Chris Kyle
From a small cattle ranch in Texas to becoming the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history, Chris Kyle's story is one of precision, purpose, and unwavering faith.
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EARLY YEARS (1974-1992) Texas Roots
Born April 8, 1974, in Odessa, Texas,
Chris grew up on a small cattle ranch in rural North Central Texas. His father,
Wayne, was a Sunday school teacher and deacon who bought Chris his first
rifle—a bolt-action .30-06 Springfield—when he was just eight years old.
After graduating high school in Midlothian in 1992, Chris became a professional bronco rider and ranch hand while studying Ranch and Range Management at Tarleton State University
FINDING HIS PATH (1998-2001) The Call to Serve
A rodeo accident in 1998 changed everything. When a bucking horse landed on him, resulting in broken bones and internal injuries, Chris realized his rodeo days were over.
On August 5, 1998, he enlisted in the
United States Navy. After completing basic training and intelligence specialist
courses, Chris graduated from the grueling BUD/S training with Class 233 in
March 2001, earning his SEAL Trident.
That same year, he met Taya Studebaker at a bar in San Diego—a meeting that would change both their lives forever.
MARRIAGE& MILITARY SERVICE (2002-2009)
Chris and Taya married on March 16, 2002,
exchanging inscribed wedding bands: "My life, my love" on his ring,
"All of me" on hers.
Over the next seven years, Chris served
four tours in Iraq:
● 2003: First deployment - Nasiriya during initial invasion
● 2004: Second tour - Fallujah
● 2006: Third tour - Ramadi (91 confirmed kills in just four months)
● 2008: Fourth tour - Baghdad (including a 2,100-yard shot)
During this time, Chris and Taya welcomed
two children—Colton and McKenna. Iraqi insurgents nicknamed him "The Devil
of Ramadi" and placed bounties up to $80,000 on his head, identifying him
by his crusader cross tattoo.
Military Honors:
● Silver Star
● Four Bronze Star Medals with "V" devices for valor
● 160 confirmed kills (most in U.S. military history)
Chris was honorably discharged in 2009
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SERVING AT HOME (2009-2013) Mission Continues
Back in Midlothian, Texas, Chris became
president of Craft International, a tactical training company serving military
and law enforcement.
But his true passion was helping fellow
warriors. Chris partnered with FITCO Cares Foundation to provide free fitness
equipment to veterans with disabilities and PTSD. He and Taya began
establishing the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation to help veterans and first
responders reconnect with their families.
In January 2012, his autobiography American
Sniper was published, spending 37 weeks on The New York Times bestseller
list.
On February 2, 2013, Chris was murdered
at a Texas gun range while trying to help a fellow veteran struggling with
PTSD. He died doing what he'd always done—serving others.
LEGACY (2013-PRESENT) A Story That Lives On
More than 7,000 people attended Chris's
memorial service at Cowboys Stadium. Hundreds lined Interstate 35 during his
200-mile funeral procession to the Texas State Cemetery in Austin.
Honoring Chris:
● August 2013: "Chris Kyle Bill" signed into law
● December 2014: American Sniper film released—highest-grossing war film of all
time ($547M worldwide)
● February 2, 2015: Texas declares "Chris Kyle Day"
● June 2015: 11-mile stretch of Highway 287 named Chris Kyle Memorial Highway
● July 2016: Memorial plaza and bronze statue unveiled in Odessa
Today, his son Colton carries forward the
mission through American Sniper—honoring heroes, supporting veterans, and
keeping faith at the center.
Share Your Hero Story
Chris Kyle's legacy continues to inspire countless Americans. Whether it's his story or another hero who has touched your life, we want to hear from you. Share how their courage, sacrifice, and dedication have made a difference in your life.
