Debbie Lee: Mother of First Navy Seal Killed In Iraq, Marc Lee - RMS 019

THE LEGACY OF NAVY SEAL MARK LEE: A HERO REMEMBERED  

A HERO’S FINAL STAND IN RAMADI 

Mark Allen Lee was the first Navy SEAL killed in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom, but his story is far more than a line in military history. On August 2, 2006, in the hostile streets of Ramadi, Iraq, Lee exposed himself to enemy fire not once, but three times—each time to protect his teammates. 

When his fellow SEAL Team 3 member, Ryan Job, was critically injured by a sniper, Mark provided cover fire so others could evacuate Job. Despite the overwhelming danger and scorching 120°F heat, Lee continued to engage the enemy. On his third brave exposure to enemy fire, Mark was mortally wounded, sacrificing his life so others could live. 

For his valor, Mark was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Valor, and the Purple Heart. 

A MOTHER’S STORY: THE LIFE OF MARK LEE 

To understand the depth of Mark's courage, one must first know the man behind the uniform. Raised by Debbie Lee, a single mother in Arizona, Mark grew up with a vibrant sense of humor, a protective spirit, and a heart full of empathy. A class clown, a dreamer, and a peacekeeper, Mark’s journey to becoming a Navy SEAL was far from typical. 

Born during a time of adversity, Debbie recalls finding out she was pregnant just two weeks after divorcing an abusive husband. With two small children and no child support, raising a third child was daunting. But from a young age, Mark displayed a resilient spirit that would later define his path to becoming a warrior. 

FROM SOCCER DREAMS TO SEAL AMBITIONS 

Mark didn’t play organized sports growing up but surprised his mother by declaring he’d become a professional soccer player in high school. Despite starting late, he earned Most Improved Player and went on to become the youngest soccer coach at his high school. 

After a knee injury derailed his soccer career, Mark shifted his focus toward military service. Inspired by his older brother and brother-in-law’s enlistments and fueled by a desire to challenge himself, he joined the Navy in May 2001 with a contract to attend BUD/S—the elite training pipeline for Navy SEALs. 

A JOURNEY THROUGH HELL WEEK AND HEARTBREAK 

Mark’s path through SEAL training was anything but linear. During BUD/S Class 239, he developed pneumonia just before Hell Week and was rolled into Class 240. Then, influenced by personal struggles and doubts, Mark rang the bell and temporarily quit—a decision he would deeply regret. 

After being reassigned to the USS Eisenhower, he fought for a year to reenter BUD/S, enduring extra physical tests and written essays. He finally graduated with Class 251, almost earning the coveted title of Honor Man, an award chosen by teammates for the most outstanding performer. 

SEAL TEAM 3 AND THE ROAD TO RAMADI 

Mark joined SEAL Team 3, ultimately being assigned last-minute to Charlie Platoon, led by commanders like Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. They were deployed to Ramadi, considered the most dangerous city in Iraq at the time. 

Mark quickly earned the respect and admiration of his teammates with his humor, compassion, and quiet leadership. Though new to the platoon, he became its emotional center—a role that made his death all the more devastating. 

HONORING HIS LEGACY: AMERICA’S MIGHTY WARRIORS 

In the wake of her son's death, Debbie Lee founded America’s Mighty Warriors, a nonprofit committed to supporting veterans, Gold Star families, and active-duty service members. Inspired by Mark's final letter home, which encouraged Americans to "pass on random acts of kindness," the organization has: 

- Paid for hyperbaric oxygen therapy to help veterans heal from TBI and PTSD. 

- Hosted healing retreats for families and warriors. 

- Provided financial support and emotional care for countless service members. 

Mark’s story and the foundation continue to save lives, especially among those struggling with mental health, suicidal ideation, and the invisible wounds of war. 

MARK LEE’S ENDURING IMPACT 

Debbie recalls how Mark’s SEAL teammates began calling her “Mama Lee”—a title that extended across the military community as she became a mother-figure to many. She describes her ongoing mission as “putting on Mark’s boots and picking up his weapon”—not for combat, but to fight for the well-being of those who return home. 

Each year, the foundation hosts a “Mark Lee Birthday Bash” at the Scottsdale Gun Club, celebrating Mark’s life and raising vital funds for America's Mighty Warriors. 

CONCLUSION: LIVE A LIFE WORTHY OF THE SACRIFICE 

Mark Lee’s story is one of ultimate sacrifice, unwavering courage, and unbreakable faith. He believed that every American was worth fighting for. Through his final acts of heroism and the legacy his mother continues, Mark Lee challenges all of us to live lives worthy of the freedoms we enjoy. 

TO LEARN MORE OR SUPPORT THE MISSION, VISIT AMERICASMIGHTYWARRIORS.ORG.