Chris Kyle, the legendary sniper of the Navy Seal

  2 / 2 1. Early Life and Military Career Chris Kyle was born in Odessa, Texas, in 1974. He grew up in a family of hunters, and by the age of eight, he had learned to shoot a rifle. His father was a Sunday school teacher and a deacon in their church, and Kyle's upbringing instilled in him a sense of duty and service to others. After graduating from high school, Kyle attended Tarleton State University but dropped out in his sophomore year to enlist in the Navy. He completed basic SEAL training and sniper school and became a SEAL in 2001. He was assigned to SEAL Team 3, and his first deployment was to Iraq in 2003. During his time in the military, Kyle became known for his marksmanship skills and his ability to protect his fellow soldiers. He completed four tours of duty in Iraq and was awarded numerous commendations for his service, including two Silver Stars and five Bronze Stars with Valor. In 2008, Kyle was honorably discharged from the Navy and returned home to his wife Taya and