Former Navy SEAL Chris Kyle Shot Dead in Texas and How You Can Help

While I was out this weekend teaching my son’s Boy Scout Troop how to shoot .22’s, I learned of the tragic February 2nd shooting of Chief Chris Kyle and his close friend and neighbor, Chad Littlefield. Eddie Ray Routh, a Marine veteran who had apparently been suffering from PTSD, has been arrested in the shooting.

Image via Paul Moseley/The Fort Worth Star-Telegram

From what I can gather, it appears Kyle and Littlefield were out doing what they  believed  in, which was helping Routh in his recovery by taking him out to shoot  at Rough Creek Lodge, just west of Glen Rose, TX. Kyle was a true hero who served in the Teams for 10 years and founded a local Dallas company called Craft International, LLC upon leaving the service. Kyle also authored American Sniper and was involved in many charities, co-founding the FITCO Cares Foundation, which benefits wounded and disabled servicemen and women returning from combat.

First thing I did yesterday is to start learning how we could best help the Kyle family. When I visited the Website for FITCO Cares, I learned of America’s Mighty Warriors’ commitment to raise funds that will 100% benefit the Kyle family directly. While FITCO is still actively taking donations directly to help Veteran’s fight PTSD, they’re directing people over to America’s Mighty Warriors to donate directly to the Kyle family.

I was glad to see our favorite charity, America’s Might Warriors and Debbie Lee, were making this commitment. If you’re not familiar with our affiliation with America’s Mighty Warriors, please check out some of the articles linked below. I’m grateful to know Debbie and be able to do what I can to help support her non-profit organization. In turn, if you’re able to help the Kyle family, please visit America’s Mighty Warriors to do so.

Fair Winds and Following Seas Chief, your loss impacts us all and you’ll never be forgotten for what you’ve done for our country and its Veterans.

UPDATE 2.5.12 via Craft International

We have received considerable interest from friends, colleagues and members of the general public wishing to contribute to the families of Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield, who were tragically killed on Saturday, February 2, 2013. We are extremely humbled by the outpouring of generosity and offers of support.

In response, trusts have been set up in both of their names for anyone who would like to make a financial donation to the families. These trusts will provide for the general welfare of the families as well as the education of their young children. One hundred percent (100%) of the donations will go to the respective families.

Please follow this link to make a donation to the Chris Kyle Memorial Trust and the Chad Littlefield Memorial Trust.

On behalf of everyone at Craft International, we thank you for all of your kind words, thoughts, prayers and assistance.

Respectfully,
Craft International