America's Mighty Warriors

A Letter From U.S. Senator Jon Kyl

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KYL COLUMN
May 25, 2009

Memorial Day
By U.S. Senator Jon Kyl

John 15:13: "Greater love hath no man than this that he lay down his life for his friends."

For many of us, Memorial Day launches some of our favorite summer pastimes, like cooking on the grill, going to the pool, or vacationing with family.

This Memorial Day, we should also spend some time reflecting on the true meaning of the occasion –to remember and honor our fallen troops.

One organization, America’s Mighty Warriors, dedicates itself all year to this mission. Based in Scottsdale, it was founded by Debbie Lee, whose son Marc lost his life in battle three years ago.

Marc was the first Navy SEAL killed in Iraq.  On August 2, 2006, he and his fellow SEALs were fighting insurgents from a rooftop in Ramadi. Marc’s friend and fellow SEAL had sustained serious shrapnel injuries to the head and needed help. Rather than retreat behind the roof’s cement barrier and wait, Marc placed himself in the insurgents’ view to draw their fire so the medic could slip onto the rooftop and aid his friend. While the medic evacuated his friend, Marc stood up again to shield them both from the insurgents’ fire.

They all made it down alive. Marc and the others returned to base. Word soon came that the insurgents were hidden nearby. The SEALs ran out to find them.

To do so they needed to clear nearby houses. One house they cleared would be the last Marc would ever enter. Still looking for the insurgents, Marc and the others started up the stairs. Marc was a leader, and he wanted to go up first. Gun shots came through a top-floor window. Marc turned toward the window and again put himself in the line of fire. This time, he gave his life. He didn’t just do that to defend his friends, his mother says, he did that for you, for me, and for this nation he dearly loved.

For his bravery, honor, and service to our country, Marc was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with Valor, and the Purple Heart. The base in Ramadi where he was stationed has been renamed Camp Marc Lee.

Debbie Lee established America’s Mighty Warriors to honor the memory of her son and the memories of all those who have served in the military, especially those who gave their lives. She found the inspiration for the organization’s mission from the last letter Marc sent home.

The letter, which is posted on the organization’s website, describes the pride Marc felt for his country, and it calls for small acts of kindness: “I am not here to preach or to say look at me…. I find that being here makes me realize the great country we have and the obligation we have to keep it that way…. What I do over here is only a small percent of what keeps our country great. I think the truth to our greatness is each other. Purity, morals and kindness, passed down to each generation through example.”

Lee collects stories from veterans and from the families of our fallen troops to share as she travels full time to speak in support of our troops. She heeds Marc’s call to bestow small acts of kindness, especially on members of the military and their families.

America’s Mighty Warriors also hosts special events for “Gold Star Moms and Dads.” My wife Caryll attended the recent Mother’s Day event, where she met many Arizona mothers who shared moving stories of their sons and daughters killed in combat.

Each one of us is the beneficiary of the bravery and honor of heroes like Marc Lee. This Memorial Day Caryll and I will be thinking of Marc, his family, and the many Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our great nation. I hope you will do the same.

U.S. Senator Jon Kyl is the Assistant Republican Leader and serves on the Senate Finance and Judiciary committees. Visit his website at www.kyl.senate.gov.