Boot Campaign Pays Tribute to the Life, Legacy of Chris Kyle

The Boot Campaign team is acutely saddened to hear about the death of our friend and Hero Ambassador, American Sniper Chris Kyle.

Chris was a patriot, a devoted father, and a true supporter of this country and its ideals. The news of this tragedy has deeply impacted our staff and this country. We send our prayers and thoughts to his family.

Chris’ profound military accomplishments and sense of patriotism inspired the Boot Campaign team.  Chris joined the U.S. Navy in 1999.  For ten years he served his country on the front lines.  As a member of SEAL Team 3, Chris fought in four combat tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom and elsewhere.  Following his combat deployments, he became chief instructor for training Naval Special Warfare Sniper and Counter-Sniper teams, and he authored the Naval Special Warfare Sniper Doctrine, the first Navy SEAL sniper manual.

For his bravery in battle, Chris was awarded two Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars with Valor, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and one Navy and Marine Corps Commendation. Additionally, he received the Grateful Nation Award, given by the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs.

“I’ve lived the literal meaning of the ‘land of the free’ and ‘home of the brave.’ It’s not corny for me. I feel it in my heart. I feel it in my chest. Even at a ball game, when someone talks during the anthem or doesn’t take off his hat, it pisses me off. I’m not one to be quiet about it, either.” – Chris Kyle, American Sniper

After leaving the military in 2009, Chris became the president of Craft International, a world-class leader in training and security for military and law enforcement agencies.

To the nation, Chris is known for his title as the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history.  With 160 confirmed kills, Chris earned a nickname among Iraqi insurgents as the “Devil of Ramadi”.  In 2012, Chris released the NY Times best-selling book, American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History.

Also in 2012, Chris was featured on NBC’s “Stars Earn Stripes”.  The reality show paired eight celebrities with people from a branch of the military or a first-responder agency to compete in missions inspired by military exercises. Chris teamed up with actor Dean Cain.  Chris is the co-author of another book coming out later this year, “American Gun – A History of the U.S. in Ten Firearms.”

To the Boot Campaign team, Chris was a witty, fun-loving man with a smile that stretched as wide as the Texas sunset.  To us, Chris was the epitome of a patriot.  He was fiercely devoted to giving back to fellow veterans.  He did not shy away from raising awareness of the very real issues facing veterans upon return, and being hands-on in supporting his brothers and sisters in arms in their transition back to civilian life.

“I’d like us to remember the suffering of those Americans who were injured serving this country before we dole out millions to slackers and moochers. Look at the homeless: a lot are vets. I think we owe them more than just our gratitude. They were willing to sign a blank check for America, with the cost right up to their life. If they were willing to do that, why shouldn’t we be taking care of them?” – Chris Kyle, American Sniper

Chris volunteered with several military support non-profits including his own foundation,  FITCO Cares, Lone Survivor Foundation,Wounded Warrior Project and the Boot Campaign.  He was steadfast in the belief that it is our duty to serve those who serve us.   He was passionate about addressing one of the greatest tragedies of war which is:  the mental and emotional strain that veterans carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Chris embodied this kind of support in the acts of service he performed not only in support of the multiple military charities but with the veterans he served from all walks of life.  His devotion will no doubt be sorely missed.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, 38-year-old Chris Kyle and 35-year-old Chad Littlefield were shot and killed on February 2, 2013 at Rough Creek Lodge near Glen Rose, TX.   A suspect has been arrested in connection with the shooting.

“People tell me I saved hundreds and hundreds of people. But I have to tell you: it’s not the people you saved that you remember. It’s the ones you couldn’t save. Those are the ones you talk about. Those are the faces and situations that stay with you forever.” – Chris Kyle, American Sniper

Chris Kyle. Gone, but NEVER forgotten.