They devote their lives to protecting those that they've never met, selflessly stepping forward to defend all that we hold dear in this country.
These individuals don't join the service for recognition or fame, it's just simply what they feel called to do, forgoing personal ambition to become a part of something much larger than themselves.
They're the brave few who make up our Armed Forces, and some of our nation's very best are right here in Chiefs Kingdom.
The Chiefs have a rich history of supporting our men and women in uniform throughout the years, including through the "Tribute to the Troops" program at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, which recognizes the real heroes in our community during every home game.
That initiative took place once again earlier this month, as Lt. Col. Mike "Vago" Hilkert was recognized as the "Tribute to the Troops" honoree presented by Crown Royal during the Chiefs' matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Hilkert, who is currently stationed at nearby Whiteman Air Force Base, chose to join the military immediately after completing high school in 1998 as a way of fulfilling a lifelong call to serve.
"I joined for several reasons, and the opportunity to serve my country was pretty high on the list," Hilkert said. "I played Taps at military funerals with the Veterans of Foreign Wars since fifth grade, and I worked with World War I, World War II, Korean and Vietnam War vets. They had a big influence on my decision. They would tell me stories about the 'brotherhood,' the pride, and the cost of freedom. My grandmother also served as a nurse in World War II and was stationed in France."
Hilkert went on to continue that tradition of service over the next several years as an Engineering Assistant, which included stops at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland and South Korea. He was commissioned in 2005, and soon after, Hilkert began training to be a pilot – specifically to fly the A-10 "Warthog" Thunderbolt II – as part of the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program.
"I wasn't the kid that went to air shows, but I always loved planes," Hilkert said. "When I was stationed in Korea, I was surveying the bombing range, and A-10s came rolling in. They hit every target with practice bombs, and then I heard the loud BRRRRRT of the Gau-8 Avenger cannon. I was in love at that moment. So, I worked my tail off to get commissioned and to make it into and through pilot training. It's all about competition and rankings with your peers, so I worked as hard as I could to get selected for the A-10."
That hard work paid off, too, as Hilkert has now piloted the A-10 since 2007. He deployed to Afghanistan five times in that span, racking up 1,341 combat flying hours and 308 combat "sorties," or missions. Additionally, Hilkert, who has just under 3,500 flying hours to his name, also serves as an instructor pilot tasked with training the next generation of aviators.
Hilkert has simply devoted his life to protecting our nation from above, and as the Chiefs took on the Bengals, fans had an opportunity to look up at Hilkert – who was high above the field on the GEHA Deck – and show him their appreciation.
"I always dreamed of flying an A-10, and being deployed was like being put in the 'big game.' So, from that aspect, it's great, but some deployments meant six to seven months away from my wife and kids. My family has probably sacrificed the most," Hilkert said. "I have sacrificed a lot for my career, and being honored is important because it helps me see that those sacrifices are appreciated, and the work I've done is valued."
