I saw American Sniper yesterday and sc-bee's comments are right on.
The closing scenes apparently are footage of Chris Kyle's memorial at Cowboys Stadium and the 180-mile funeral procession down Interstate 35 to his burial place in the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, the highway lined with people carrying flags, every overpass draped with flags, people showing their respect and grief over Kyle's death. Here in Texas, it was a big thing -- a real tragedy.
The previews before the movie were remarkable to me because with one exception out of about 10 previews, the movies coming out are dystopian. Even a remake of Mad Max! Another Terminator movie with Arnold Swartzneger repeating "I'll be back" once again. What's going on with all these dark movies?
I think Bradley Cooper did a remarkable job. He had to bulk up big time to play this role. But, yeah, the movie does show how war affects not only the warrior, but everyone around him.
I'd suggest we reserve judgment on Jesse Ventura's cause. The jury heard all the evidence and awarded him damages against Kyle's estate. Ventura was a Seal, too, remember.