An Evening with Taya Kyle

Best-selling author Taya Kyle, widowed wife of American serviceman hero Chris Kyle, was guest of honor at a fundraiser event held Aug. 13 in Midland. “An Evening with Taya Kyle” was the occasion for the event that benefited the Centers for Children and Families, which provides counseling services throughout the Permian Basin.

Taya Kyle is the author of American Wife and American Spirit. Her late husband, a U.S. Navy Seal, was the author of a book of his own, American Sniper, which became both a best-seller and, after his untimely death, a feature film. The film was a smash hit with moviegoers.

Kyle signed copies of her books, American Wife and American Spirit, which were then entered into an auction to benefit the Centers for Children and Families.

During the event, Lynn and Darryl James were honored as recipients of the Harriet Herd Founders Award.

Krista Escamilla and Jay Hendricks served as emcees. Steve Taylor was auctioneer.

Chris Kyle was killed in 2013. According to Wikipedia, Kyle served four tours in the Iraq War and was awarded several commendations for acts of heroism and meritorious service in combat. He had over 150 confirmed kills. He was awarded the Silver Star, four Bronze Star Medals with “V” devices, a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and numerous other unit and personal awards. Says Wikipedia: “Kyle was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 2009, and published his bestselling autobiography, American Sniper, in 2012. An eponymous film adaptation of Kyle’s book, directed by Clint Eastwood, was released two years later. In 2013, Kyle was murdered by Eddie Ray Routh at the Rough Creek Lodge shooting range near Chalk Mountain, Texas. A former Marine with post-traumatic stress disorder, Routh was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without parole.”