Army veteran dedicated life to helping others worldwide

Sean Michael Lee, an Army veteran with over 20 years of service, continually sought ways to help people even after leaving the military.

Lee joined the Independence Fund after his military career, where Steven Rozina met him and learned from his dedication to service. In 2021, Lee assisted in evacuating Afghan allies following the fall of Afghanistan, and later traveled to Poland to establish aid stations when Russia invaded Ukraine.

Lee played a key role in coordinating the rescue of Fox News reporter Benjamin Hall after he was injured during reporting near Kyiv, working through the nonprofit Save Our Allies. In 2024, Lee responded to Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, travelling to the mountains to provide aid and rebuilding assistance to communities. He remained in the affected areas long after other volunteers had left, focusing on restoring homes and local businesses.

Lee died Tuesday from cancer linked to exposure to toxic burn pits during deployments in the Middle East. Until the end of his life, he was planning future responses to disasters and ways to better support veterans and communities in need, embodying a spirit of readiness and a belief that “any help is still help.”