Military & Motorcycles_February 8, 2013
Military and Music
I would like to extend my personal condolences to Chris Kyle’s Family and his SEAL Team family along with Chad Littlefield’s family for their tragic loss. On Saturday, February 1, Chris Kyle (Navy Chief Petty Officer), age 38 was shot and killed along with Chad Littlefield, age 35. Kyle, Littlefield, and Eddie Ray Routh (the shooter) were at the Rough Creek Lodge, which is approximately 90 minutes from Dallas, Texas. According to news reports, Chris Kyle was volunteering to assist both Littlefield and Routh with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) issues resulting from their stints in the military.
As most of you know, I spent some quality time with the Navy SEALS in Fort Pierce during their ‘Muster’ back in October of last year. During that few days I was able to determine those who serve in the SEALS had the determination and hearts of ‘Warriors.’ They will go the extra mile for their country to make sure whatever task is asked of them is completed to the best their skills to the point of sacrificing their own lives to accomplish the mission.
Chris Kyle served from 1999 thru 2009, which included four tours in Iraq where he was shot twice and involved in six IED explosions. During his time in Iraq, he was assigned to SEAL Team 3, Sniper Element (Naval Special Warfare Command) and awarded numerous medals including Silver Star (2), Bronze Star V-5, Marine Corps Commendation Medal (1) and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
Chris was known around the world as the best sniper America has ever had. He had 160 officially confirmed kills and another 95 unconfirmed. His longest shot was in 2008 outside Sadr City when he took out an insurgent with a rocket launcher at 1.2 miles (2,100 yards (6,300 feet) or at a distance of 21 football fields).
He was so good at what he was trained to do the insurgents in the Ramadi area named him “Al-Shaitan Ramad” (The Devil of Ramadi) and placed a bounty on his head.
What made Chris Kyle give up his life in the military was the fact that he had only spent 6 months with his wife and children out of 4 years. Something needed to change and he left the military to be with them and to settle down to the quiet life back in Texas.
After leaving the SEALS, Christ authored a book entitled “American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History.”
Kyle is survived by his wife and two children. Please keep them in your prayers and thoughts. Rest in Peace American Hero.
Don’t Miss This Concert!
On February 16 at 7 PM ‘Jim Pierce and Friends’ will be performing at the Parrish United Methodist Church (12180 US 301 N). Tickets are $5 each for anyone over 6 years of age (under six is free). All proceeds will go to the PUMC ‘Route 66’ Youth Ministry. They will be singing and playing Country, Gospel, and Classic Oldies. For more information call: (941) 776-1539
Terry Longpre