My experience: In Memory of Friend and Hero, Chief Chris Kyle

Feb. 2nd will be marked on my heart forever. I had the honor of knowing Chris Kyle and calling him a 'friend'.

Just before he and Chad Littlefield were murdered, I had arranged for him to go on an Elk hunt with combat wounded warriors. When he returned, he wrote me saying what a great time he had and asked,

"How can a washed up old sniper like me do this for a living?"

I laughed, knowing that with my experience administrating non-profits, my network of patriots who gave selflessly to veteran causes and the endless supply of warriors needing this kind of connection, Chris could finally do exactly what he wanted and be very successful with it!

He wasn't looking for money or more fame, he simply wanted to live out his days as an inspiration to his brothers, as they were truly an inspiration to him! I began to start the market research, as well as, sending opportunities for licensing deals his way. They were not hard to find after the success of his book "American Sniper" though no one seemed to be pushing the idea. The sky was the limit for our partnership and a new day of hope had begun for both of us I believe. I was confident that he found what he truly wanted to do for a living and could support his family while doing it. Having the opportunity to work with him, even if only for a short time, was truly one of the great honors of my career.

When I learned of his murder, it was if a wave had crashed down on everything I thought I knew. It was so senseless, unexpected and yet we had talked about security and "watching his back" as he was still the "Devil of Ramadi" with a bounty on his head. Chris didn't let that stop him from living and moving about his community, enjoying life out of the sandbox. While he had a hard time trusting people, he also walked around with a sense of safety being on his home land, especially in Texas. However, as we now know too well, it only took a split second for one mentally ill (not PTSD) American Veteran (turned Jihadist) to take down the most respected and decorated sniper in history. We should learn from this, that the true devils live among us, hiding in plain sight! We ALL must stay vigilant in the fight to find and remove them from our homeland and the fight to secure the border is paramount.

I attended the memorial with his BUDS roommate along with the friends and family. Sarah Palin, Dean Cane, Randy Travis and many other notable people and warriors were there, along with a sea of SEALs he had come to know on his life's journey. The disrespect from the current Administration was painfully clear to all of us, by their lack of attendance or simple acknowledgement of our loss. Especially when they showed up to the funeral of a little girl killed by gunfire in Chicago, shortly thereafter. Not that she didn't deserve the respect, but it was seemingly a slap in the face to those who expected someone...anyone, at Chris' memorial. I thought it seemed purposeful, a slap in the face for his 2nd Amendment support and book on the subject. It still angers me to think about it.

There are some first hand accounts of the memorial floating around from other attendees which are factually correct. Rather than reiterate their stories, I've posted the best on my website and have added some here. The Patriotism that was displayed that day by those who attended was awesome. Especially the Patriot Guard armed with flags, surrounding the stadium, both inside and out. There was apparently a Westboro showing but they were run off immediately. I can only imagine the aggressiveness that was shown by these amazing patriots to keep the memorial 'scum-free'. The unity and love I saw that day was poured out for our country and its hero. It moved me more than anything I have ever seen.

The streets were lined with people who came out with signs of condolence and support. They stood in the rain to pay their respects as we drove to his final resting place from Dallas to Austin. There were mothers with children, likely taken out of school that day, disabled veterans and elderly in wheelchairs, and everyone in between. It gave us HOPE that American idealism and Patriotism is not dead, as the press often portrays by their lack of coverage. We are still a country of Christians and true Patriots!

It is my calling to help unite those of like mind and network for good. Chris would have wanted that for me and for our country. Whatever we can do, we MUST do. If we cannot DO something then we must GIVE something, to someone who can. Our time is short and his death must not be in vain. CHRIS - WE WILL NOT GIVE UP THE FIGHT!

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