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Fallen Navy SEAL Remembered
Fallen Navy SEAL Remembered 2/12/13
It was a historic memorial service that dubbed former US Navy SEAL Chris Kyle… the man. The myth. The legend.
Thousands made their way, to Arlington Texas, to honor the life of famed US Navy SEAL Chris Kyle.
The day was filled with proud moments for Retired Air Force Master Sergeant Frenchy Rheault, who was once stationed at Webb Air Force Base in Big Spring.
Frenchy, “The support…is just incredible, but I expected [nothing] less.”
But the tone quickly changed once the memorial began.
A stadium designed for cheers and rowdy celebration…instead was engulfed by mournful silence, tears, and the echoes of songs, scriptures and tributes; all dedicated to Kyle.
While Kyle’s accomplishments as a sniper were well documented; all who knew him revealed the untold story of his humanity.
“We know Chris loved his country and his job as a SEAL, but nothing was more important to him than his children. And he left his career to be with them, and gave everything he had to his wife and kids,” A fellow Navy SEAL said
Retired US Navy, James Pierce never met Kyle, but he knew this much…
James Pierce stated, “We need more Kyle’s”
But a man who knew Kyle well…was US Army Sergeant Omar Avila.
Army Sergeant Avila said, “We kicked it off right off the start. We served in the same area, we had similar stories, and after that he adopted me and became the older brother I never had.
And although the service was a sense of loss and hurt for Avila, he smiled when he thought of Kyle’s reaction to Cowboy Stadium.
“Cowboys stadium? Really? Chris would have loved this.”
The outpouring of love and support was evident… for a man who lived life to protect others, and died while serving others.
They said Chris Kyle was not just a man but a legend that will inspire younger generations. He is the fabric of our freedom that will live throughout this nation.
Reporting in Arlington. I’m Ashley Melnick. CBS 7 News.