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 last season, as MSgt. Nick Scheerer was recognized as the "Tribute to the Troops" honoree presented by Crown Royal during the Chiefs' matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers.
A member of the Air Force since 2008, MSgt. Scheerer – whose mother and grandfather both served – felt called to join the military in the years following 9/11.
"I originally signed up to be an aerial gunner – the guys shooting the big bullets out of the C-30 [aircraft]," MSgt. Scheerer said. "I wanted to do that job, and I got that job, but I wanted to serve sooner, and the earliest job to get me in the Air Force was as an electrician. So, I thought I'd give that a try."
As it turned out, MSgt. Scheerer had a knack for electrical work. He now describes himself as an "electrician for everything," and has served all over the world in that capacity, deploying to Europe, Asia and the Middle East over the last two decades.
"I grew up in the Midwest," MSgt. Scheerer said. "I'm a Kansas City guy through-and-through, and I never imagined I'd basically go around the world five times."
His efforts abroad have included several humanitarian projects, too, including building hospitals and schools in Cambodia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Additionally, MSgt. Scheerer helped restore power to Northern Japan following a devastating tsunami in 2011.
"I kind of see myself as a brand ambassador for the United States, not just the Air Force," MSgt. Scheerer said. "It means a lot to go to these places and to help out in any way we can."
It's for all of those reasons that MSgt. Scheerer was recognized as a "Tribute to the Troops" honoree last year, and as fate would have it, the night he was honored also happened to be the Chiefs' Alumni Game.
Several former players were recognized as part of the event, and for MSgt. Scheerer – who grew up a Chiefs fan – it was nothing short of a dream come true.
"It was probably one of the craziest experiences of my life," MSgt. Scheerer said. "I'm a lifelong Chiefs fan, so to be up there with those guys and for Tamba Hali to look at me and say, 'This is about you' was just surreal. I'll never forget it."
