THURSDAY, OCT. 9 2014 >>>

1. The 2014 Tacoma Film Festival is shaping up to be everything a good film fest should be. There are movies from around the world, flicks in a variety of languages, screenings exploring the margins of different societies, and films from the comedy, drama, and short film categories and local ditties. Yes, this festival hosted by The Grand Cinema packs quite the cinematic wallop. This year, the opening night festivities pulls a reverse - the party is after the film. The sweet, star-studded romantic comedy Laggies will screen at 7 p.m. at The Grand Cinema followed by a mixer and DJ Broam at 9 p.m. in the TFF Lounge. Read Jared Lovrak's feature on the 2014 Tacoma Film Festival here.

If you like drinking beer in public places, well you're in luck, our tippling exhibitionist friend, because there are some great opportunities tonight in Tacoma. The Swiss hosts an Oktoberfest battle royale, Pint Defiance shines a spotlight on Top Rung Brewing and The Copper Door invites No-Li Brewhouse through its door. Click here for details on these events.

What goes into the production of a quarter pound burger? According to J.L. Capper in The Journal of Animal Science, 6.7 pounds of feed, 52.8 gallons of drinking water, 74.5 square feet of grazing, and the equivalent amount of energy it takes to run a microwave for 18 minutes. The average American eats approximately 271 pounds of meat a year - or three, quarter pounder burgers a day.  Meat is a tasty part of culture; it's a part of our special holidays and our daily meals, but is the product worth the cost? Pacific Lutheran University's Ruth Anderson Public Debate asks, is it right to eat animals? Chime in at 7 p.m. in Xavier Hall.

4. Prepare yourself for a theatrical extravaganza, a thespian feat seldom seen before! Think of it, 37 (ish) plays, from 400 years ago performed in 97 minutes (or so), a virtual cast of hundreds brought to life by three brave men in tights! Duck and weave on this madcap journey through the canon of the Bard's immortal works. You'll laugh, you'll cry (probably from laughing too hard) and dodge the occasional vomit as Scott Douglas, Dennis Worrell and Patrick Gilmore bring to forth the power, the glory, the hilarity of the when Theater Artists Olympia presents Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)[revised] at 8 p.m. in The Midnight Sun.

Olympia-based DJ Pasquan has arranged another night of hip-hop and rap for his frequent joint, The Cypher. At 9 p.m., Pasquan will host a night of MCs on the microphone at the quaint and intimate eatery/nightspot, Le Voyeur. An Oly mainstay and favorite for out of town acts, the Voyeur will open its doors and its floor for performers Tripple Three, Dr. Roks, Lazlo Steele, Lega C Jones, MC Swamptiger and special guest, Kyle Mclin.

LINK: Thursday, Oct. 9 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

SUNDAY, OCT. 5 2014 >>>

1. Midday Veil takes cues from krautrock without explicitly copying it. There's experimental improvisation and rigid beats, but the '70s were a long time ago. What remains with Midday Veil is an exploratory way of approaching an inscrutable subgenre dipping into different cultural influences to provide an mélange of textures and atmosphere. Catch the band with Swahili, Total Life and Lost Integrity in 8 p.m. at Northern.

2. The town of Steilacoom will host their annual cider squeeze from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. offering to press apples for folks, or having jugs of fresh squeezed cider available. And if the cider isn't reason enough to go, then go to sample fresh baked apple pies, cider floats, apple fritters, pony rides and music by Barleywine Revue and Steve and Kristi Nebel.

3. Matika Wilbur's "Project 562" is an ambitious and fascinating photographic study of Native American culture and an equally ambitious artistic project of which Tacoma Art Museum is fortunate to be able to present to the world the inaugural exhibition. Today is the last day to see the exhibit. Read Alec Clayton's full review of Matika Wilbur's Project 562" in the Music & Culture section., then see the show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

4. Shakespeare can be a bit inaccessible for the average Joe and many a community theater company has butchered it so badly as to make the audience loathe ever catching another production of The Bard's works. So leave it to director Suzy Wilhoft and Tacoma Little Theatre to stage something that could go so, so wrong. Fortunately it doesn't and the audience is presented a modest start and a whiz-bang finish in A Midsummer Night's Dream, which closes today at 2 p.m. Read Joann Varnell's full review of A Midsummer Night's Dream in the Music & Culture section.

5. Fans of Comedy Bang! Bang! rejoice! James Adomian will be at the Tacoma Comedy Club at 7 p.m. You've no doubt heard his voice on the podcast, doing spot-on impressions of Jesse Ventura, Tom Leykis, Dov Charney, Alan Rickman and Paul Giamatti, among others. While Adomian is nominally an impressionist, what makes his characters so special is that he takes them and spins them into surreal and inspired territory. It's a crime that he hasn't been cast on Saturday Night Live, where he is destined to become a post-modern Darrell Hammond. He's only appearing for one night, so consider this a can't-miss.

LINK: Sunday, Oct. 5 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

It's a story most South Sounders know well: on the afternoon of March 16, 2003, Rachel Corrie, a 23-year-old Olympian peace activist, planted herself in front of an armored Israeli bulldozer in the Gaza strip city of Rafah. She was in Rafah to aid the International Solidarity Movement, a nonviolent pro-Palestinian organization, and that confrontation resulted in her untimely passing. Yet a death sometimes brings new things to life, and so it was with Corrie: her activism and determination inspired the Rachel Corrie Foundation for Peace and Justice, a grassroots effort that seeks peace in the Middle East and around the world. The group's mission includes "foster(ing) connections between people, that build understanding, respect, and appreciation for differences." In that spirit, then, the Corrie Foundation (along with numerous cosponsors and individual donors) presents Shuruq II, otherwise known as Olympia's second Arab Festival.

Shuruq is the Arabic word for sunrise. As used here, it evokes a new day in international relations and intercultural understanding. According to Masjid al-Nur, the Islamic Center of Olympia, the capital community boasts Islamic people of more than 25 different ethnicities, yet even in this liberal bastion Muslim culture seems poorly understood. The Corrie Foundation's Arab Festival proceeds from the belief that deeper understanding and appreciation puts many concerns to rest and engenders a sense of intercultural responsibility which, in turn, inspires greater activism.

Having said that, the festival is really about fun over anything else. The festival staff welcomes visitors at 11 a.m., followed quickly by a presentation of Gulf and Saidi (upper Egyptian) dancing by the Shahrazad Dance Ensemble of Seattle. House of Tarab, the band performing at noon, is a well-regarded septet of Egyptian-style magicians; the tarab in their name refers to the joy of being transported by the evocative power of music. The one-o'clock hour is devoted to Arab fashion. Belly dancer Sabura takes the stage at 3:15, followed by the Levantine folk dancers of Jafra Dabke at 4:45. The festival finishes huge when Al Andalus, an internationally recognized ensemble fronted by oudist Tarik Banzi, plays from 5:30 to 6:30. The Olympia Center will also host a half-dozen side presentations, including lessons in Arabic for people from kindergarteners to adults at 11 a.m.

Just don't get so wrapped up in the day's entertainment that you miss out on the food! The intersection of State and Capital Way is the site of the Olympia-Rafah Solidarity Mural. This weekend it'll also host the "Mural Café and Hookah Lounge," a center of (as the Golden Arches once had it) food, folks and fun including more music and dancing. Here's hoping the café's menu includes harissa-spiced merguez sausage, a standout of north African Islamic cuisine, as it is just ridiculously tasty. And yes, there will be hookahs, so smoke 'em if you got 'em.

This Saturday marks the eve of Eid al-Adha ("Festival of the Sacrifice"), an Islamic holiday which honors Ibrahim's (Abraham's) obedience to the will of Allah. Eid al-Adha is a day of sacrifice, devout prayer, and charitable acts - but hey, there's nothing that says we can't get our party on the evening before.

OLYMPIA ARAB FESTIVAL-SHURUQ II, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St. NW, Olympia, free admission, 360.754.3998

Star Clayton felt appreciated.

"It just good to be here today," said the active-duty member's spouse as her daughter, Emily, had her bangs trimmed.

"This is the first time I've ever experienced something like this, and it's nice to be appreciated by the community."

In what has become an area tradition, The Ranger and Northwest Airlifter newspapers hosted its free annual Salute the Troops celebration Saturday at the Lakewood Towne Center.

Judging from the smiles in the former GI Joes space in the Center, the celebration had much to offer.

"I just love this," said a very happy Joshua Orvis as he rejoined his mother.

"This is fun!"

>>> Joshua Orvis is all smiles as he posed with a Home Depot cutout. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

>>> "Princess" Nichole Cavener receives some face paint during the Salute The Troops celebration. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

More than 60 vendors were on hand to offer active duty, Reserve and Guard members and their families services, information and opportunities.

Along with bargains and coupons from businesses such as The Home Depot and the House of Donuts, more than $20,000 in gifts and prizes were given away to the nearly 700 families.

"This is a great day for the family," said Shydelle Cavener, whose husband serves at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

"I like this day, and I appreciate all of the effort that went into it."

>>> Little Girl Smile:  Emily Clayton cracks a smile while getting her hair trimmed. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

SUNDAY, SEPT. 28 2014 >>>

1. The South Sound Blues Association (SSBA) is hosting a fundraiserto help send The CD Woodbury Band to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in January today at The Swiss. As readers may recall, guitarist CD Woodbury and his band emerged victorious earlier this year at the SSBA's Back to Beale Street Competition.  The band's eclectic array of originals and obscure "gem" covers encompassing roots, blues,rock, old school R&B, funk, jazz, jump swing and Americana - all flavored with the spirit of Jam Band improvisation - blew the judges minds. Now the booty-shaking contemporary blues band is headed to Memphis - meaning the SSBA will be footing the travel bill. Aside from being for a good cause, this Sunday's show at The Swiss will bring together a formidable collection of blues musicians, all of whom will no doubt bring the house down. Starting at 4 p.m. and running until 10 p.m., those scheduled to perform include former Back to Beale Street winner The Randy Oxford Band, Richard Allen and The Louisiana Experience, Emily Randolph and Oaklawn, The Wired Blues Band - and, naturally, The CD Woodbury Band with guest vocalist Maia Santell.

2. Walk, bike and roll to enjoy 6.5 miles of trails and roadways along Tacoma's waterfront from 8 a.m. to noon during Downtown to Defiance 2014. Organized by the city of Tacoma, Metro Parks Tacoma and Downtown On the Go, the event is open for anyone and everyone and there will be plenty of activities from the Tacoma Dome, along the waterfront to Point Defiance Park, including a button-making activity at Marine Park.

3. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium has planned a special day for its sea otters in the Rocky Shores area. Festivities include special treats for the otters at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.; tours of the Marine Mammal food preparation area from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; and hands-on sea otter-themed activities and crafts from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Marine Discovery Center.

4. A few of Roxanne Wolfe's friends are holding a fundraiser to help cover costs of her medical condition that her health insurance won't cover. A night of music is scheduled from 7-11 p.m. at The New Frontier Lounge. Emcee Doug Mackey will keep the laughs coming and The Crazy Texas Gypsies, Stonepony, Evan Purcell and special guests on track. Expect a silent auction and good times.

5. Nate Jackson returns with a double-header of his Super Funny Comedy Show at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. in Keys On Main. Two comedy shows in one night is a nice twist. Tiffany Haddish (The Arsenio Hall Show, Def Comedy Jam) and Shawn Harvey (Bad Boys of Comedy) will headline the shows, which have received rave reviews since Jackson began hosting and producing them a few years back. The show will be flanked by SFCS resident soundman DJ Tu and a special performance by Grammy nominated singer/songwriter William Jordan.

NATE JACKSON'S SUPER FUNNY COMEDY SHOW, w/ Tiffany Haddish, Shawn Harvey, William Jordan, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Keys On Main, 1003 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, $15-$20, brownpapertickets.com

LINK: Sunday, Sept. 28 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

MONDAY, SEPT. 22 2014 >>>

1. Moses Walker has led quite a diverse life filled with hard work, travels and lots of music. His music has been described as a mixture of blues, folk, jazz and a many other influences such as Tom Waits, Leon Redbone and the list goes on and on. Catch Walker at 8 p.m. in The Swiss Restaurant and Pub.

2. In partnership with the Office of the Secretary of State, the Washington State Historical Society has created a Washington 125 program series that continues until the big celebration Nov. 11 at the State Capitol Building. As part of the series, women's historian Shanna Stevenson will explain what role women played in the development of our state's constitution and how it affected women's history at noon in the State Capital Museum. It probably will be brought up that a woman wasn't involved when Miles C. Moore, the last governor of Washington Territory, forgot to sign the constitution and President William Harrison could not approve it. A new copy was prepared and sent to the President by courier the next day.

3. In the 12 years since its debut, the Juried Art Exhibit at The Gallery at Tacoma Community College has not only grown in scope, but it's also become a favorite for South Sound art lovers. Nearly 40 artists - a who's who of the South Sound arts scene - have works in the 12th annual show, which opens at noon for a six-week run. Artists include: Bill Colby, Andrea L. Erickson, Ric Hall, Fumiko Kimura, Becky Knold, Ron Schmitt, LeeAnn Seaburg Perry, Sharon Styer, Jason Sobottka, William Turner, Sarah Waldo and others. Read Alec Clayton's review of the "12th Annual Juried Art Exhibit" in the Music & Culture section, then see the show from noon to 5 p.m.

4. Community policing involves local law enforcement agencies proactively interacting with the community - much like the policing of old, when officers "walked the beat." They knew everyone in their community and everyone knew them. Community policing can only be effective when communities, law enforcement, and elected officials work together. Join Rep. Denny Heck of the 10th Congressional District to discuss ideas to improve safety and protect communities from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Pierce College's Fort Steilacoom Campus Performance Lounge in the Cascade Building.

5. DC Sextet is comprised of some familiar Olympia Jazz faces: Don Cohen, Mark Stout, David McCrary - Trumpet, Daven Tillinghast, Craig Cootsona and Steve Bartlett. The band will be offering up jazz and blues vocals and instrumentals a la Buddy Guy, Fats Waller, Frank Sinatra and others at 8 p.m. in Rhythm and Rye in downtown Olympia.

LINK: Monday, Sept. 22 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

SUNDAY, SEPT. 21 2014 >>>

1. The Weekly Volcano gears up for the annual Tacoma Maritime Festival like the Super Bowl. We just can't get enough of celebrating Commencement Bay, and the "Working Waterfront" as it's known. This year marks the 22nd annual Maritime Fest - and it might host the most fighting ever at the Dock Street Building, Foss Waterway Seaport and the land in between the tow buildings from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Today's events include NOAA Tours, port tours, free guided tours of the Foss Waterway, LEGO exhibit, remote-controlled boats, crafts, games, Seaweed Sisters band at 12:30 p.m., Doug Mackey and Mr. Blackwatch at 2 p.m., Steve and Kristi Nebel at 3:30 p.m. and much more.

2. The rapid growth of Valhalla Coffee Company, which includes shipments overseas, forced A.J. Anderson to relocate his operation from his embedded situation at the former Mandolin Café to the small storefront on Sixth Avenue. Anderson thinks in terms of flavor profiles and uses adjectives such as "robust, rich, and acidic" to describe his coffee. He wants people to realize that coffee is not just a cup of black liquid but a complex and important commodity. In conjunction with its exhibition, "Ethnobotany: An Artists' Study of Planets," the W.W. Seymour Conservatory hosts Anderson for an aromatic and educational Valhalla Coffee tasting titled "Tacoma Loves Coffee" from 10-11 a.m.

4. Little Bill Engelhart is soul on wheels, thanks to his musicianship and polio. He grew up on Hilltop Tacoma and learned rock 'n' roll by playing rhythm and blues with the black musicians downtown, which was unusual for a young white kid at the time. He formed a band with some of his teenage friends and had a national hit when he was just 19 titled "I'm in Love with an Angel." He is a legendary Northwest blues musician and perhaps the Godfather of rock 'n' roll in Tacoma. He and his band, the Bluenotes, will perform at The Spar at 7 p.m.

4. The Lord Franzannian Royal Olympian Spectacular Vaudeville Show promises a "fast paced variety show" with "a little something for everyone." Will this mean jugglers? Probably. Contortionists? Perhaps. Rampant fun? Almost certainly. Proceeds benefit BigShowCity, a non-profit Performing Arts Organization that supports and helps finance burgeoning artists. They say laughter is good medicine. Here's a heaping spoonful of proof at 8 p.m. in The Midnight Sun Performance Space. 

5. Remember that time in high school when your parents went away? You know, plot line of every teenage movie ever made - except this time, you blew up the house. Standing in the ashes as your parents roll up, what do you do? Say it with us now -iiiiiimprovise. Take notes at 8 p.m. in the Tacoma Comedy Club when male and female comedians battle with improve and sketch skills.

LINK: Sunday, Sept. 21 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 20 2014 >>>

1. The Zags are a prime example of the kind of devotees that worship at the feet of the perfect pop song. It's not surprising that the band, hailing fro Portland, has received so many comparisons to Squeeze, though they've only been around for a little over a year. In that time, they've released several singles, which have just been assembled into their debut EP, Small Bags. Every song is a triumph of economy, packing punch and beautiful harmonies into rarely more than 2-and-a-half minutes. Read Rev. Adam McKinney's full feature on The Zags in the Music and Culture section, then catch the band with Full Moon Radio and the Falsies at 10 p.m. at 4th Ave Tavern in Olympia.

2. There are numerous celebrations today involving beer. Narrows Brewing Co. head brewer Joe Walts celebrates the release of his Oktoberfest beer with a party on the deck. That's right Hans, live music, food vendors and a German Marzenbier-ish beer with Munich and Vienna malts from 6-11 p.m. There's no cover during Oktoberfest, Franz. Morso wine bar will pour seven beers from German brewery Ayinger, including its Oktoberfest, beginning at noon. Expect a brewplate special. Dick's Brewing Company hosts the 4th Annual Beer for a Cure, a fundraiser for the Lewis County Relay for Life event. Homebrewers will square off for a chance to have their beer brewed in the Dick's Brewing system. Also expect raffle prizes, food carts, live music and a silent auction from 2-8 p.m. Celebrate the Hub at Gig Harbor's first year anniversary all day at its digs next to the Tacoma Narrows Airport. Expect food and drink specials, a raffle for a Fly and Dine package and live music.

3. Wingman Brewers hosts Made In Tacoma, a Tacoma-based business veritable farmers market featuring 21 Cellars Winery, Bluebeard Coffee, Comeback Sports, Creative Colloquy, Dave's Meats, Ice Cream Social, Libertine Tacoma, Lifestyle Brewery Tours, Tacoma Tree Salvage and Wingman beers from 5-11 p.m.

4. The Moss Brothers Band is unmistakably Southern rock, but with a surprising funk twist. The songs feature whiskey-rattled vocals telling stories of betrayal and re-connections and phenomenal guitar solos break through, just to make sure you are still paying attention to what bad-asses these musicians are. Signed last year to Maurice The Fish Records, The Moss Brothers Band celebrates their second record release, Monarch Jubiliee, at Jazzbones with a 6 p.m. meet and greet and an 8 p.m. show.

5. Lumins Festivus, orchestrated by Adam Martin, should be a magical opportunity for the amateur and the professional photogs to grab incredible shots as it floats from Wright Park down and through Tacoma's Theater District Saturday night, beginning at 7 p.m. Thousands of people doing hundreds of things: illuminated dragons, illuminated butterflies, people on illuminated stilts, in illuminated make up, crazy illuminated hats, and women wearing red and white striped illuminated dresses and yellow illuminated wigs who stopped traffic - anything goes in this autumnal procession of lights in illuminated sea sculpture.

LINK: Saturday, Sept. 20 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

Friendly rivalry is alive and well in the South Sound and next week, it'll ramp up in Puyallup.

"We are very excited to be hosting the 2nd Annual Great American Picnic this year," said Sarah Harris, Puyallup Parks & Recreation director.

The picnic, which will occur Sept. 27, is a joint effort between the city of Puyallup and the city of Sumner when they also partner with the 504th Military Police Battalion and 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion from Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Attendance will be divided by city of residence and military affiliation so that two teams will face off in flag football, softball, basketball and volleyball, as well as a tug-of-war. Puyallup residents and members of the 504th MP BN should wear a black T-shirt, while Sumner residents and members of the 13th CCSB should wear a white T-shirt. 

"We have asked city staff and members of the community to come out and play or cheer on the city of Puyallup and city of Sumner teams in order to support the troops and help welcome them into the community," stated Harris.

The afternoon will also have field games, from sack races to a water balloon toss, and even a delicious scone eating content. Food and drink will be available for purchase but everyone is also welcome to bring their own picnic lunches.

Pre-registration is recommended for each event and should be completed by Sept. 19. Residents can compete in multiple events. Puyallup residents can register at http://tinyurl.com/pk79tks and Sumner residents can register at www.ci.sumner.wa.us.   

The Great American Picnic will kick off at noon at the Puyallup Valley Sports Complex, 808 Valley Ave. NW. For inclement weather updates, call 253.841.5519 after 8 a.m. the day of the event. For more information, call the Puyallup Recreation Center at 253.841.5457.

The Seattle Seahawks are World Champions, and now, in part with the military's help, have the banners up in CenturyLink Field to prove it.

The team made the military an integral part of its NFL Kickoff celebration Thursday as members from each branch took part in the National Anthem and the Super Bowl banner presentation as well as reenlistment and promotion ceremonies.

"The Seahawks and our fans recognize the essential role and amazing service provided by America's military personnel," said Seattle Seahawks Community Relations Vice President Mike Flood. "We're proud to feature service members from all branches as we display the World Championship banner and begin the 2014 NFL season."

The amount of inquiries for support has increased significantly with the Seahawks' super success. However, the organization continues to involve the military throughout the year - even in one of the most popular games of the entire NFL season. In fact, support is increasing.

"That effort will continue every year because it's our opportunity and duty to give back," Flood said. "Our coaches, players and staff have a year-round dedication to partnering (with) service members and supportive causes."

>>> U.S. Navy member LCDR Jay Hyler shows off the Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl Championship Ring before his on-field promotion ceremony before the NFL Kickoff game against the Green Bay Packers Sept. 4. Photo credit: Gary Lott

>>> Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ballesteros is all smiles during his re-enlistment ceremony on the field of the Seattle Seahawks during their military pre-game celebration Thursday. Photo credit: Gary Lott

Flood and Seahawks Fan Development Assistant Director Armando Mejia lead the critical relationship between the Seahawks organization and the military. They work with bases throughout the Pacific Northwest to create new ideas every year, such as the 80-feet high Super Bowl banner, which was held by members of the Washington National Guard during the Seahawks NFL Kickoff game against the Green Bay Packers Sept. 4.

"It was really neat to see them unfold the Super Bowl banner in rehearsal, and it sent the message that we finally did it," said Spc. Josh Medford, JFHQ, 2-146 Artillery, Washington National Guard, prior to the game. "I've got a pretty critical role in the presentation, as I'm the one who grabs the flag by the top and walks it all the way down to the bottom."

>>> Fireworks burst into the sky as 50 members of the Washington National Guard hold a brand new 80-foot Vince Lombardi Super Bowl Trophy banner during the Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl celebration. Photo credit: Gary Lott

>>>Pop sensation Ariana Grande joins members of every service branch to sing the National Anthem before the Seattle Seahawks took on the Green Bay Packers. Photo credit: Gary Lott

Along with an on-the-field presence of the military this season, the Seahawks are also implementing a #SeahawksSalute campaign, which will feature photos of deployed service members demonstrating their "12th Man" spirit.

>>> Various members of military branches hold up a camouflage "12s" Flag during various military pre-game ceremonies. Photo credit: Gary Lott

The Seahawks organization is using the popularity of social media to enhance its connection between "12s" and the team, to include the military.

"One of our most recent programs is the Seahawks adopted military unit," Flood explained. "The Army was our first, in 2012, then the Air Force was last year, and now the Coast Guard will carry the football and "12 Flag" for 2014."

The selected unit participates in special team events and carries the "12 Flag" to locales worldwide throughout the season.

During the summer, the Seahawks made it a priority to bring the Vince Lombardi Trophy on the "Heroes of 12 Tour" to bases across Washington state, to include last year's adopted unit at the 446thAirlift Wing.

"We made it a point to begin the Lombardi Trophy tour at military bases to demonstrate our appreciation for the selfless service they give to America," Flood said. "It was a pleasure for us to see the smiles of thousands of service members at every base on the trophy visit."

A large part of the #SeahawksSalute program success relies on servicemembers.

Medford said the Seahawks Salute is both important and fun. Thursday's game was Medford's first Seahawks event, but he's done similar salute ceremonies for both the Sounders and Mariners.

A variety of military involved events took place throughout the NFL Kickoff game.

"During our break ... we actually got a chance to watch Pharrell during his rehearsal," said Medford.  "He actually came right over and gave us high-fives and posed in several pictures for us."

Entertainment wasn't the only thing taking place on the field before the big game, however.

Now Navy Lt. Comdr. Jay Hyler was promoted directly on the field before the game and even had the honor of having his daughter pin on his new rank.

"It was such an honor to have my daughter alongside of me while I get promoted," Hyler said. "It's her first game ever, and she even got to try on a Super Bowl Ring.  How amazing is that?"

Along with Hyler's promotion, Army Capt. Paul Ballesteros re-enlisted during the pregame ceremonies.

"This is my home state, so it means a lot to me to re-enlist indefinitely," said Ballesteros, who has been a Seahawks fan since wearing a Steve Largent jersey when he was only 5 years old.

"I feel great about this event," he added. "This shows me that the Seahawks work well with the Army by providing amazing opportunities for a homegrown soldier such as myself to do something like this."

It's hard to forget one's first-ever NFL game.  It will be especially hard for Tech Sgt. Matt McKenna, who's stationed on the McChord side of Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

It was his first Seahawks game, and he found himself standing only a few feet from pop sensation Ariana Grande while she performed the National Anthem.

McKenna recently received a Silver Star and a Bronze Star for his ground combat heroics in Afghanistan in 2012.

"It's incredibly humbling to receive this honor," he said of being awarded the medals. "It's really recognition of the team's work and combined efforts with the Army on one pretty tough day."

Stories such as McKenna's show the importance of supporting, showcasing and allowing the military to be a part of every Seattle Seahawks home game.

"We may not be able to touch everyone through Seahawks programs, but we will do our best to honor those who have given so much for the freedoms we enjoy," Flood said.  "We remain committed to dozens of programs that strive to help military personnel, veterans and their families."