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 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 Tristan Dumas will be recognized as this week's "Tribute to the Troops" honoree as the Chiefs take on the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football.
Seeking an adrenaline rush paired with a desire to travel the world, Dumas joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2016, where he went on to spend nine years before transitioning to the Army – at nearby Fort Riley – last year.
Dumas' time in the service has included several deployments all over Asia, notably to areas of Japan and South Korea.
"While in the Marine Corps Infantry, my unit would regularly rotate from Hawaii to Asia under the Unit Deployment Program," Dumas said. "This enabled us to receive specialized and unique training opportunities in the mountains of Korea and the jungles of Japan."
His time in Asia also featured two deployments to the Philippines as part of a Special Operations Task Force responsible for providing security as part of a larger endeavor.
"In the Philippines, we were a part of the Marine Security Element, helping to protect the local populace, secure the installation, and provide emergency medical aid, while also moving critical personnel around the area of operations in convoys," Dumas explained. "This enabled the Special Forces and Critical Skills Operators to conduct their actions in the area."
Dumas has held a variety of roles throughout that time, too, but regardless of his rank, Dumas' general responsibilities – and overall mentality – has remained consistent throughout his decade of service to our country.
"No matter what unit I was in, or where we were, I had an obligation to lead and mentor those Marines and Soldiers under my charge," Dumas said. "I have always had the personal responsibility of looking after and protecting those service members, and ensuring that they are trained well enough, and lethal enough, to return home."
Now in his 10th year of service, Dumas didn't join our Armed Forces in pursuit of recognition. His efforts have always centered around the guiding principles of serving his country and family, but as the Chiefs take on the Colts this weekend, the fans in attendance can show Dumas the appreciation he deserves.
"It's an honor to be able to be recognized at all. I do what I do for the experience, the love of the job, and most of all, to be able to provide for my wife and be a good role model for our son," Dumas said. "I am very grateful that the Chiefs are able to recognize the hard work I put in on a daily basis, and hope it inspires people to show up and give their 100% every single day."
