Chris Kyle ‘American Sniper’ statue unveiling scheduled for July

ODESSA, Texas (Tribune News Service) — Members of a foundation building a memorial statue of slain Navy sniper Chris Kyle say they pushed back a planned unveiling of the project from May to July to accommodate changes to the work guided by input from the Odessa native’s surviving family members.

The Wyoming-based sculptor who is a crafting the statue, Vic Payne, was on his way to visit Kyle’s parents Tuesday to show them the latest version of the monument that he plans to finish in about a week, said Angie Payne, the sculptor’s wife, and business manager. Then, the work will head to a foundry for several weeks before it is sent to the Veterans Affairs clinic off Highway 191.

Vic Payne redid the statue in the past few months after consulting with family members, Angie Payne said.

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Featured Image –  Chris Kyle poses with a copy of his book in April 2012. PAUL MOSELEY/FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM