Honoring American Sniper Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield

I write this column with a heavy heart. This month marks the one year anniversary of the tragic shooting of American Sniper Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield. I am a supporter of Craft International, the company that Chris co-founded. Craft international has kept Chris’s dream alive by sponsoring events like this weekends Chris Kyle Memorial Team Roping & Auction being held on February 7- 9, 2014 in Hamilton, TX at the beautiful Circle T Ranch/Arena. This event came about through the collaboration of Chris’s parents Wayne & Deby Kyle, brother Jeff Kyle, Scott Brown, and Chris & Darcy Douglas.

Proceeds from the weekend’s events will benefit Base Camp 40 “Warriors in the Wild” who honor our military veterans through participation in private land hunts – “Helping our brave veterans rediscover what they so proudly fought to defend, that being freedom…”

The Craft Team in an email states:

Thousands remember the Legend… the SEAL… the Patriot… and you were all of those things and more. We remember the friend, our bond, and the prankster who always had something up his sleeve. We miss your jokes and your big Texas laugh. We miss the man who would give the shirt off his back for a those in need. We miss our friend. You left us with a mission and a purpose. The team of guys you put together is truly dedicated to the “CRAFT” and to sharing with others.

You also brought Chad into our lives. Its hard to imagine anyone more big hearted than him. We miss you both.

The following is a from www.ChrisKyleMemorialRoping.com:

A LETTER FROM THE KYLE FAMILY

From cowboy boots to combat boots… Chris’s dreams were to be a cowboy and a Navy SEAL. He accomplished both with a determination that is rarely seen. He loved the country life with cattle and especially horses. He learned to ride at an early age and then began to rodeo. From that he became an accomplished cowboy with his ability to break and train horses. Up before dawn, in the saddle all day to way past dark at times. He was extremely happy, but one goal was yet to be accomplished, Navy SEAL. When he got the call to inquire about his interest, he jumped at the opportunity. Several people told him he could never become a SEAL. Well one thing is for sure, you never told Chris he could never do anything because he would prove you wrong… His service to his Beloved Country is a testament to his determination, fortitude, conviction, and warrior spirit. He achieved his goal.

The following is a small part of our letter written to Chris on the day of his Memorial:

“Your courage of conviction, your strength to persevere and the hope that survives disappointments are the keys to your success in life. You embraced and lived the slogan, “Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.”

Chris knew that getting into the country and wide open spaces was therapy above and beyond anything else he experienced since leaving the Teams. That is one of the reasons he fell in love with Base Camp 40. Their love for Country, our Veterans, and desire to give back to those veterans exemplified Chris. He knew he found a place that made him feel good.

We have experienced Base Camp 40 ourselves and discovered why Chris became a part of that family. They are a truly great foundation. Their huge hearts reach out to those who have unselfishly served our country. Almost every single cent they raise goes back to helping our Veterans. That is one of the reasons we fully endorse and support Base Camp 40. That is also why we are leading the way with this event, the Chris Kyle Memorial Roping & Auction. 100% of the net proceeds from the event weekend & gear will go back to helping our Veterans.

Our goal is to annually carry on Chris’s legacy through this event by living his motto, “It is our duty to serve those who serve us.” 

Wayne & Deby Kyle

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends – John 15:13

EDITORS NOTE: Our thanks to Craft International for allowing us to use their words and images to remember Chris and Chad. No One could have said it better. Let us never forget their and their families sacrifices.

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