An American Hero Visits Walter Reed

Tim Lee is a true American hero. Severely wounded in Vietnam, he returned home, dedicated his life to serving God and preaching across the country as an evangelist. His personal testimony is incredibly moving, and has opened doors for him to minister. Today he sent out this email...


Thirty-five years ago yesterday, at 1:30 in the afternoon, I stepped on a land mine that ripped both of my legs from my body. I am convinced that God spared my life. If I would have stepped on the mine in just the right way it would have blown my body to thousands of pieces. The mine was large enough to have destroyed a Jeep.

So what does a person do to 'celebrate' such an anniversary? I went to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C. to visit our soldiers and Marines who have been injured in Iraq and Afghanistan.Several months ago S/Sgt. Joe Bowser who had been hit in Iraq and had his right leg blown off called me and asked if I could come and visit him and others at Walter Reed. I was unable to change my schedule to go any earlier, however, since I was in a crusade this past week in Annandale, Virginia it worked out perfect for us to go yesterday.

Lieutenant Colonel Elizabeth Berbano is a member of Capital Baptist Church, where I was speaking. She and her husband are both Army Doctors. Her husband is in Iraq right now.She went to work and set it up for me to be able to visit and to spend some time with our soldiers and Marines who have given so much for this country.Marine Chief Warrant Officer Charles Andrews was our liaison person at the hospital and a tremendous help.

First, we went to visit the soldiers that were in physical therapy. There were approximately 15-20 who were in therapy and most of them, if not all, were amputees. Some were still in a lot of pain, but every single one of them had a great attitude.From there we went to Occupational therapy and there was a class going on with about 75-80 in attendance with the majorityof them being amputees also.

I was given the opportunity to address them and it was an awesome time. We took my testimony in CD format and our Deadline Vietnam tract and gave them out to all that we came in contact with. I was then taken to a few private rooms to visit some who were going through some rough times.The Commander of the hospital, Colonel V. T. Deal came to welcome us and spend a little time with us.

Well, I could write so much more, but this is getting pretty lengthy. It really was an awesome day for this Marine, who gave my legs 35 years ago, to visit and try to encourage so many young men and women who have given so much of themselves for you and I today. Please continue to pray for these heroes. I have said thousands of times that America is worth living for and she is worth fighting for and if needs be she is worth dying for.

Tim Lee

P.S. I hope to get some photos up on our web site in the next few days.

http://www.timlee.org