That was way back in 2011, but despite having a family and securing a civilian job in the time since, Staff Sgt. Medina remains an active member of our military a decade later.
"For me, it's the challenges that the military gives you," Staff Sgt. Medina explained. "The military challenges you every day on the job. It's not cookie cutter – you're not getting the same thing every day. So, I still get to provide for my family, and I get challenged every day."
That dedication included an 11-month deployment this past year to the Middle East. In fact, Staff Sgt. Medina just recently returned home last month, but no matter where he was, Staff Sgt. Medina – an avid Chiefs' fan and Season Ticket Member – found a way to follow his childhood football team.
"When the games were on, no matter what country I was in – Jordan, Lebanon, Yemen or Iraq – I made sure that I was watching," Staff Sgt. Medina said. "It could have been airing at midnight or three in the morning - I was dedicated to watching my Chiefs. It was difficult at times because I was in some remote areas, but I stayed on top of it."
And now back stateside, not only will Staff Sgt. Medina be honored in-person at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, but he'll also beat the drum as the Third Quarter Tony DiPardo Spirit Leader in the third quarter.
It's an opportunity that's not lost on Staff Sgt. Medina.
"It means a lot. To be able to beat that drum that I've seen since I was a kid – knowing the tradition and the meaning behind that – it's special," Staff Sgt. Medina said. "I'll be there in the flesh watching our guys potentially bring another AFC title home. I'm ecstatic. The hair on the back of my neck is standing up just thinking about it."
January 23, 2021 at 05:04AM
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Chiefs Recognize Staff Sgt. Dan Medina with This Week's Salute to Service Honors Presented by Crown Royal - chiefs.com
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