Sergeant Major Lee Vampola, a devoted husband, father, son, and friend, passed away on February 15, 2024, in Vass, North Carolina. Born on February 2, 1985, in Omaha, Nebraska, Lee dedicated his life to service and leadership in the United States Army.
He enlisted as an infantryman in 2004 and quickly rose through the ranks, serving with distinction in some of the Army’s most elite units. His assignments included the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, United Nations Command in South Korea, and the United States Army Special Operations Command. In 2012, he completed Military Freefall School and returned to U.S. Special Operations Command in 2014, where he led high-risk, global operations in coordination with the Department of Defense and interagency partners.
Despite his remarkable career and courageous service, Lee faced the invisible wounds of war, a burden carried by too many of our nation’s heroes. His loss is a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health care and continued support for our veterans.
