Thousands Gather in Dallas to Honor Slain Navy SEAL Chris Kyle
The mood was somber at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Monday as thousands gathered to honor slain Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle who was shot to death at a Texas shooting range earlier this month. Photos of Kyle taken throughout his life flashed on the stadium’s giant Jumbotron as loved ones, as well as complete strangers whose lives he touched, remembered his legacy.
While millions of Americans know him as the deadliest sniper in U.S. history, others that knew Kyle closely spoke about the charitable work he did off the battlefield to help struggling veterans and his role as a caring, loving father and husband. It wasn’t his confirmed kills tally that he wanted to be remembered for. The “American Sniper” author said he wanted to be remembered as someone who gave everything he had to help others.
A cross, helmet, vest, boots and a sniper rifle were flanked by flowers on the stage, placed right behind the Cowboy star.
Though Kyle’s wife, Taya, was one of the last people to speak at the memorial service, her message was arguably the most powerful and by far the most emotional.
“I stand before you a broken woman, but I am now and always will be the wife of a man who is a warrior, both on and off the battlefield,” she said, her voice dripping with emotion. “Some people along the way have told Chris that through it all, he was lucky I stayed with him… but I’m the one who is literally in every sense of the word blessed that Chris stayed with me.”
“Thank you Chris. Thank you for loving me — all of me,” Taya went on, tears now running down her face.
She talked about how she will miss her kids running into their dad’s arms.
“I hope you know with all your hearts that being your dad was the highlight of your dad’s life,” Taya said to her children. “I honestly don’t remember a night where daddy and I would tuck you in and wouldn’t say, ‘man we are so blessed to have you two kids.’”
“I love you Chris. I love you. I love you,” she concluded.
Printed on the back of the memorial service program were heartbreaking notes from his two young children. They wrote:
Daddy,
I love you Dad. You are the best dad ever. I never wanted you to die. I will miss your heart. I will love you even if you died. Love you forever,
Baby Girl.
-
Dad,
I miss you a lot. One of the best things that has happened to me is you. I love you dad. I always will.
Love,
Bubba.
There were, of course, tears, but there were also some laughs as his family, friends and fellow Navy SEALs shared several of the fond memories they shared with Kyle.
The memorial service also saw a few surprise appearances, including country music star Joe Nichols who performed his hit song “The Impossible.” Listen to the song below:
“I was Chris Kyle’s friend. I think that’s the title we would wear most proudly,” one man said during the memorial service, who argued his name “wasn’t important.”
“For Chris, the impossible was just another target,” he added.
(Related: Westboro Baptist Church Protests Chris Kyle’s Memorial Service: ‘Soldiers Die; God Laughs’)
“If you didn’t know Chris, under his tough guy exterior he was a kind, caring, humble and selfless man,” Kyle’s childhood best friend said. “He was also a proud husband and father.”
“Chris was also a man of character, he always stood up for what he believed in and never backed down,” he added before succumbing to emotion. “I know I will have to what until my name is called until I see him again.”
Also in attendance on Monday was former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. She posted the following message on her Facebook page on Monday morning:
Todd and I are in Dallas today to attend Chris Kyle’s memorial and funeral service. I find it sad to see that flags aren’t flying at half staff for this American hero. We’re surrounded today by American patriots here in Texas – by Chris’ fellow veterans and active duty warriors. In honor of them, I hope our commander in chief pays his respects in some gesture of condolence for their comrade in arms who sacrificed so much to keep him and all of us safe.
We may never know to what extent Chris kept us free or how many lives he saved by his brave actions in the line of fire. But his fellow warriors know how important he was. My son Track couldn’t meet Chris when Todd and I first met him because Track was deployed to Iraq. Then when we got to know Chris even better, our son was deployed in Afghanistan. We’ve met a lot of people in recent years, and Track has been privileged to meet them as well. But he said about Chris, “Mom, he’s the ONE person in the entire world I would be star-struck to meet. He’s it.”
God bless this great warrior. Let us keep his wife and children in our prayers, and may we never forget him or his sacrifice.
Ending the service, country music artist Randy Travis sang “Amazing Grace” as the stadium sang along.
Recipient of two Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars With Valor, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medals and one Navy and Marine Corps commendation, Kyle served four tours of duty in Iraq where he earned the nickname “the Devil of Ramadi” from insurgents for his deadly accuracy.
Kyle will be buried at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin after a 200-mile funeral procession starting in the Dallas area Tuesday morning.
Littlefield’s funeral was held Friday in Midlothian, where he and Kyle were neighbors. After the funeral, Littlefield’s relatives said the men’s outing with Routh was intended to be therapeutic.
–
Glenn Beck’s charitable organization, Mercury One, began taking donations for those wishing to honor Navy SEAL Chris Kyle and his friend Chad Littlefield. You can give here.
To donate by mail, make checks payable to Mercury one but in the memo field please write “Chris Kyle Fund.”
Mercury One
PO Box 140489
Irving, TX 75014
As of Monday afternoon, Beck’s charity had raised nearly $545,000.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Comments (69)
AUsername
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 7:24pmi wonder how many of these people actually have some relation with the person and how many are just media following statists.
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DEFCON4
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 7:53pmAmerican Veterans & their families ‘banding’ together. – God bless them All .
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Gorp
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 8:19pmAnd how many just want to come and pay their respects to a fallen hero. This might be a better explanation.
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Obama Snake Oil Co
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 2:28pmWe “Band of Brothers”…While we broke doors down to find the enemy….Chris had our backs.
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smithrt129
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 7:09pmRIP American Sniper. An American Hero!
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TH30PH1LUS
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 7:08pmTotal respect to you Chris Kyle. You served with honor. You loved your wife & family. You loved Jesus. You were struck down while reaching out and serving others.
See you on the other side.
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Min Nyi13
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 11:00pmFirst, CONDOLENCES to his grieving family and friends at this difficult time. Second, Sorry but those who love Jesus do as he taught in Matthew 26:52… “Return the sword to its place for those who take the sword will perish by the sword.” We CANNOT re-write the words of Jesus like we do with imperfect human sayings. Unfortunately like ALL things humans do, the LOVE of guns has unfavorable consequences and for as long as people refuse to acknowledge that, families will continue to suffer the loss of loved ones. SAD but true.
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tankyjo
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 7:04pmGod rest you Chris, and may He keep yours safe and well.
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loveoursoldiers
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 6:57pmcyber warriors here.. you can always tell who they are.
Interesting that the coward in chief made a big splash/staged event ( about himself being so nice to our military) and awarded a MOH today. This is not meant to take away from that brave soldier’s heroism. I mean to say only a SOB would upstage an American hero’s funeral service the way he tried to do.
Disgusting POS
RIP Kyle.. maybe you can help us from where you are.. which for sure is a much better place with you there
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HellPhish89
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 12:24amthe Medal of Honor ceremony was planned WEEKS in advance. they dont exactly just throw it together.
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bigdaddyt46
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 6:59amtrue hellphish but the traitor in chief could have easily postponed it till after the funeral.
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OlefromMN
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 6:47pmI agree with Sarah Palin that flags should have been ordered to half staff . They have been flown lowered for much lesser men. Chris Kyle was an American asset in more ways than just combat. May his family feel all of our heartfelt condolences and prayers.
I also would like to give a tip of the hat to Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys for volunteering this larger than life venue to honor a larger than life man.
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jungle J
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 6:09pmPlease don’t believe these nasty unkempt vets represent the Vietnam vet…they don’t. They represent a small group that served.
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SHOESHINEBOY
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 6:02pmThank God for FOX DFW for the awesome on line live coverage for those of us, who. because of “HOPE AND CHANGE” are not able to afford to come to the services, and who, care deeply and have met CPO Kyle….
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Brett Riggs
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 5:18pmThis is to Canadarocks…Since you apparently not from this country, guess you may not have the same rights as Americans for free speech. Glad I don’t know you personally because I believe I may be in trouble for what I would do to you. I’m proud of our country and what it USE to stand for. As a retired military vet, it is harder each day to see those who wish to trash our military and its heros hide behind our Constitution. I notice you remain in this country because you know that if you were to make stupid comments like you do, you may be in prison or getting “lead poison.” God Bless you Chris and all those who have served and will serve. May God shield the family.
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For my Liberty!
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 5:38pmAmen Brett….Thank you for your service sir!
Chris Kyle….RIP Soldier! *salute* May you rest in Peace in God’s arms…May your family find comfort knowing you fought for Freedom for this country and were trying to help a “lost” fellow human. THANK you for what you have done for AMERICA.
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CanadaRocks
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 5:51pmI am an american. I work in canada.
So let me ask this. The only people you cant question are dead marines? But you can queation victims families about lying about the death of their child. Those kids could have been the next abe lincoln, mlk, or condi rice. We know what this guy turned out to be. A marine who thought putting a weapon in a mentally unstable mans hands. And you act surprised.
He is dead and the reason is his own lack of intelligence. Would you give a crazy person a gun?
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CREENDN
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 6:20pmDon’t waste your time with canadarocks, s/he’s a troll who probably doesn’t even work in Canada. Chris Kyle was a warrior and a hero. God bless his family and friends.
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Pablo
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 6:31pmFirst, Chris Kyle wasn’t a Marine. He was a Navy SEAL. Second, are you at all familiar with exposure therapy? You might want to bone up on it so that you don’t sound like such a jackass.
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AUsername
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 7:32pmCanada, Neo Cons are hypocrites, all you can do when a soldeir dies is say religous nonsense about them and thats it. neo cons say good things about the troops to hide the fact they are the troops killers sending them off to die for israel and saudi arabia. unlike the canadian military that mostly defends its country USA ever since world war 2 has been a bully and invaded many countries and destroyed them with the troops. neo cons basically war mongering fascists.
if you actually said the stuff the neo cons post here to a soldier they would think your an idiot.
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rEt_fiELdoP
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:29pm@ Canadarocks….
You comments are truly offensive. Without knowing how or what it takes to do what “brothers” do in theater or back in CONUS, you’ve shown yourself to be a true nitwit. To make your posture about “gun violence” and the lifestyle in Canada being better demonstrates innumerable things but one outshines the rest. Ready for it?….You are truly pathetic to speak of things on a day when his family is in mourning.
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CanadaRocks
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 3:23pmI will never shed a tear for idiots that should know better. He died because of his stupid decsions. He got what was in the cards for him. His gun took over 100 lives and now his life was taken by the same instrument he used. Ironic? No. Destiny. Yes
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Min Nyi13
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 11:20pmFirst off… Canadarocks clearly states that he/she is an AMERICAN living in Canada. How does that making him/her a Canadian?? English comprehension shouldn’t be that hard especially when it’s not even a page of reading. He/she has EVERY RIGHT to his/her opinion like everyone everyone else.
What I don’t understand is someone who obviously PRETENDS to “feel” for one who has fallen due to GUN VIOLENCE and then goes on to THREATEN another simply because of a difference in opinion. How many people in America are gun owners who are just looking for an OPPORTUNITY to use those guns on someone?? Unfortunately Kyle was a victim of such a person and he didn’t even see it coming. God help the SANE people in this country who believe in communication rather than guns to solve differences and problems.
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CanadaRocks
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:51pmI think he was murdered by an extreme right wing group to add power to their side of the gun debate. Is it not a little suspect that someone would take a mentally derranged person to a shooting range for “therapy?” I think that the teaparty and gun nutz had a hand in this conspiracy. Something just is not right.
It is also a little disheartening for the blaze to use his kids tears as a tool to gain sympathy in the debate. Is this not what you accused obama of during sandy hook?
You live your life worshipping and idolizing guns, chances are the gun will kill you. This case just proves my point. This man worships firearms and loves them so much it is only fitting that it was a firearm that killed him. Somethings are more surprising than others. This was no surprise at all.
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firman
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 5:03pmWhat it proves is that you are an insensitive jackass. Alot of Americans “idolize” guns and are not killed by them. You keep your culture. We will fight to keep ours. We don’t agree with everything our government does. We will however fight to protect lives and freedom. Even jerks like yours.
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HOOT_OWL
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 5:12pmJust sometimes freedom of speech will cost you.
In your case probably a side of Canadian Bacon shoved up your ass.
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CanadaRocks
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 5:21pmIm just stating my opinion. Thats all. Someone has to. Just like all the people questioning sandy hook. They are just questions and opinions. Has the autopsy come back? Was the shooter on mind altering brainwash pills? Is this man even dead? Is that really him in the coffin?
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joey g
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 5:37pmcanada sucks ….u live in a socialist country …and its cold …thats why u ass bandits look to the U.S.
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For my Liberty!
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 5:40pm@CanadaRocks….Here is some advise for you..DON’T THINK! Obviously you are intellectually bankrupt.
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dblaess
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 5:44pmGrowing up next to Canada and going there many weekends, before a passport was needed, I always thought Canadians were just Americans with good manners. You Sir/Madame are no Canadian. Yes Chris died by a gun, but he fought to protect the American people’s rights and freedoms, something Canadians have given up for a sense of security.
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Saff SGT
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 6:55pmyour entitled to the 1st amendment also. But I personaly would like to take a small swipe at you as I am a vet from another time not Chris’s. But then again you will get yours anyway because of your vile thoughts and nature. So Ill let it go its like stepping around a pile of Horse manure. later
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harleyman
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 7:29pmWhat we actually worship, as did Chris, is God, family and country. We own and protect our right to own guns to protect our right to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These are things you are obviously to stupid and brainwashed to understand.
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Al Gator
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 8:09pmHey, Canadian Rock Head,
Go ahead, laugh at, ridicule and make fun of American’s affinity for weapons.
When the sharia diaper heads are dragging you into the street to cut off whatever body parts they don’t like, pee your pants and then beg for some American to come to your rescue.
Its what the pommies did in WWII, AFTER they made such a row about “those stupid Americans and their penchant for gunz.”
Oh Jeez, I can hear the blustering indignation now: “Stupid American, don’t you know that CAN’T HAPPEN HERE?”
RIIIIIIGHT. Just keep that thought in your air head.
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CanadaRocks
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 8:11pmYou guys could learn a thing or two from canada. I am an american and when i moved here it blew my mind. There is a reason the quality of life is on a much higher scale. You can call it whatever you want but canada and canadians take care of their own. Not just who they pick and choose.
No one here fears their neighbour like in america wherethey feel the need to own an arsenal to protect them from what? The tyrannical black man occupying the “whitehouse?” The crazy chicago radicals? The secret muslims? The cia operations to kill children so the government can push gun control? The black teenager eating skittles in a gates community? The wave of far left crazies that believe gays should be able to be married and that a woman has a right to choose? The soulless atheists that are trying to destroy xmas and christianity?
You can live like that if you choose. Live in fear that all of those things and a million more are going to destroy the world as we know it. Me. I will invite my gay muslim liberal neighbour and his husband over for a beer with myself and my wife and talk about how moving to canada was the best decision we ever made.
And shouldnt rush limbaugh and ted nugent be living elsewhere by now?
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CanadaRocks
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 8:17pmNot likely Al but bunker down by all means. The apocolyse is coming. Get your weapons and your bible and prepare for the end of the world.
Hate to tell you big guy. I fear you and the blaze mafia more than i do islam.
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klg1956
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 3:06amStatistically, doctors are approximately 9,000 times more dangerous than gun owners of killing you, so you’d advocate not ever going to a doctor again…you are a moron! BTW, since this is the “longest” war we’ve ever been in, and men are being deployed several times over, and with political correctness and the rules of engagement running the military (aka UN), there is a big problem with PTSD and the best way to overcome it is hanging out with your buds, and holding a gun in your hand again….it’s called “back in the saddle again” and getting back on the proverbial horse…you idiot!
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CanadaRocks
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 12:13pmKLG. That could be the dumbest possible thing i have heard. Cure ptsd with more violence and guns. I guess we can save the heroin junkies with more heroin. Give me a break. You gun nutz really are a whacked out group of imbeciles.
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Need to be FREE
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:50pmA sad day for his family and America. What a great service for an American Hero.
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22AUTOMATIC
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 5:38pmA while back I caught the Chris Kyle interview below on C-Span when he released his book. They took many callers and you can tell how patriotic, caring, and humble Chris was. The piece is well worth a watch (see link below for full Chris Kyle program)
http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/Snipe
I was just remarking to a group the other day how different America is in regards to our military heroes. We salute them at the Super Bowl (most watched event of all time), we salute a great man like Chris Kyle at the largest NFL stadium in the country, we provide charities like Wounded Warriors and others to help them along without any need of government. No other country in the world honors its military heroes the way America does. Other countries don’t get misty eyed when watching their flag wave as they sing a song like “God Bless America” or “The Star Spangled Banner” like we do. All negatives only come from the 10% far left supremacists who could easily fly to France or Belgium or Cuba and live their Marxist Utopia yet choose to live in the safe & free comforts of America (hmmm…interesting how that works isn’t it). God Bless America, God Bless Chris Kyle and his friends and family.
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In the O.C.
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:39pmI have not seen this memorial when it was televised, but I just read about it here. I honor this man. I honor his family. How unfortunate we have a DOG for a president who does nothing. Thank you, Sarah Palin, for your posted words memorializing this wonderful man. Thank you, Randy Travis, for making your offering in music. Thank you, all, for honoring him. We have suffered a true loss. What a shame we have a DOG for a president who does NOTHING. NOTHING.
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Raider1
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:37pmHOOYAH Chief ! !
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aproudinfidel
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 5:01pmRIP to an American Hero and condonlences to his wife, kids, family and friends.
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firman
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:36pmRIP Chris Kyle. God bless the families of these fine Americans.
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RJJinGadsden
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:29pmAUSERNAME, looks like you are falling behind a little today. Where is your usual dumbass question on this story?
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AUsername
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 7:34pmi actually have stuff to do, so i don’t have all the time in the world to be on here because i don’t get transfer payments from the tax payer.
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Iam4America
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:21pmGrateful to be able to watch this on the internet. May God continue to give his wife the strength found to deliver a heartfelt remembrance of Chris. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
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jackact
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:13pmRIP soldier
May God hold you soul close and may Ron Paul turn into a pillar of salt.
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dublinthewagons
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:17pmMay Obama turn into a pillar of poop
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Dolfenn24
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 5:57pmWhat are you talking about? Obama is already a pillar of poop.
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kapu
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:10pmi just watched this service and i am left just speechless by the honsty and really raw emotions and love/respect show for him, as well as his family. even tho i have been around the military the vast majority of my life, i am still left in awe of how things are believed in/for, fought for, protected fiercely, and lives given for, both in the military as well as those in uniform that are not in the military.
WOW, JUST WOW, and honestly should really and bluntly be an example of how one should be living ones life.
RIP, Chris, you were and are very much loved and respected. and yes, you are one of the good and faithful servants. your family will be taken care of and cared for.
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soybomb315_II
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:07pmWhile we grieve for another serviceman passing away, let us remember that if it werent for our misguided middle east wars, Chris Kyle would still be alive. So would the thousands of other american soldiers that have died. currently, 20 soldiers are committing suicide every month.
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IMCHRISTIAN
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:32pmIf it hadn’t been for the misguided that invaded and attacked our shores we would not have been over there. . Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me and you.
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RJJinGadsden
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:33pmSOY, are you certain that all of the suicides are caused by the stress of combat, or could any of it possibly be from what the administration is doing to the services. When Clinton first started making major cuts in the armed forces and we had an unusual increase in suicides and even murders.
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soybomb315_II
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:48pm@RJ
I am pretty sure these are combat related illnesses, not people scared about losing their job
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firman
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:56pmThere is some drug use in the military as well. Especially in the middle east. Have family over there. It’s tolerated. Some of that stuff has severe PTSD side effects.
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RJJinGadsden
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 6:50pmSOY, You certainly missed the point there. But, I will leave it there. Even you can see what this administration is doing to the military. They’ve cut back serving breakfast in Afghanistan, The Army has announced that if this sequestration does go through, it will loose and estimated 78% of its funds used for training. Not to mention all of damaging effect will have across the entire military. At least Clinton did his damage while we were not at war. But, that is not saying much.
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AUsername
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 7:22pmzionists are their greatest enemy and biggest killer tham and then neo cons are getting them in these wars to die for israel and not for Americas safety.
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Pickles327
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:04pmI lost my former Husband , dad to our 2 beautiful grown daughters and we became friends is was a AQ became Chief was a trainer nattc a while back ago ,, one of the smartest men I have ever know .. He past Nov 18 2012 he had turned 54.. 3 days before and it was cancer had a lung removed his heart – other lung could not keep up !! I am in tears for a loss of a friend and a father to our daughters, Mrs Kyle time dulls its but never removes the pain God Bless this family
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Stevsea
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:03pmI hate this world a little more today.
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shorelineliz
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:02pmNow that you have memorialized this awesome warrior go after his killer (s). Start at the White House “kill list” and Panetta.
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shorelineliz
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:00pmWonder why Leon Panetta is stepping down as the Director of the CIA right now? Perhaps he does not want to be subpoenaed in the trial of Eddie Ray Routh? Hmm……this has CIA written all over it. Lee Harvey Oswald. James Earl Ray. Beware killers with three names. This was a CIA assassination. Nothing more. Of course. They will call me “crazy.” Go ahead.
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curmudgeon60
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:00pmThe innocent little ones’ letters to Daddy ..heartbreaking. Prayers and gratitude to the family and a patriot. Liked sarah palin’s comments. So true. Will Obama send acknowledgment to the family? But, perhaps they would prefer he not attend.
God please carry the family through this!
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gingirl67
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 3:53pmmany tears as i watched the memorial service.. ty for sharing these.. but listening to his wife was so painful to hear.. i pray for her and her family thru this
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