Country artist Tim Montana has teamed up with Gibson Guitars to create a one-of-a-kind guitar in memory of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle (portrayed in the film, “American Sniper”), which is being auctioned online as part of the third annual Chris Kyle Memorial Benefit being held Saturday, May 14 at River Ranch Stockyards in Ft. Worth, TX. It is expected to be the centerpiece of all the items up for auction, with 100% of all proceeds being donated to the Spirit Of A Hero Foundation.
The one-of-a-kind guitar features handcrafted artwork created and built on the Historic Reissue Les Paul Platform (a 1950’s Reissue Les Paul, which is Gibson’s primary product). A hand-carved skull and cross-hairs is on the guitar’s maple top, and the top paint is masked and hand-painted in the same camouflage colors that were on Chris Kyle’s Navy SEAL uniform.
The back features a hand-painted portrait of Chris Kyle and a Navy SEAL Trident similar to those pounded into Chris’s casket as his funeral service. A hand-engraved quote, “It’s our duty to serve those that serve us,” is engraved on the guitar’s bridge pickup, which was digitized from Chris’s handwriting. A 7.62mm bullet shell from one of his missions is embedded in the guitar’s headstock. The shell--only three of which are known to exist--was retrieved by a member of his team during an active firefight. The neck pick-up is engraved with “Chris Kyle 2016 Memorial Benefit.”
“I am beyond excited to partner with my friends at Gibson again to raise money for our nation’s heroes,” declares Tim Montana. “Working with such an iconic American brand and being able to honor one of our countries bravest is an absolute privilege. Chris Kyle is one of my idols and a true patriot, and we’re carrying on his tradition by serving those who have served us.”
As Chris Kyle’s father, Wayne Kyle, continues, “On behalf of the Kyle Family, we’re honored to have Gibson support us and our mission of supporting our Veterans and First Responders. Last year, Gibson was instrumental in providing the Chris Kyle Memorial Benefit with an amazing, one-of-a-kind, guitar to be auctioned off. This year they have, once again, gone above and beyond by creating an even more spectacular guitar for auction. Their support for our Veteran and First Responder community is truly a blessing to all.”
Click here to read Tim Montana's interview with Gibson.com about the guitar, and click here to read the feature on The Tennessean.