Chiefs Military Appreciation Day draws more than 200 military members and veterans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Kansas City Chiefs hosted Military Appreciation Day on the final day of training camp.

This has been the largest Military Appreciation Day at the Chiefs' training camp. More than 200 active-duty military personnel and veterans were in attendance.

Chuck Castellano, Chiefs vice president of community outreach and alumni affairs, said he's humbled to see how much Military Appreciation Day has grown.

"It's something that coach Reid was actually familiar with, and something he had done in Philly. He has really been the driving force, and our players fell in line with that," he said. "It's been really exciting to see how excited they are to meet individuals that serve and vice versa."

Marion Martin has been serving in the U.S. Army for 25 years. He is the first sergeant for the 108th Aviation Regiment Company Black Hawk Soul Unit out of Topeka, Kansas.

Martian and his family love that the Chiefs dedicated a day to honor the military.

“I feel that it’s a great thing for them to do. Bring the kids out, community that’s what the army about,” he said. “Family and community, so we support everything they do, and they support everything we do.”

Being a Mississippi native, Martin was most excited to see Chris Jones.

“That’s who my kids want to see, along with Pat Mahomes,” he said.

Jimmy Jackson is a retired Air Force veteran who served for 26 years. He thinks it’s fantastic that the Chiefs are recognizing and honoring military members.

“I think it’s fantastic that they pour out to the military like this,” he said. “ It’s really neat.”

Jackson was rocking his Salute to Service jersey with Kelce’s name printed on the back.

“I am excited to see him, and I saw him just a little bit already. It was pretty cool to see him,” he said.

Latisha Ibok has been serving in army national guard for 11 years. She been attending the Chiefs Military Appreciation Day for the last couple of years.

"I love it. I come every year so it's really good to see the players, and my husband is a die hard fan. Being out here today is kinda fun," she said.

She was most excited to see Chris Jones on the field.

Javier Geronimo is a retired Army veteran who served for 11 years. He said he appreciates the Chiefs hosting Military Appreciation Day.

“Very welcoming and very appreciative to do that,” he said.

Geronimo was most excited to see Hunter Nourzad practicing on the field.

“That guy has done fabulous,” he said.

The camp ended with active-duty military members and veterans taking the field to participate in a huddle.