[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 968]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF CHIEF PETTY OFFICER CHRIS KYLE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROGER WILLIAMS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 5, 2013

  Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, today I join my colleagues in the United 
States Congress in honoring the life and legacy of Chief Petty Officer 
Chris Kyle.
  Every warrior has a story . . . Chris Kyle had a legend. Throughout 
our history, America's military has been served by many but shaped by 
only a few. From Washington to Petraeus, from Porter to Nimitz, a few 
great individuals have changed the way we fight wars and the way we 
view warriors. Now we can add the name of Chris Kyle to that elite 
list.
  For ten years, this Texas native served his country as a member of 
SEAL Team 3. Along the way, he set the standard for all snipers. Though 
his innate humility prevented him from talking about the number, Navy 
records confirm that Chief Kyle successfully took out 160 enemy 
combatants--the highest number in American military history.
  He did it over the course of many years--he served four tours in Iraq 
during his career. And he did it in difficult circumstances and over 
long distances--he once perched himself on top of a baby's crib for 
hours in a house . . . and another time he gunned down an enemy 
combatant from 1.2 miles away.
  No matter the challenge, Chris Kyle always met it. No matter the 
odds, he always overcame them.
  Chief Kyle's incredible courage as a warrior was matched only by his 
extraordinary grace as a man.
  This was a man of faith who believed God had a plan for him.
  This was a man of family of who knew being a husband and a father 
were his important tasks.
  And this was an American who thought that his country was worth 
fighting for and even dying for.
  Chief Kyle didn't like to talk about the number of enemies he killed; 
instead, he would say, I'd like to be known ``for the people I saved.'' 
And so he is.
  He saved so many, more than we will ever know. And he never stopped 
trying to save people, all the way to the last seconds of his life.
  Chief Petty Officer Chris Kyle has left us; but his legacy remains. 
The people of Texas are rightfully proud of this native son; and the 
people of America rightfully mourn this national hero.
  The U.S. Navy SEALs have a motto: ``the only easy day was 
yesterday.'' No one personified this more than Chief Kyle. Each day was 
a new challenge; and each time, it was met with courage and conviction, 
with devotion and dedication.
  Chief Kyle's mission is completed; his tour has ended. Now, the work 
of carrying on his legacy remains for all of us.
  May we always try to live up to the standard of courage set by this 
great and gallant man . . . and may we never forget his service and 
sacrifice.
  May God bless Chief Petty Officer Chris Kyle and his family.

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