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 season, as SFC Kam Hutton was recognized as the "Tribute to the Troops" honoree presented by Crown Royal during the Chiefs' matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders.
A 16-year veteran of our Armed Forces, SFC Hutton joined the Army right out of high school way back in 2007.
"I really just wanted to see the world, and I knew that the Army would give me a chance to do that," SFC Hutton said. "It also provided a sense of stability and seemed like a great opportunity."
SFC Hutton went on to realize that goal, too, as part of multiple forward and combat deployments. In fact, SFC Hutton – who also spent time in Italy as part of a NATO Signal Battalion – served in both the Iraq and Afghanistan conflict zones during her distinguished career.
"I think those experiences really helped me grow as a person," SFC Hutton explained. "It really kind of opened up my mind to other people and other cultures from around the world. Growing up in a small town, you only learn about your small corner of the universe. So, my deployments all over the world helped me grow not only as a person, but also as a leader."
Those experiences eventually led SFC Hutton to her current role at nearby Fort Riley, where she serves as the Information Technology Staff Non-Commissioned Officer for the renowned 1st Infantry Division.
"When it comes to things that are automated, server-related or that have to do with information technology, I'm the key administrator for my entire brigade," SFC Hutton said. "It's something that I really enjoy, and my favorite part of the job is that I get to train soldiers on things that I know."
It's a critical job that ensures the basic functionality of our Armed Forces on a day-to-day basis, and while SFC Hutton isn't normally one for big groups of people, she was able to receive some much-deserved appreciation on Christmas Day as the Chiefs took on the Raiders.
"It was so much fun. I'm not normally a big fan of crowds, but the energy there was amazing," SFC Hutton said. "I really love my job, and I get great satisfaction out of it, so it was pretty cool to feel that appreciation and validation from the Chiefs and the fans, too."
