R.I.P. Chris Kyle

[utrecht]

If you don't know who Chris Kyle is, Google him. He is the very definition of a true American hero and the word "badass" doesn't do him justice. He was a SEAL for 10 years and is the deadliest sniper in US history. He won 2 silver stars and 5 bronze stars among many other awards. He was shot twice and hit by IEDs 5-6 times.

His book "American Sniper" was #1 on the NY Times bestseller list. He donated every red cent from the book to the widows of 2 of his fallen SEAL buddies. I have a co-worker who was a very good friend and business partner of his and he personally watched him endorse a check for $1.6 million to the widows and that was just one royalty check.

Of all ways to die, he was murdered yesterday volunteering his time in a program that mentors and counsels ex-service members who suffer from PTSD. Apparently someone decided part of the program should be to take people with PTSD to a shooting range, and this ex-marine snapped and shot Chris and another guy while they were trying to help him.

 

[martyb]

RIP

 

[REWahoo]

A shocking and sad end.

Apparently someone decided part of the program should be to take people with PTSD to a shooting range...

Hard to believe anyone didn't stop to consider this could be a very bad idea.

 

[eytonxav]

Sad to see this true American hero go down leaving behind a wife and two young kids. RIP

 

[bondi688]

Mental health services for veterans returning from combat zones are so needed and yet so shamefully inadequate.

 

[ls99]

RIP. A damn high price to pay for tying to help.

I have helped vets in the past. However, I have alway been vary. And still am. Especially around ones with known PTSD. The fact that I am with felow veterans does not mean I am amongst friends.

 

[jclarksnakes]

America has lost a true hero.

 

[HighRoller]

America has lost a true hero.

+1

 

[ziggy29]

A shocking and sad end.
Hard to believe anyone didn't stop to consider this could be a very bad idea.

Of course, the thing is, that sort of danger doesn't stop the kind of person who did what Mr. Kyle did. Some might say the definition of a "hero" is someone who would knowingly risk their own safety to do what they thought was right for the greater good.

 

[KB]

I read his book recently. Such a loss. I feel for his family.

 

[clifp]

Of course, the thing is, that sort of danger doesn't stop the kind of person who did what Mr. Kyle did. Some might say the definition of a "hero" is someone who would knowingly risk their own safety to do what they thought was right for the greater good.

I was deeply sadden to hear of his tragic death. I am sure Utrecht friend is even more upset. I had no idea he donated all of the proceeds of Sniper to charity. What a mensch. I will definitely put Sniper on my reading list.

 

[utrecht]

The memorial service is being held in the 80,000+ seat Cowboy Stadium. That should give everyone an idea how well respected he was.

 

[obgyn65]

Looks like the VAs should get more involved.

Mental health services for veterans returning from combat zones are so needed and yet so shamefully inadequate.

 

[MuirWannabe]

Just want to add my +1. This is so sad. And he was a true man as well as American hero. RIP Chris Kyle.

 

[ERhoosier]

A huge loss for America. That said, taking someone with poorly controlled PTSD to a shooting range was, in retrospect, a bad idea. But then, should a Urologist give up practice because a disgruntled patient might shoot him?
Doctor Killed in Office Was 'Isolated Incident' and Possibly Targeted by Patient
Live holds no guarantees. Never miss a day to appreciate your loved ones.

 

[clifp]

The memorial service is being held in the 80,000+ seat Cowboy Stadium. That should give everyone an idea how well respected he was.

80,000 people for anyone's funeral is remarkable. But for a man who never appeared on American Idol stage, made it to a Superbowl, or a played a super hero on the big screen, held a political office pretty much unheard of it.

Nice to see the folks in Dallas have their priorities in order.