‘The Other Man Down’ tells story of Littlefield

ELLIS COUNTY – Judy Littlefield was the mother of Chad Littlefield.  

She recently shared her story with writer Angie McEachem Todd for the book, “The Other Man Down: A Mother’s Journey After the American Sniper Tragedy.”

“I wrote the book because so many folks have no idea – that two men died that day,” Littlefield said. 

“My son, Chad Littlefield, was a friend of Chris. They met on the soccer fields where their daughters played.”

Littlefield is referring to Chris Kyle, the ex Navy SEAL who was gunned down in 2013 by Eddie Ray Routh at the Rough Creek Ranch-Lodge-Resort shooting range in Erath County, Texas.

Kyle was known for his autobiography and the film, “American Sniper.”

Littlefield’s mother describes her son as a “husband, father – American patriot.”

She explained her son was not military, but Kyle had been trying to transition into civilian life from the military, and the thing he needed most was a friend,” she said.  

“I have been told that there are two deaths,” Littlefield said of losing her son. “One is the physical, and the other is when everyone forgets you existed.”

Littlefield shared her story so her son’s memory would not be forgotten. 

She also said she hopes the book will comfort and inspire readers who might also be facing a tragic loss.

Author Todd, a close friend to the family, knitted together memories and reflections of Chad and of his mother’s difficult journey after losing her son.

“Judy courageously tells her story in hopes of making a difference and letting others know they’re not alone,” said Chris Shafer, CEO at Tactical 16. 

“She speaks directly to readers who are desperately trying to navigate through the process of losing a loved one in service to their country or other circumstances.”

Littlefield lives in Texas and travels around the country to raise money and awareness for veterans’ organizations – and to keep Chad’s legacy of serving veterans lives.

“We want to keep Chad’s memory alive and continue to help veterans as he was helping Chris do,” Littlefield concluded. 

“His favorite saying was, ‘You don’t have to wear a uniform to serve your fellow man.’” 

“The Other Man Down: A Mother’s Journey After the American Sniper Tragedy,” is being released by Tactical 16 Publishing Company.

To find more information about the book and Littlefield, visit https://tactical16.com