Mike Coppola- Getty images
Mike Coppola- Getty images
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Joe Nichols performed during the memorial service for decorated Navy SEAL veteran Chris Kyle, who tragically passed away last week from a gunshot wound during a visit to a Dallas-area shooting range.

Kyle, a four-time Iraq tour veteran, was often referred to as America’s most lethal sniper for his precise shoot technique during his call to duty. The Navy SEAL was responsible for 160 enemy combatant kills and authored the book ‘American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History’ to chronicle his American war services.

Kyle, 38, and his friend Chad Littlefield, 35, were shot to death by Eddie Ray Routh, a fellow Iraq veteran who was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following his tour of duty. They two slain veterans took Routh to the gun range as a form of shooting therapy.

“You taught me innocent, reckless love without abandon,” the American Hero’s widow, Taya Kyle, shared during the service. “You taught me how to turn a life full of fear into a life full of faith. You taught me that I could be more independent than I ever wanted to be.”

She added, “You taught me how to raise children with love and softness and proved it could be done with a high standard of respect and old-fashioned values,” referencing her surviving two young children.

Joe Nichols played his song "The Impossible."  7,000 people were in attendance at the memorial service, which took place at Cowboy’s Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Joining  Nichols in attendance was Governor Rick Perry.  Kyle was laid to rest Tuesday (Feb. 12) at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin.

Joe will be one of many performers at the first and only 3 day country music festival in the Northeast.  It's the "Taste of Country Music Festival" at Hunter Mountain, June 13-15th. You can get discounted early bird tickets and packages by going here.

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