Chief Chris Kyle USN 1974-2013
A few months back on here, maybe on Instagram, I can't even remember now, I posted the following quote:
We may never understand God's reasons, but we have to trust His will.
Around 6:00pm on Saturday night we started getting word that one of our closest friends had been shot. Less than 12 hours later the news broke to the media. It was Chris Kyle, Navy SEAL, our military's deadliest sniper, a man who the insurgents called The Devil, but who's teammates called The Legend. The story is being reported across CNN, NBC, Fox, ABC and every other news outlet imaginable, both local and national. A quick search of Chris Kyle will give you all of the information on what happened - both the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and NYT have reported it well - but I have decided to only post the official statement released by Craft:
Chief Chris Kyle (USN) and his trusted friend, Chad Littlefield, were tragically killed on Saturday, February 2, 2013, by a troubled veteran whom they were trying to help. Chief Kyle lived by a personal motto that “it is our duty to serve those, who serve us,” and he and Littlefield died honoring this creed. Above all else, Chief Kyle was a unique individual and an amazingly loving father, husband, son, brother, friend and devout Christian who had a profound effect on the lives of those he touched.
Chief Kyle was publicly known for being the President of Craft International LLC and the author of the best-selling book, American Sniper. Chief Kyle, a former Navy SEAL, served four Combat tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom and elsewhere. For his bravery in battle, he was awarded two Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars with Valor, two Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medals, and one Navy and Marine Corps Commendation. After retiring from the Navy, Chief Kyle founded Craft International LLC, a military and law enforcement training company, and was involved in numerous charities, including co-founding FITCO Cares Foundation, and other charitable events benefiting wounded and disabled servicemen and women returning from combat.
“Chris was a true American hero having devoted his adult life to serving his country in combat as a member of the U.S. Navy SEALs and in training our military and law enforcement personnel after leaving the Navy. Chris was also an extremely devoted family man – a wonderful husband and loving father. He gave so much of his time to charitable causes that assisted military personnel and their families and died while trying to help a struggling service member. We are all saddened by his tragic death. America lost one of its finest sons and a true patriot. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Kyle family” said Steven Young, Craft’s CEO.
Mr. Young requests that the media respect the privacy of the Kyle family and friends while they grieve the loss of Chief Kyle. Details of the memorial service and funeral will be released at a later time.
Respectfully,
Craft International
Words are failing me. First time for everything, right? I am sick. I am...heart broken. I think of Psalm 147:3. I just... I.... tragedy does not even begin to cover it.
Lord I lift Chris's family up to you right this minute. Please place a hedge of protection around them and give them peace that we know only comes from you. Wrap your arms around them and let them sense your presence, and please Lord help the children lean on you and seek your face. Show them you are their light. Father I ask that you would give others the words that would help them somehow find peace in this tragic situation. We trust and believe that you use ALL things for your glory. I ask that you would faithfully show us the fruits of this tragedy. Father we love you and thank you for being the ultimate protector. I pray this in the name of your son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Truth be told, I would rather have Squish's prayer from dinner tonight answered: "Dear God, please get Chris alive for Daddy. Amen."
"A reminder that whether you like to admit it or not, whether you agree with it or not, your freedom is not free." It never has been, it never will be. Someone gave all for YOU.
In God We Trust.
I don't know why this happened, and I cannot possibly understand, but I do know this:
I sure did love Chris down here, but I feel just a little bit safer knowing he's up in Heaven with God telling Him the best way to take over Hell.
We'll miss you, Chris.