Patrick Schwarzenegger, the eldest son of former governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, paid tribute to an American hero. The recently engaged 30-year-old, often active on social media, paid his respects to Christopher Scott Kyle. On 2nd February 2013, former US Navy SEAL sniper and distinguished Iraq war veteran Chris Kyle lost his life at 38.

Schwarzenegger posted an image of the late veteran in his Instagram story. The Silver Star awardee wrote about his exploits in his 2009 autobiography, titled American Sniper. In 2014, Kyle posthumously gained worldwide recognition through Clint Eastwood’s feature film also titled American Sniper. Patrick Schwarzenegger remembered the real-life hero who inspired the Oscar-winning film.

Remembering ‘The Legend’

The image Patrick Schwarzenegger shared showed Kyle in military gear, hanging up the American flag on a wall. “Legend. RIP Chris Kyle,” wrote the bodybuilding icon’s son. The proud American soldier smiled at the camera. While Tex wore a vest with the Punisher logo, he wasn’t in full gear and didn’t seem to have any weapons on him other than what seemed like his service pistol.

Born in Texas, Kyle earned a fearsome reputation as a SEAL Team 3 sniper. Awarded numerous achievement medals, Kyle earned the nickname, The Devil of Ramadi. As the son of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver and an extended family who served the nation, the actor respects the contribution of servicemen like the late Navy SEAL.

Arnold Schwarzenegger served the state of California as governor for two terms. Meanwhile, Maria Shriver has distinguished herself as a philanthropist fighting for those suffering from Alzheimer’s. Inspired by parents and people like Chris Kyle, Partick Schwarzenegger himself has joined his mother’s crusade. Besides his ruthless efficiency and military achievements, the late Navy SEAL who was fatally shot by fellow veteran Eddie Ray Routh, also dedicated his time to serving others.

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A life of service

After getting honorably discharged from the US Navy, Tex did more than just write a bestselling autobiography. Chris Kyle immersed himself in working for law enforcement and retired armed forces communities. The American Sniper became the president of the tactical training company Craft International. He also teamed up with the FITCO Cares Foundation, a non-profit organization.

Kyle founded the Heroes Project. This noble initiative provided free fitness equipment, and personal training and helped veterans in need transition into civilian life after war. The Hero’s Project also helped veterans facing mental health issues and PTSD. Unfortunately, one such veteran became responsible for Kyle’s death in 2013.

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A decade after Chirs Kyle’s death, the eldest son of Arnold Schwarzenegger and countless other Americans remember the life and contribution of the American Sniper.