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Twenty years……..it was 20 years ago this week, that was the last time I saw my son Marc. He came to visit me just before he deployed to Iraq. His birthday is March 20th and I took him to a Rangers and Whitesox Spring Training game. I had arranged to have a special message displayed on the marker board after the 7th Inning. It scrolled across the board. Happy 28th birthday Marc Lee, have a safe deployment. Love Mom. I had to nudge him and point at the board for him to see it. He very nonchalantly said oh cool, thanks Mom. It didn’t seem like it was a big deal to him at the time. After he died I remember several of his teammates shared that when he came back he was all excited and as only Marc could do with his big grin shouted, “You won’t believe what my Mom did”……and then he shared about the special message that was displayed for the whole stadium to see. He wanted his friends to know that his Mom was cool and that he was deeply loved.
He was born March 20, 1978. Today Marc would be turning 48.
For twenty years now, when this day comes around, I always write something special about Marc. I find myself reflecting more and remembering. I remember his smile, I remember his hugs, and I remember the strong, determined young kid who always set his sights high and chased his dreams with everything he had.
He came home his freshman year and announced to me that he was going to be a professional soccer player. I’ve always taught my kids that you could accomplish whatever you put your mind to. Yet at that moment I reminded him that he had never played soccer before. Most of their life I raised my kids as a single mom, who worked two or three jobs to keep food on the table. There wasn’t money for them to participate in club or community sports. Marc let me know he was determined and committed to making this happen. As a homeschooler he could play with the local high school athletics, so we enrolled him in soccer.
He received the most improved soccer player his freshmen year. After graduation he was the youngest soccer coach they had ever had hired, and was practicing and working out with the Colorado Rapids, the Professional soccer team. He blew out his knee the night before tryouts and had to come home and have his ACL repaired and half of his meniscus removed.
Ten years ago the Colorado Rapids reached out to me and flew me up to a soccer game and honored Marc and presented me his team jersey. I remember looking up to Heaven and saying Marc you got your team jersey!!! His perseverance and determination paid off again.
I remember the boy who grew into a warrior…..my son, who loved his family fiercely, who could make us laugh, and who lived life with faith, courage and conviction.
I remember Marc coming home in May of 2001 announcing he had just been to the Navy recruiters office and signed a contract to join the Navy and go to BUDs after basic training. Marc wanted to be a Navy SEAL because he believed in something bigger than himself. He believed in serving the country he loved. He believed in protecting others. He was also very competitive and had watched his brother Kristofer join the Marines in Aug 2000, his brother-in-law join the Army in Oct 2000, and he was going to one up them.
Marc lived just 28 years here on this earth, but he lived those years with purpose. He chose a path that required sacrifice because he believed defending freedom was worth it.
His name means “Mighty Warrior,” and God knew exactly what He was doing when Marc was given that name.
There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t miss him. Birthdays especially remind me of the years we didn’t get — the celebrations we didn’t share, the life I wish I could have watched unfold. But birthday's also remind me of the gift I was given and the blessing I had to be his Mom.
For twenty years I have watched Marc’s life continue to touch millions of lives — warriors, families, and even strangers who never had the chance to meet him. We’ve heard story after story from Veterans who said they literally…. wouldn’t be alive today if it wasn’t for our foundation and the healing therapies we’ve provided. Marc stood in the line of fire three times on his final day to save his teammates and we get to see him, 20 years later, still saving his teammates lives. His courage and sacrifice continue to inspire others to stand strong, serve faithfully, love deeply, never quit, and never forget the cost of our freedom.
Marc lived 28 years on earth, his legacy has continued for 20 years and that equals 48 years of impact. We’re calling this year’s birthday celebration Marc48 — he is turning 48 and carried the MK48 weapon. The Mark48 is known for power, reliability, and protecting others. Those same qualities were in Marc’s life. The weapon may have been what he carried in combat, but his real strength was his heart, courage, and faith.
The MK48 is a heavy weapon and with his gear, and ammo Marc often carried between 150-180 lbs. Because of the heaviness of the gun it is carried with a sling. Marc was the new guy on the platoon and he joined Charlie platoon just before they deployed to Ramadi. When he was given the role to be a machine gunner, the guys advised him to use a sling. I'm good, I've got this was his reply. Marc was the "new Guy" and they figured he was trying to prove something. They took bets how long he would last before he used a sling. Two days, three days???? The guys told me he never carried it with a sling the 5 months he was there. He always wanted to be ready.
I’ve often said that I had no choice the news that was given to me on Aug 2, 2006, but I did have a choice how I responded. By God’s strength I chose to put on Marc’s boots, pick up his weapon and stay in the fight. I chose that same determination, courage, faith and perseverance that Marc displayed and chose to carry the mission he left behind.
Like the MK48 was heavy, the work may be heavy but it’s not a burden, this is what God called me and equipped me to do. The night Marc died God led me to Psalms 27, which reminds me he is my light, my strength, my hope and to not fear and be courageous.. It is my honor to provide support, healing and hope to our troops, veterans and Gold Star families.
This wouldn't happen without all of the amazing people God has brought to walk alongside me in this mission.
A full life of purpose isn’t always measured by years. Some heroes live long lives. Others live lives that echo through generations. Marc is one of those heroes, whose legacy continues to live on and we remember him and his faith, courage, humility, determination, perseverance, humor and love.
So today, on what would have been his 48th birthday, let's remember Marc, my son, my hero, my mighty warrior! Let's live our lives worthy of his sacrifice.
Marc I'm so proud of you and miss you more than words can say. You are still making such a huge impact! I love you with all my heart and have peace knowing I will see you again one day.
Love,
Mom
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