Monica McNeal
Gold Star Mother of LCpl Eric L. Ward, US Marine
8.17.90 — 2.21.10 KIA Afghanistan
Sandy,
Thank you for the opportunity to write about my son and how a video would be a lasting comforting way for our family to hear from a young man his heartfelt message with some humor as he always shared some humor.
February 21, 2010, will be a day our Nation lost a Hero, and | lost my only child and others lost a brother, nephew, stepson, cousin, friend, and boyfriend.
This video project is priceless. A little about LCpl Eric Levi Ward, a fourth-generation Marine who enlisted right out of high school. He chose Infantry because he wanted to serve his country in a time of war. His sense of duty ran deep. At just 19 years old, his life was taken far too soon. I cherished every phone call; a video would be everlasting.
can only imagine what it would mean te have a video of Eric—sharing his heart, speaking with pride, courage, honor and purpose. He would have been smiling in the way only those who knew him could recognize. It would not just preserve his memory; it would give his loved anes a way to feel him again. A way to soften grief for family, friends and battle buddies.
A message like that becomes more than digital media, it becomes a legacy. A lifeline in the hardest moments. A sacred space to return to when grief feels overwhelming. That is what Life’s Thoughts offers, and it is why I encourage every family, every service member, every person to leave something behind—not just for today, but for the tomorrows we never expect.
With love,
Debbie Lee
Gold Star Mother of Marc Alan Lee
Founder & CEO, America’s Mighty Warriors
Dear Sandy:
There isn’t a day that goes by that | don’t think about my son, Marc. On August 2, 2006, I received the knock on the door that every military parent fears. My son, Marc Alan Lee, was the first Navy SEAL killed in action in Iraq. My world changed forever in that moment.
Marc was an incredible warrior—brave, compassionate, and deeply committed to serving others. He gave his life defending his teammates and our freedoms. While I cherish the letters he wrote, especially his final letter home, I often find myself longing to hear his voice again. To see his face. To hear him share his heart, his dreams, and the things he wanted me to remember. That would have meant more to me than words can ever express.
If I had a video message from Marc—a message recorded in his own voice, with his personality and love shining through—it would be one of my most treasured possessions. It would have brought incredible comfort on the hardest days. It would have been something I could return to again and again—a reminder of who he was, of the love we shared, and of the legacy he left behind.
That’s why i believe so deeply in the mission of Life’s Thoughts. This app gives peopie the opportunity to preserve their voice, their values, and their love for the people who matter most—before it’s too late. It’s more than a message; it’s a gift. A legacy. A lifeline for those left behind.
I wish with all my heart I had something like this from Marc. I encourage others—don’t wait. Record your thoughts, your love, your heart. Because when you’re gone, what you leave behind can become the iight that heips someone eise keep going.
With love and remembrance,