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El Paso Commemorates 20 Years Since the Battle of Ramadi

KVIA•Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 1:51 AM•Yvonne Suarez

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AI Summary

Over a thousand veterans and their families gathered at Fort Bliss to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Battle of Ramadi, a significant conflict in Operation Iraqi Freedom. This battle led to the development of the 'Clear, Hold, and Build' strategy, which emphasized neighborhood stabilization and local force training. The ceremony highlighted the sacrifices made, including the loss of Navy SEAL Marc Allen Lee, whose mother, Debbie Lee, shared her journey of turning grief into advocacy for Gold Star families. Retired Lt. Gen. Sean Macfarland emphasized the enduring bonds formed through shared experiences in combat. The event served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by service members and the importance of remembering their legacy.

Key Details: • Ceremony held at Fort Bliss to honor the Battle of Ramadi on its 20th anniversary. • Navy SEAL Marc Allen Lee was the first SEAL to die during Operation Iraqi Freedom. • Debbie Lee founded America's Mighty Warriors to support families of fallen soldiers. • Retired Lt. Gen. Sean Macfarland spoke about the importance of remembering those lost.

military fort-bliss veterans ramadi gold-star-families

People & Organizations

Fort BlissSean MacFarlandDebbie LeeMarc Allen LeeJohn G. WillinkAmerica's Mighty Warriors

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