All around the sound, fans are getting ready to raise their 12th Man flags and watch the Seattle Seahawks take the field behind quarterback dynamo Russell Wilson. On Joint Base Lewis-McChord, however, one group of airmen will be rooting even harder for the home team.

"The Seahawks have a long history of supporting America's armed services and a long-term partnership with the USO that includes overseas visits to troops and trips to military hospitals nationwide," said Suzanne Lavender, director of corporate communications for the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Sounders FC. "This year, the Seahawks have adopted the 446th Airlift Wing from McChord Field."

"The Citizen Airmen and supporters of the 446 Airlift Wing, Air Force Reserve, are privileged to be the official military unit of the Seattle Seahawks organization this 2013-14 season," said Col. Bruce Bowers, 446th AW commander. "The Seahawks and the 12th Man represent one of the cornerstones that make up one of our Air Force core values, ‘excellence in all we do,' which makes this honor even more gratifying."

On game days, the Seahawks organization often provides tickets and sideline tours to wounded warriors through a partnership with the Warrior Transition Battalion at JBLM and they conduct pre-game re-enlistment ceremonies in the end zone. The team also hosts an annual Military Appreciation Day, which is typically held around Veterans Day, that highlights outreach to servicemembers from all of the military branches and features military bands and other tributes.

Additionally, throughout the year, the Seahawks organization serves as a primary sponsor for a number of military events, to include the USO Gala and Coast Guard Ball, and donates money and support to various groups, from the Fisher House and Salute to Heroes to the Navy League and Operation Homefront. Players and the Sea Gals also visit local bases, including JBLM, and travel overseas in conjunction with the USO.

"The team even has a specific U.S. Military Sea Hawkers group which includes active military personnel and Seahawks fans from all branches of the armed services. The group plays an active role in Seahawks game day as part of the color guard, hosting veterans or overseeing re-enlistment ceremonies," Lavender explained.

Tuesday, Sept. 10, members of the Seahawks team will visit JBLM and meet with their "adopted" 446th reservists. As of press time, event details were yet to be released.

"This commitment to excellence doesn't just happen, it's a culture and a lifestyle. Our reservists here at McChord Field are proud to be associated with this great organization, and we thank them for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Bowers stated.

The Seahawks first home game this season will be Sept. 15 at 5:30 p.m. against their rival San Francisco 49ers.