Boeing teams up with Seattle Mariners in tribute to those who serve
Boeing Veterans Engagement Team and a special first pitcher kick-off Salute to Armed Forces Night presented by Boeing
As thousands of fans settled into their seats during the recent Mariners Salute to Armed Forces Night presented by Boeing, one young man was on the field throwing the ceremonial first pitch. As the son of a disabled veteran, 14-year-old Tavery was the perfect choice to throw out a perfect first pitch on behalf of Boeing. “I think it went pretty well,” said Tavery. “I wasn’t as nervous as I should be.”
14-year-old Tavery Viklund throws out the ceremonial first pitch at the Seattle Mariners Salute to Armed Forces Night presented by Boeing
Boeing called Tavery to the mound to represent the Boeing-supported non-profit, Camp Corral. “It’s a pretty cool camp. I enjoy going there,” said Tavery.
Camp Corral works to transform the lives of children of wounded, ill and fallen members of the military through camp, advocacy, and enrichment programs.
Tavery’s Mom, Amy, watched on the field as her son showed his skills on the pitcher’s mound. “Amazing. I know he was nervous,” she said. “And he did even better than he expected, but I knew he’d do great.”
It’s not the first time Tavery has impressed his mother. Amy is an Iraq war veteran who lives with a seizure disorder and says she owes her life to her son.
“My son actually saved my life when I had a seizure two years ago related to my service-connected condition. Luckily, he was home and knew what to do,” said Amy. “He gave me CPR, called 911, unlocked the door to let the paramedics come in. I would have died if he hadn’t been home and saved me. I didn’t regain breathing on my own for three days in the ICU.”
Tavery and Amy Viklund following the first pitch at Mariners Salute to Armed Forces Night presented by Boeing
Salute to Armed Forces Night is about Saluting Amy – and all veterans – who have served their country.
That includes members of the Puget Sound Chapter of the Boeing Veterans Engagement Team (BVET). They got to post up at the Mariners dugout to greet the players as they took the field. Rebekah Johanson, president of BVET Puget Sound called it an honor. “Getting to greet the players as they come out on the field and give them a high five,” said Johanson. “I was so excited. This is such a treat!”
Members of the Puget Sound Chapter of the Boeing Veterans Engagement Team greet Seattle Mariners players as they take the field at Salute to Armed Forces Night presented by Boeing
It's clear the cheers coming from T-Mobile Park on Salute to Armed Forces Night were more than about baseball.
“I think it’s so special that Boeing does that and the whole city gets together and salutes – not just Boeing veterans – but the veterans everywhere. It’s fantastic,” said Johanson.
By Jane McCarthy
