MARC ALAN LEE 1978-2006 KIA HOOD RIVER, OREGON

Marc Allen Lee became the first US Navy SEAL killed in Iraq on August 2, 2006, when he stood in the direct line of fire to save his teammates and defend the FREEDOM we enjoy every day. Marc was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with Valor, the Purple Heart award and numerous other awards for his selfless heroic actions in combat . He was part of Task Unit Bruiser, the most highly decorated Special Forces unit in Iraq. Marc was not just a leader in combat but also a leader in the way he lived his life. 

As his mother, “I have been through many trials and witness tragedies in my life but the most devastating was when I learned that my son had been killed in combat in Ramadi Iraq. The most devastating grief anyone could go through is the instant death of a child. I had no choice, the news that was given to me on August 2nd, but I did have a choice of how I responded.” 

I started America's Mighty Warriors, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization to support our Military and Goldstar families. As a public speaker and author, I have had the privilege to meet with Presidents, Generals,  Admirals and Foreign Dignitaries to advocate for our most valuable asset, our VETERANS.  I understand that FREEDOM IS NOT FREE and I have dedicated my life to our defenders of freedom, our Veterans, their families and their families of our fallen. Even though Marc has physically left this world, he continues to change millions of lives through his amazing “Glory Letter” which has been the inspiration for numerous movies, documentaries, and books.

Excerpt from Mark's Glory Letter:  

“Glory something that some men chase, and others find themselves stumbling upon, not expecting to find it. Either way it is a noble gesture that one finds bestowed upon them. I have seen war. I have seen death. And the sorrow that encompasses your entire being as a man breathes his last. I can only pray and hope that none of you will ever have to experience some of the things I have seen and felt here."

"When was the last time you paid for a random stranger’s cup of coffee, meal or maybe even a tank of gas? Think to yourself and wonder what it would feel like if when the bill for the meal came and you were told it was already paid for. More random acts of kindness like this would change our country and our reputation as a country.  I find that being here makes me realize the great country we have and the obligation we have to keep it that way. I think the truth of our greatness is each other. Purity, morals and kindness passed down to each generation through example. So to all my family and friends, do me a favor and pass on the KINDNESS, the love, the precious gift of human life to each other so that when your children come to into contact with the great conflict that we are now faced with here in Iraq, they will be people of humanity, of pure motives and of compassion.” 

For more information go to www.AmericasMightyWarrior.com