Marble Falls LakeFest racer dedicates season to slain Navy SEAL and family

DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR

MARBLE FALLS — Even though six-time World Champion drag-boat racer Marty Logan never met former Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, he knew he had to do something for the man’s family.

So Logan named his 2013 season as the Chris Kyle Tribute Tour and will dedicate all the winnings and proceeds to the slain Navy SEAL’s family. The next stop on the tour is the 2013 Marble Falls LakeFest on Aug. 9-11.Kyle’s wife, Taya, also will make an appearance and sign books at LakeFest on Aug. 11 at about 1 p.m.

Kyle, a Navy SEAL with the most confirmed sniper kills in U.S. history, was killed earlier this year along with another man as they attempted to help a former Marine struggling with adjustments to life outside the military. Kyle, 38, and Logan shared the same hometown of Midlothian.

Logan recalled going to pay tribute to Kyle as his body was transported from Midlothian to the Texas State Cemetery in Austin after the SEAL’s funeral service. As he stood there and watched the outpouring of support from the community, the state and the nation, Logan felt overwhelmed.

“I went home and told my wife, ‘We need to do something for this man’s family,’” he said.

So Logan came up with the tour and set a goal of raising $100,000 by the end of the year to give to Kyle’s family, which includes Taya and two children. Logan said he’s raised about $40,000 so far but feels a little behind after two recent races were cancelled because of weather.

Fans can stop by Logan’s pit during LakeFest to purchase items, including hats, T-shirts and Kyle’s two books, “American Sniper” and “American Gun.” The second book is a look at 10 guns that made some of the most significant impacts in American history. But Kyle had only written about eight of them when he died.

Logan said Kyle’s wife completed the book.

“And she’ll be (at LakeFest) on (Aug. 11) about 1 p.m.,” he said. “She’s going to be signing books over at the Lucas VIP tent. She’s an amazingly strong woman with all she’s been through.”

As the tour rolls along, Logan said he’s always looking for more sponsors.

“If there are businesses or people in Marble Falls who want to help out, they can sponsor us, and we’ll put their decal on the boat,” he said. “And every dollar they spend goes to Chris’ family.”

People can contact Logan by emailing him at WorldChampUO@yahoo.com or either calling or texting him at (214) 213-3718.

Those not able to attend LakeFest still can purchase items to support Kyle’s family through Logan’s website at www.martylogan.com by clicking on the link at the top of the page, “Official online 2013 Chris Kyle Tribute Tour Site.”

“This is just the right thing to do,” Logan said.

daniel@thepicayune.com

[box]IF YOU GO
WHAT: 22nd annual Marble Falls LakeFest
WHEN: Aug. 9-11
WHERE: Lakeside and Johnson parks in Marble Falls
ADMISSION: Aug. 9 — $5 for all ages; Aug. 10 — $20 for ages 13 and older and $5 for ages 6-12; Aug. 11 — $20 for ages 13 and older and $5 for ages 6-12; three-day passes are $40 for ages 13 and older and $15 for ages 6-12
FOR MORE: www.marblefallslakefest.com
TUNE IN: Live broadcasts by KBEY 103.9 FM Radio Picayune’s Ed Chandler at 5-7 p.m. Aug. 9 in Johnson Park and Kay Baker and Ben Shields at 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 10 at Lakeside Park[/box]