For the Chiefs November 11, 2018, game against the Arizona Cardinals, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) and the Chiefs selected Patrick Benson, U.S. Army veteran and co-founder/director of War Horses for Veterans, as the Blue KC Chiefs Kingdom Champion. 
Prior to kickoff, Benson received on-field recognition and conducted the ceremonial first pass to Danan Hughes before touring the Chiefs broadcast booth and enjoying the game.
“I’m excited about this opportunity,” said Benson, who served in the Army Infantry from 1998 to 2004. “I’m honored to represent our veteran community—those serving and those we have lost.”
Following the completion of his service, Benson found himself wrestling with emotions he didn’t know how to handle as he transitioned back to civilian life. And he noticed other veterans who were struggling, as well. In order to do something to help his fellow veterans, he founded the War Horses for Veterans organization to give service members the chance to bond with fellow veterans as well as horses—proven therapy animals—and make positive, trusting connections.