What do I say about a man that no words can describe? A husband, a devoted father, a decorated Marine, a Patriot, and my best friend. Kevin Kyle was taken from us on June 6th 2015 on a sunny day riding his motorcycle with his beautiful wife Jodie. At 23:37 that night I received a Facebook message that simply read…”Zack I know dad would want you to know how much he cared for you and he loved you very much”. The events that would follow that statement would forever change my life.
I could easily fill this paragraph with all the awards that stacked on this Marines’ chest, but instead I will honor the man behind those medals. I met Kevin Kyle in April at the CLEET Police Academy in Ada Oklahoma. The room was filled with men and women all shapes and sizes waiting to start the next chapter in thier lives. Wearing the high and tight close fade haircut, with his left eyebrow arched and scanning the entire room….we locked glares and I thought “oh great I bet he is a Marine”. Sizing me up, he asks to sit next to me. That moment would dawn a great friendship between us that I knew would last a lifetime.
After the Police Academy we would go on several adventures together, spanning several countries and many missions. Sharing his world with me I learned and respected the core of this man. Quickly turning into not just my brother but my mentor, Kevin taught me more in 6 years, than I had learned in my 35 years of life.
2 weeks before his death Kevin phoned me and asked me to take care of his family if and when something was to happen to him. I did so and made him promise me the same thing. Little did I know that soon I would be carrying my brother in his casket, reading his eulogy, and presenting the flag to his daughter Kena.
On June 6th 2015 God welcomed Gunny Kevin Kyle into his Heaven’s Guard. I can only imagine the swell in his chest as he passed the gates and took his postion on his post. Heaven gained a Warrior this day. I can imagine Kevin raising his right hand rigid in salute to his stiff brow. God returning the salute and saying these words “Welcome home my Son you have done well, now about face and take your place among the Generals of my heavenly army. “
Kevin my brother, I know you are here, I feel you daily….you vivit me in my dreams and still giver me words of knowledge trying to save my life here on earth. Rest well my friend, I have the post from here on. You may be gone but I will not let you ever be forgotten.
Always Forward,
Zack Brown
A Marines Final Inspection
The Marine stood and faced God Which must always come to pass
He hoped his shoes were shining Just as brightly as his brass.
“Step forward Marine, How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek? To My Church have you been true?”
The Marine squared his shoulders and said, “No, Lord, I guess I ain’t
Because those of us who carry guns Can’t always be a saint.
I’ve had to work most Sundays And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I’ve been violent, Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny That wasn’t mine to keep…
Though I worked a lot of overtime When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help, Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me, I’ve wept unmanly tears.
I know I don’t deserve a place Among the people here,
They never wanted me around Except to calm their fears.
If you’ve a place for me here, Lord, It needn’t be so grand,
I never expected or had too much, But if you don’t, I’ll understand.”
There was a silence all around the throne Where the saints had often trod
As the Marine waited quietly, For the judgment of his God.
“Step forward Marine, You’ve borne your burdens well,
Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets, You’ve done your time in Hell.”
Author: Sgt Joshua Helterbran
