Courage and Sacrifice

I recently had the privilege of attending the 20-year remembrance ceremony for Mike “Mikey” Monsoor.

Mikey served alongside Marc on Task Unit Bruiser. He was not just a teammate—he was a brother. Mikey was a Navy SEAL and a Medal of Honor recipient, recognized for the extraordinary courage and sacrifice he demonstrated when he threw himself onto a grenade to save his teammates.

The Monsoor family was the first family we supported, long before America’s Mighty Warriors was even a foundation. Mikey was killed just eight weeks after Marc, and our families have shared a connection ever since.

Seeing the three teammates who were on that roof with Mikey was incredibly powerful. They are alive today because Mikey made the ultimate sacrifice. In a moment when he could have chosen to save himself, he chose to save his brothers.

After the ceremony at the SEAL base, we went aboard the USS Monsoor. We watched the FOX News documentary honoring Mikey, hearing his story through the eyes of those who knew and loved him. Then we toured the ship named in his honor.

Standing aboard the USS Monsoor, I found myself reflecting on how much has happened in these 20 years. I could never have imagined that supporting the Monsoor family after losing Mikey would be the beginning of a journey that would eventually become America’s Mighty Warriors.

God can take the most painful moments of our lives and use them in ways we could never imagine.

Today, by God’s strength, we continue that journey by standing beside our Troops, Veterans and Gold Star Families.

We remember. We serve. We carry their legacy forward. We live our lives worthy of their sacrifice.

Thank you for being part of that journey with us.

MommaLee

Kaui's Korner

This year, the number 20 has been on my mind a lot.

Twenty years since Task Unit Bruiser. Twenty years since we lost Marc on August 2, 2006. Twenty years since we lost my brother Mikey on September 29,2006.

It’s hard to believe that much time has passed.

Anniversaries like these bring back a lot—some good, some painful. But more than anything, they remind me how quickly life moves and how important it is to be grateful for the people God has put in our lives while we still have them.

As warriors, I think we’re wired to keep moving. When things get hard, you put your head down, shoulder the weight and keep going. There’s value in that. But twenty years has taught me there’s also value in stopping every once in a while and recognizing what you still have.

Family. Brothers. Friends. Another day to get it right. Another opportunity to serve somebody besides yourself.

Life hasn’t always taken me down the path I expected, and I know I’m not alone in that. Sometimes that path gets pretty damn hard.

Stay on it anyway.

One verse I’ve always appreciated is Psalm 119:71:

“It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.”

I’ve never taken that to mean the hard things that happen to us are somehow good. I think it means hardship can teach us something if we’re willing to let it. It can sharpen us, humble us, strengthen our faith and remind us what actually matters.

Twenty years later, I still carry the men we lost with me. I think all of us do this in our own way.

But honoring them isn’t only about looking backward. It’s about what we do with the days we’ve been given.

Love your family. Be grateful for your people. Call your brothers. Serve where you can. Trust God when you can’t see very far down the road.

And whatever season you’re walking through right now—keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Stay on the path.

Stay the course—and Stay Mighty,

Kaui

Their sacrifice gave us freedom.

Your generosity helps us care for the families they left behind.

If Marc and Mikey’s stories have touched your heart, honor their legacy with a gift today. Help AMW surround Gold Star families like the Monsoors with love, support, and the promise that their heroes will never be forgotten.

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Sponsor of the Month!

This month, we are honored to recognize SSLLC and the Sypniewski family, whose generosity and faithful advocacy have been a blessing to America’s Mighty Warriors.

Beyond their ongoing financial support, the Sypniewski's have opened doors and built meaningful connections that strengthen our mission. From arranging for Debbie to visit a retreat facility in Nebraska, hosting fundraisers, to introducing her to countless people, they have helped establish relationships that inspire others to step forward and support our warriors and their families.

Their servant leadership shines through their actions, their generosity, and their willingness to bring others alongside this mission. We are deeply grateful for the Sypniewski's and the heart they have for those we serve. Thank you for standing with AMW and helping carry our mission forward!

Recent Events:

Momma Lee returned to the Jocko Podcast for a second conversation with Jocko and Echo on Ep 559. This time, they looked back on the 20 years since Navy SEAL Marc Alan Lee was killed in Ramadi, remembering the son, the teammate, and the man behind the sacrifice.

They talked about grief that does not disappear, the bond Marc’s teammates still share, and the lives his story continues to touch. Through America’s Mighty Warriors, Momma Lee has stood beside veterans and Gold Star families while carrying a loss no mother should have to bear.

Marc’s legacy is extraordinary and so is the love behind it. If you missed the first Podcast 368, Momma Lee & Jocko talked about Marc's childhood, his leadership, faith and heroic sacrifice.

Last month, AMW had the incredible honor of providing Build-A-Bears for a deploying Special Operations unit and their families. We treasured the opportunity to honor these warriors before they departed and give their loved ones something special to hold close during their time apart.

Due to OPSEC, we don’t have photos to share, we’re grateful for the meaningful time spent with these families. Deployment brings sacrifices for everyone at home, too, and a small reminder of love can mean so much. It was a privilege to bring a little comfort and joy to those who serve, and those who stand beside them.

Featured Merch:

Unheard Voices the fight for Ramadi

By: Miguel Santana

Major Miguel N. Santana (Retired), U.S. Army. 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division (Ready 1st)

Momma Lee met Miguel at the Ramadi Reunion in January 2026, and contributed to the foreword of the memoir. Miguel served with Marc in Ramadi and dedicates chapter 5 of the book to August 2nd 2006, in memory of Marc Lee, and his sacrifice made on that day.

Marc Lee Brotherhood Zip Up

Cooler Weather is back, and so is our favorite hoodie! We restocked on our Marc Lee Brotherhood Zip-Up Hoodies just in time to keep you warm this fall and winter. Find this one and our other Hoodie options in our online store.

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