R.D. Foster tribute to Navy Seal Chris Kyle: “I want to live a cowboy’s life”. CollinCountyMagazine.com shares local news
On Memorial Day, families gathered beneath the Texas sky at Veterans Memorial Park in McKinney, where the names of Collin County’s fallen heroes are etched into black granite—each one a solemn reminder of sacrifice, courage, and service. Among the stories shared was that of U.S. Marine Ronnie “RD” Foster, a man whose legacy continues to echo in the hearts of many across North Texas.
Foster, known by friends and fellow veterans as “RD,” was more than a Marine. He was a mentor, a father, and a relentless advocate for veterans in the McKinney community. His mission: to ensure that those who paid the ultimate price for freedom are never forgotten.
“RD always said, ‘You don’t have to know them to honor them,’” said local veteran Mike Delgado. “That’s what this place is about. That’s what he was about.”
Perhaps one of Foster’s most enduring tributes was to Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle, the Midlothian native and author of American Sniper. RD and Kyle met during a fundraiser event for wounded warriors, where the two Texans shared stories about military life, their roots, and the importance of legacy.
In a video that circulated among veteran groups after Kyle’s death, RD can be seen tipping his cowboy hat and saying, “I want to live a cowboy’s life—simple, honest, and free. That’s how Chris lived. That’s how I’ll honor him.”
Foster himself passed away in 2021, but his work lives on. Each year, local volunteers organize a ride, dubbed The RD Run, where bikers and veterans ride from McKinney to Fort Worth to raise awareness and funds for PTSD resources, Gold Star families, and homeless veterans.
Mayor George Fuller spoke during Sunday’s ceremony, noting, “McKinney doesn’t just remember. We carry our heroes with us—in our streets, our schools, and our hearts. RD Foster helped build that spirit.”
A wreath was laid under the flagpole in RD’s memory, next to a small pair of Marine boots and a helmet. His daughter, Emily Foster, who now helps organize local veteran outreach events, wiped away tears as she read a letter RD wrote to her before his final deployment.
“It said, ‘If I don’t make it home, you make sure to keep loving loud and living proud. That’s the Marine way.’ And that’s exactly what we’re doing,” Emily said.
As the sun dipped behind the marble walls of Veterans Memorial Park, the sound of taps echoed across the field, followed by silence. In that moment, McKinney stood still—united in gratitude, bonded by memory, and forever indebted to heroes like Chris Kyle and Ronnie “RD” Foster.
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