Four years ago today, America lost one of its greatest heroes, American Sniper Chris Kyle. Kyle was a Navy SEAL and known as the deadliest sniper in American history, with more than 150 confirmed kills.
After retiring from the Navy SEALs, Kyle dedicated himself to helping other veterans deal with their post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For some veterans, going to the range is therapeutic and helps with signs of PTSD.
On the day of his death, Kyle and his friend, Chad Littlefield, took a veteran to a local shooting range. The veteran used Kyle’s guns to kill Kyle and Littlefield.
Over the last four years, Taya Kyle, Chris’ wife, has written a book about her family’s military experience and what it’s like being the spouse to a military member. She has toured the country giving motivational speeches to fellow veterans and their families.
Before his death, Chris was working on launching the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation (CKFF), which he envisioned as a support system for service and first responders’ families. Taya decided to launch the CKFF to continue with Chris’ vision.
The foundation is dedicated to helping military and first responders’ families work through the difficult challenges that are often associated with working in a stressful environment and overseas deployments. The CKFF provides families with marriage retreats, date nights and even a marriage bootcamp-type course.
Although Chris Kyle is no longer with us, his memory lives on through Taya’s work, the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation and the legacy he leaves behind. He is also survived by his two children.
Thank you for your service and unconditional love of Country. People like me are free because of brave people like you. #ChrisKyleDay
— Steve (@SteveGullekson) February 2, 2017
4 years ago America lost a true hero. #ChrisKyleDay
— mike cherubini (@mikecherubini) February 2, 2017
Respect to the man that has done more for his country than most of us could do in 100 lifetimes #ChrisKyleDay
— Nate (@natewagner24) February 2, 2017
"I’ve lived the literal meaning of 'land of the free' & 'home of the brave.' I feel it in my heart. I feel it in my chest." #ChrisKyleDay
— Elaine Day (@elaine_day) February 2, 2017
It's #ChrisKyleDay R.I.P. to a true American, defender of Liberty, and a bonafide badass. Fly High, I salute you Sir. ???? pic.twitter.com/5jFEatxMeE
— Jerrick Allen?? (@jerrick_allen) February 2, 2017
The scariest sight any enemy envisions. God Bless him and all those who serve. #ChrisKyleDay pic.twitter.com/f48ctCOFHz
— Steven B (@TheeKingslayer) February 2, 2017
What my students did for Chris Kyle Day. #HonorChrisKyle #ChrisKyleDay pic.twitter.com/dBQ11MGbG0
— Mr Schlabotnik (@Mr_Schlabotnik) February 2, 2017
You will never be forgotten, Chris. Your legacy lives on in your wife, your children and in the hearts of Americans. It’s because of brave men and women like you that we’re free. Thank you to each and every person who defends our freedom.