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 Sgt. Trace Thompson was recognized as the "Tribute to the Troops" honoree presented by Crown Royal during the Chiefs' matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders.
A member of the Missouri Army National Guard since 2018, Sgt. Thompson originally joined the service for a pair of reasons.
"I first decided to join just because I always kind of wanted to," Sgt. Thompson said. "I also wanted a way to pay for college, and I thought joining the military was a great way of doing that."
Sgt. Thompson has been a member ever since, spending time with both the Missouri and Texas Army National Guard in that time.
"It's been more than I ever thought it would be," Sgt. Thompson said. "There have been all kinds of experiences and travel opportunities that I didn't initially realize would be possible when I first joined the National Guard."
Those experiences have included opportunities to compete in the "Best Warrior Competition," where Sgt. Thompson took third place nationally, and the "Army Best Squad Competition," where he and four other soldiers competed against the best squads in the Army.
Sgt. Thompson proudly represented the state of Missouri during those competitions, and as he stood high above the field on the GEHA Deck last year, that responsibility was only further put into perspective.
"It meant the world to me," Sgt. Thompson said. "Being at the game, I felt the weight of the state with that many people from all around the area seeing me up there. I think it put into perspective what it meant to represent Missouri, and I'm proud to have done so."
