KANSAS CITY, Mo. — On Sunday, the Chiefs honored active-duty and retired members of the military.
Two men who serve on the USS Kansas City — one of them with local ties — were recognized on the field.
"She's the Navy's 22nd littoral combat ship," Commander Travis Divorak, executive officer of the USS Kansas City, said. "It's just a fancy word for shallow water. Extremely fast about 425 feet long with a crew of 73."
One of the men honored today is a Leavenworth, Kansas, native.
"I grew up watching the Chiefs, coming to the games with my family, sitting in 13 degree weather in the playoff game," Lt. Brent Hodge said.
Being on the field, for Hodge, is a dream come true.
"The city provided me with so much when I was growing up," Hodge said, "and now being able to come back and provide back to the community and serve the community by being one of the crew members for the USS KC, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience."
Fans were able to get to know the sailors before the game, as well as members of other branches of the armed forces. The sailors said they feel appreciated in being honored.
"It's just great, an honor," Divorak said.
