforce our commitment to enhancing the fan experience by debuting our 5G-powered interactive wall at FedExField,” said Chris Flood, Verizon Atlantic North Market President. “This wall will provide an innovative new platform to showcase the gratitude we all share for our veterans and give fans the opportunity to join us in honoring our nation’s heroes.”
With the Commanders unique presence in the nation’s capital, Salute to Service-themed gameday programming serves the largest community of military veterans in the country, building connections across the military community and the Commanders football family. The following Salute to Service pregame and in-game ceremonies and elements will recognize veterans and current members of America’s armed forces throughout gameday:
The Commanders will honor 6 VIPs from each branch of service, including the National Guard on the field prior to kickoff. During pregame warmups the VIPs will have the opportunity to meet with head coach Ron Rivera, the recipient of the NFL 2022 Salute to Service Award, on the field and exchange challenge coins
The USO Club, presented by Air National Guard (located across from Section 109 outside the main concourse), will open three hours before kickoff to select active-duty military members and will include performances and meet and greets from the Commanders marching band drum line and Command Force. There will be 650 active-duty service members and company in the stands as guests of the Commanders
USAA will present a special Salute to Service-themed challenge coin to the refs during pregame warmups that will be used for the coin toss
Prior to kickoff, Musician First Class (MU1) Sally Ziesing from the US Navy Country Current Band will perform the National Anthem behind the Military District of Washington Joint Armed Forces Color Guard. During the National Anthem, Air Force F-22s will conduct a flyover and six stars for pageantry will be placed on the 5-yard lines on either side of the field
Upon entrance, fans will receive a limited-edition Commanders Salute to Service fan flag giveaway, subject to availability
Vietnam Medal of Honor recipients will serve as our honorary captains, in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the final combat troops leaving Vietnam
At halftime 180 service members, 30 from each branch will hold their branch flag in uniform and unfurl the flags when the Commanders marching band plays their respective service song
During various game breaks, the following groups and officials will be honored:
Lisa Marie Riggins will be presented with a game ball on behalf of the team for her longstanding leadership with USO
The Chief of the National Guard bureau will conduct an enlistment ceremony for 21 Air National Guard recruits
The winners of the Army National Guard Warrior Week will be honored as the best squad from the competition
Pilots from the Air Force’s 94th Fighter Squadron, who conducted the flyover prior to kickoff, will be recognized
Four families representing Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), an organization providing comprehensive care and resources for those grieving the death of a loved one that served in the military, will be honored. Commanders players will honor the families by wearing helmet decals with each of the fallen family members initials on their helmets
USAA will honor Commanders employee and retired Navy Captain Chris Bailey as the Commander’s Salute to Service Award nominee for the 2023 season
Commanders players will wear the team’s black alternate uniforms, a tribute to our nation’s military with key features, including the custom military-inspired diamond camo and the Commanders wordmark positioned in an authentic military nametape placement.
Leave a Reply