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 will take place once again this week as Staff Sergeant Gennis Ruiz Metz will be recognized as the "Tribute to the Troops" honoree presented by Crown Royal during the Chiefs' preseason matchup with the Chicago Bears.

The son of an Army veteran who served for more than two decades, SSgt. Ruiz Metz has been stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base since 2017. A B2 Spirit Crew Chief by trade, SSgt. Ruiz Metz spent the last several years ensuring the safe and reliable maintenance of one of the world's most iconic aircraft.

"I was in charge of small teams that would work on a particular aircraft for the day, and I would manage the people we had at any given job site," SSgt. Ruiz Metz said. "That included everything from launching and recovery of an aircraft up to heavy maintenance across several aircraft on our flightline."

Now a Sortie Support Supervisor, he oversees the packaging and processing of all the tools, chemicals, aircraft parts and test equipment that aircraft maintenance teams require for off-site operations. In total, SSgt. Ruiz Metz manages 31,000 tools as part of his role.

"We're in charge of the checking in and out, inventory and inspection of tools that we've provided to all maintainers," SSgt. Ruiz Metz said. "Within that section, I'm in charge of the Mobility program where I pack up any and all equipment for our Squadron when we go to off-base locations."

In recent months, SSgt. Ruiz Metz oversaw the deployment of equipment that enabled "Operation Rough Rider" to destroy nearly 800 Houthi targets. He also played a role in assisting with aircraft repairs and managing deployed assets during "Operation Midnight Hammer."

It's a critical job that often doesn't receive the recognition it deserves, but as the Chiefs take the field on Friday, the fans in attendance will have an opportunity to show their appreciation for all that SSgt. Ruiz Metz does for our country.

"I am blown away at the opportunity," SSgt. Ruiz Metz said. "I'm just a guy doing my part in something bigger than me, so I'm beyond grateful for such an opportunity to be presented to me by an organization such as the Chiefs and my leadership team."