Kyle Robert Reeves was born in Bethesda, MD on April 12, 1994 to parents David and Nancy Reeves. As a child Kyle was rambunctious, spirited, and constantly dirty from playing outside, and he could be spotted anywhere by his cowboy boots that he wore every day until his teenage years. As part of a military family, Kyle’s childhood was characterized with frequent relocations, but he came to know Virginia Beach, VA as his hometown.
Kyle attended Catholic High School in Virginia Beach and graduated with the class of 2012 as its class president and captain of the soccer and tennis teams. During high school, Kyle knew he wanted to join the military and follow in the footsteps of his father, who served 20 years as an artillery officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, and his mother, who served 26 years as a dental officer in the U.S. Navy. Kyle received a presidential appointment to the Academy and followed his older brother Christian (USMA Class of 2014) to West Point.
He spent his plebe year with Company D-2 and later scrambled into Company H-2. Seemingly shy and quiet at first, he made friends quickly and formed strong bonds with all of his companymates. And he quickly dispelled any perceptions of him as an introvert, constantly showcasing his humor and goofiness at any social event. He drew deep satisfaction with the friendships he formed during his time at the Academy. Everyone who knew Kyle loved him for his easy-going, soft-hearted approach to life.
During his plebe year Kyle joined the Army Football mascot team. Kyle can be remembered for his performance as the Army Black Knight during the 2012 Army-Navy Game in which he stole the Navy mascot’s goat head and paraded across the field with the goat’s head on his sword.
He is well remembered at the Academy for purchasing and renovating a 1990 GMC B-6000 school bus fondly named “Myrtle the Turtle” with his H-2 friends; the Academy later honored this legacy by adding a clause in the USCCSOP specifically prohibiting future cadets from owning school buses. During their firstie year, Kyle’s friend group would often trek up to the cadet lots after school in order to find refuge in Myrtle, away from the confines of the barracks, and do homework while they distracted each other from the humdrum of cadet life. The “Bus Driver’s Club” as Kyle liked to call their group later embarked on a cross-country trip in Myrtle, driving her a sluggish 50 hours to a friend’s wedding in Napa, CA.
Kyle was also a proud Sandhurst teammate, known for his tenacity and exacting performance in all military tasks. During their workouts, Kyle’s team was constantly bumping into the C-3 Sandhurst team, often leading to a reception of teasing, mostly led by his brother Christian.
Kyle graduated USMA in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering and was commissioned as an engineer officer in the U.S. Army. Kyle was the distinguished honor Graduate of his Engineer Basic Officer Leadership Course and served honorably with the 4th and 7th Infantry Divisions. During his Army Career he earned a Master of Science in engineering from the University of Missouri Science & Technology.
Kyle served as an operations officer, platoon leader, and executive officer while assigned to 299th BEB, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, CO. He served as the division orders manager while assigned to Headquarters Support Company, 7th Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. Kyle’s awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Parachutist Badge.
Kyle loved the mountains, he spent innumerable weekends traveling across North America for snowboarding trips with his friends and family. His mother, during the winter months, was constantly visiting Kyle in Colorado and Washington to visit a new mountain resort. He also developed a passion for rock climbing and spent much of his time at rock climbing gyms. After graduation he continued to develop as a mechanic and went on to purchase two motorcycles that he maintained meticulously in preparation for sunset motorcycle rides with his friends. He was constantly purchasing vintage vehicles and reselling them. His parents will forever remember his first purchase of a vintage Chevy Nova that he intended on renovating. However, he quickly discovered that he was in over his head as the vintage car proved so rusted that it became inoperable and was on the verge of falling to pieces within a few weeks of the purchase. During most nights he could be found at his desk playing video games with his friends.
Captain Kyle Reeves unexpectedly passed away on January 28, 2021 at his apartment in Tacoma, WA while on active duty.
He was a gentle soul with a deep commitment to his friends and family. He enjoyed giving people a reason to laugh and being the biggest laugh at any event and will be remembered by all who knew him. He was a wonderful and beloved son, brother, and friend. He will continue to make us smile and laugh when we think of him for years to come.
Left to cherish his memory are his parents, David, and Nancy Reeves of Virginia Beach; his brother, Captain Christian Reeves; his sister, Jessie Reeves; and his grandfather, Ralph Weidner.
Kyle’s ashes are interred at the West Point Cemetery.
— Your brother, Christian