Washington Air National Guard Take Seattle Seahawks For A Ride

TACOMA, Washington -- Seahawks Head Coach Jim Mora and one of his assistants, Mike Clark joined players John Carlson and Jonas Newton on a rare opportunity to see fighters refueled up close and personal here. On Wednesday, coaches and players were wowed as they watched from on board a KC 135 Stratotanker as it refueled 2 F-15 Fighters.

VIP flights scheduled over 2 days provide members of the local community the opportunity to experience their tax dollars at work with men and women of the Washington Air National Guard.
Carlson, the Seahawks outstanding 2nd year tight end said “seeing the dedication and professionalism of these men and women was inspiring”.
Gruver, the Western Air Defense Commander. Organized at the request of Brigadier General Gary Magonigle, players and coaches were joined by the outstanding airmen and noncommissioned officers of the year for the Washington ANG. After the briefing, they were escorted directly to their aircraft on the ramp at McChord Air Force Base.

The training mission called for a rendezvous with jets from the Oregon Air Guard over the Pacific Ocean at 25,000 ft. Players, coaches and servicemen were treated to the rare vantage point above the jets while they traveled over 400 mph. General Magonigle commented “that he was honored that the Seahawks and Air Guard have begun this connection”. Already, he is working on plans to invite more of the players and coaches for next off-season for an opportunity to include the Army Guard when the 81st Heavy Brigade Combat Team returns from their tour in Iraq.