By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

Leading the motorcade in the Vietnam 50^th Commemorative Ride was 50^th Ride Captain, Staff Sergeant David Lee, member of American Legion Mathew Blount Post 555 and the legion’s ride director.

Lee is an active member of the U.S. Army and is currently the assistant center leader at Hoover’s Army recruiting center.

He lives in Pelham with his wife Linda and their three children.

Lee was born in Taiwan and moved with his family to California at age 1.

Lee’s parents moved to the states to provide a better life for their only child.

His father died while he was in middle school and his mother moved back to Taiwan to support her son.

Lee was raised by a guardian till his high school’s graduation.

“I enlisted in the U.S. Army right out of high school in order to continue my education,” said Lee. “My mom was working two jobs in Taiwan just to get me through high school and I did not want her to worry about how to pay for my education. I found out I was color blind at MEPS which narrowed my job choices to administrative. I enlisted as a chaplain’s assistant.”

Lee has served stateside as well as tours in Bosnia (2002), Afghanistan (2004-2005) and Iraq (2007-2009) where he served as the Unit Ministry Supervisor for 2-25 Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

He has earned his associate degree, bachelor of science and is currently working on his MBA expecting to graduate in December with a GPA 3.8.

Lee has been awarded two meritorious service medals, six Army commendation medals, two Army achievement medals, Good Conduct medal 6^th award, global war of terror expeditionary medal, Iraqi campaign medal with two campaign stars.

“I started riding motorcycles about 10 years ago,” said Lee. “It has been my passion and for the last few years, my stress reliever. I have always had a soft spot Vietnam vets. When I returned from my deployments, I was treated like a hero. Our Vietnam vets did not get that welcome. That is why I ride the Run for the Wall every Memorial Day, a cross country ride from California to the Vietnam Wall in D.C. I want to let these wonderful vets know that I appreciate what they did. They laid the groundwork for us, set the standard, and they were so under appreciated.”