On August 2nd, 2006, Lee received the fateful news. She arrived home from a birthday celebration only to be greeted by a naval messenger. Lee learned her 28 year old son had been killed in action.
“I remember falling to the ground crying, and repeating, ‘no!’”
Marc Alan Lee had taken center-stage in the worst battle in Ramadi up to that point. It was a 120-degree day, as the 6 foot tall, 210 pound man stood in the direct line of fire to protect his band of brothers. At first, he escaped death, just missing the intense blows being directed towards him. He then tried his luck a second time, once again, covering for his colleagues so they could seek safe refuge.
The Chief then alerted Lee insurgents had attacked a neighboring house, so Marc went in for the fight without thinking twice.
The enemies fired away, and this time, Marc was struck and killed.
“He gave his life so others could live. President Bush calls SEALS the ‘elite of the elite.’ He’s right.”
Lee holds on tight to Marc’s last letter home.
Included, it reads: Pass on the love and the precious gift of human life through random acts of kindness.
And that’s exactly what this Arizona mother is doing.
Debbie Lee has dedicated her life to supporting our troops. She founded American Mighty Warriors, a non-profit organization helping families who have lost their loved ones in combat. (www.americasmightywarriors.org)
She opened the Valley’s “Heroes Hope Home,” a free, peaceful haven for Gold Star families. She can also often be found atop Capitol Hill advocating for our troops.
“I’ve done more than 700 media interviews spreading the message we must honor our military, the fallen, and their families for their selfless service and sacrifice.”
Debbie is now commonly known throughout the Navy as “Mama Lee,” forming bonds with other men and women like her son. She made history becoming the first Gold Star Mother to visit combat zone where Marc died. She has spent holidays overseas, and will head to Southern California this August for an amazingly special dedication ceremony. Naval Base Coronado is naming their new training facility after her son; Mark Lee, a Silver Star, Bronze Star with Valor, and Purple Heart recipient.
“Gold Star families must keep the fallen’s memory alive.”
Marc is remembered for his humor, playful antics, courage, and selfless attitude. His head-stone reads, “Loved deeply, deeply loved.”
He made the ultimate sacrifice, and his mother now carries on his legacy.
Happy Mother’s Day, Mama Lee, the Valley’s ultimate mom.
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