As the film “American Sniper” continues to draw a lot of attention, more Americans may come to recognize the name Marc Lee.
Marc was a teammate of Chris Kyle and the first Navy SEAL killed in Iraq -- his death is graphically portrayed in the movie.
Marc was also my husband.
I feel compelled to write this essay as a tribute to Marc’s legacy, and for the brothers he fought alongside in Charlie Platoon.
A movie is a powerful way to enlighten and illuminate us on a specific time in history, and Hollywood understandably often takes liberties with the facts to make a film. But it’s the true stories of sacrifice that we must tell. For the stories we tell today, in print or through film, will be the stories told to our children, and our children's children. We all bear the responsibility to get it right. It is with this mindset, and it is with a heavy heart, that I must share Marc’s truth and beliefs, which were, in fact, deeply sacrificed for the film.
“American Sniper” is rightfully focused on the incredible story of Chris and Taya Kyle. I am truly happy for the movie's success and do not want to take anything away from a very important story. But the character of Marc Lee truly falls short on everything that the real Marc Lee stood for and what Chris Kyle expresses about his brother and teammate in his book, which inspired the film.
The movie portrays Marc as a reluctant warrior -- one who seems casual in combat -- who questions America's mission in Iraq. Nothing could be further from the truth.
In contrast to the movie, Marc was a fierce fighter who believed he was making a difference in Iraq. He believed in the war with his whole heart and had a strong sense that his service had a higher purpose -- not only for America, the country he loved, but to protect innocent Iraqis who lived in constant fear of terrorists. He carried a big, heavy machine gun on most of Charlie Platoon’s operations, wielding it with precision to protect his teammates. He was a “Team Guy” -- as SEALs call those who would do anything for their SEAL brothers.
When you hear the name "Marc Lee," know the real man was a strong patriot, fierce warrior and loving husband.