KC Reporter

Staff Sergeant Gennis Ruiz Metz will be honored as this week's "Tribute to the Troops" honoree, a recognition presented by Crown Royal during the Kansas City Chiefs' preseason game against the Chicago Bears at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs' "Tribute to the Troops" program acknowledges members of the Armed Forces during every home game.

SSgt. Ruiz Metz, whose father served in the Army for over 20 years, has been stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base since 2017. He works as a B2 Spirit Crew Chief and is now a Sortie Support Supervisor, overseeing logistics for aircraft maintenance teams. His responsibilities include managing 31,000 tools and handling inventory and inspection processes for equipment used in off-site operations.

"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, he supervised deployment efforts that supported "Operation Rough Rider," which resulted in nearly 800 Houthi targets being destroyed. He also contributed to aircraft repairs and asset management during "Operation Midnight Hammer."

"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."

The Chiefs have a longstanding tradition of supporting military personnel through various initiatives including their ongoing recognition programs at home games.