On Thursday, Travis Kelce, Eric Kush and Terrelle Pryor spent their time at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, traveling room-to-room visiting patients, signing autographs and handing out Chiefs yearbooks.

"It's a humbling experience and it's an absolute honor to visit with these veterans," Kelce said. "We wanted to thank them for all of their efforts and acknowledge the sacrifices they've made. It was interesting to hear their special stories and it makes you feel so blessed and so appreciative."

This week is regarded as National Salute to Veteran Patients Week, which is a way to pay tribute and express appreciation to veterans, increase community awareness of the role of the VA Medical Center and encourage citizens to visit hospitalized veterans and to become involved as volunteers. It is to say thank you to a group of men and women who have proudly served our country and give back to them in their time of need.

"It was a great opportunity to visit our veterans and hear their cool stories about things they've done and places they've been," Kush noted. "I met a guy who was around my age and he'd been to Iraq three times already. It was really interesting to hear his stories and experiences. I love being able to visit these guys; they sacrificed a lot and took a lot of risks."

Many of the patients were overjoyed to see the Chiefs heading towards their room. They received a yearbook that was signed by all three of the players, took photos and greatly enjoyed the company.

"When the Chiefs visit it wakes these folks up, it gives them a smile and really gives them a feeling of appreciation," Joe Burks, Public Affairs Officer at the VA Medical Center, explained. "Having them visit truly makes a difference; seeing the smiles and hearing the excitement from the patients is incredible. We couldn't have asked for a better group to visit us, thank the veterans for their service and listen to their stories. It truly lifted their spirits."

It was clear that this visit meant just as much to the Chiefs players as it did the veterans.

"Visiting the veterans was incredible; it doesn't get any better than being able to meet them and hear their stories," Pryor said. "They've put their lives on the line. Seeing these men and women, talking with them and meeting them makes you truly appreciate everything they've done for our country."

The Chiefs have a long-standing appreciation for the men and women in our armed forces and are continually striving to recognize and thank them for their service. In addition to visits such as these, the Chiefs make an effort to honor the military throughout the year, such as hosting military members at Arrowhead Stadium during the season, making trips to local military bases, hosting local high school students at the WWI Museum and much more.

We are honored to have the opportunity to give back to our veterans and to honor current members of our military. Thank you to everyone who has served or is currently serving in our armed forces.

To learn more about the VA Medical Center or find out how you can volunteer during National Salute to Veteran Patients Week, visit their website today.