Military members honored on final day of training camp

By Chris Fortune

The fourteenth installment of training camp in St. Joseph closed Thursday, with the Chiefs paying homage to military service members.

On the final day of practice, men and women in military fatigues spent time in the VIP tent and fan zone during Military Appreciation Day.

After the practice ended, military members stepped onto the field to speak with players, receive autographs and take pictures with them.

“When I heard they did a Military Appreciation Day, I was very impressed,” Sgt. 1st Class Suzanne Anderson said. “I’m thankful for the fact that, you know, not only do we appreciate them, but they appreciate us.”

The experience also served as a recruiting trip for some service members. A high-mobility rocket system was on display for visitors to check out, and a couple service members said Chiefs players were more than welcome to check it out.

“Travis (Kelce), Mahomes, whoever,” Staff Sgt. Justin Myrick said. “If they want to come over here and get in the truck, that would be great.”

Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Straub said it was an opportunity to break away from his job as a recruiter and spend time with family.

“A lot of times, I’m sitting behind a computer desk, and I don’t get to spend my time with family like this,” he said. “Summer’s already over, they’re back in school, so it’s good to get a little extra break to come out here and enjoy the Chiefs.”

But the Chiefs are taking care of military families, too. Straub’s daughter went shopping with Chiefs tight end Noah Gray at an event this past year and got a new bicycle.

“It was really nice,” Hannah Straub said. “I was happy to meet him and get a new bike and stuff, and I felt like that was really nice of him.”

Chiefs camp may have ended, but the NFL season is only beginning as the Chiefs look to make history.

“Go Chiefs,” Daniel Straub said. “Three-peat, baby. Let’s do it.”