Marcus Luttrell

Marcus (third from right) and SDV Team 1 (http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/jun/5/mar ())

First Marcus Luttrell has been through "hell and back" and somehow he miraculously survived. You may know Marcus from the New York #1 bestseller Lone Survivor or from the movie "Lone Survivor" where he was played by Mark Wahlberg. Marcus and his three Navy SEAL "brothers" fought for their lives against over 100 Afghan soldiers while out on mission "Operation Red Wings". Everyone but Marcus died on that mission. These 'brothers' included Michael Murphy, Matthew Axelton, and Danny Dietz. The goal of Operation Red Wings was to disrupt local anti-Coalition Militia (ACM) activities and stabilize the region to allow to the Afghani Parliament elections to go on as planned.

Marcus and his wife Melanie (http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/retir ())

Next Marcus's courage and bravery in the military. SDV Team 1 was dropped in enemy territory as planned, and began a long hike to reach their destination.  As they were crossing through a mountain range, they came across 2 men and a boy herding sheep.  These shepherds were very frightened of the SEALS, and didn't pose any immediate threat to the soldiers.  A decision had to made, do they let the three shepherds go, or kill them right there, and eliminate any possibility of jeopardizing their mission.  In order for the mission to be successful, the SEALs were counting on the 'element of surprise'.  Marcus didn't think it was right to kill unarmed men and especially an unarmed boy.  Marcus made the final call, and released the shepherds with the hope they would not alert the enemy.  This decision saved the shepherds' lives, but unfortunately cost his 'brothers' their lives, and the lives of many more SEALs who tried to save SDC Team 1.

Marcus was lucky to survive such an awful experience.   He fought alongside SDV Team 1 and did everything in his power to save them.  He was shot multiple times, and was convinced he would die alongside his brothers, but he didn't.  After many months as an MIA (missing in action), Marcus was rescued by another Navy SEAL team  He was fortunate to be alive, and be able to come back home to Texas, and his parents' ranch.  At the ranch Marcus was overwhelmed by the huge group of supporters who had camped out at the ranch for weeks, and were there to welcome him back, and to support him and his family throughout his recovery.

Having made that fatal decision to let the shepherds go free, and miraculously surviving the mission, Marcus has made it his life's mission to carry on the memory of his SDV 'brothers' who died in battle, but to also make sure other soldiers are not forgotten, and those lucky enough to come home, get the support they need, just as Marcus received upon his return.  Marcus started the "Lone Survivor Foundation" in 2010.  "The intent was to bring the wounded service members into the same type of environment that healed Marcus. A place of solitude and beauty, where there was a close-knit and understanding support system. A place where the service members and their families could heal together as they all worked through the consequences of war. The Foundation is dedicated to honoring and remembering American service members by providing unique educational, rehabilitation, recovery, and wellness opportunities to U.S. Armed Forces members and their families." - as written on lonesurvivorfoundation.org.