Benjamin Hall Participates in 10th Annual Tunnel to Towers Climb Honoring 9/11 Heroes

Fox News senior correspondent Benjamin Hall, joined by combat surgeon Dr. Joe Aldrete, shared insights about their involvement in the Tunnel to Towers 10th annual tower climb held at One World Trade Center. Hall, who sustained severe injuries in Ukraine, highlighted the climb as a fundraiser for Gold Star families. Dr. Aldrete, who has performed critical surgeries, spoke highly of Hall’s determination, emphasizing the crucial role of hope and community for military families.

In a recent somber note, Sean Michael Lee, a former Army paratrooper who assisted in the evacuation of many from conflict zones, including Hall himself, passed away on Sunday after battling esophageal cancer. Lee had an impressive 20-year career in the Army, with multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the iconic 82nd Airborne Division, as detailed in his obituary.

“At his core, he epitomized what it means to be a paratrooper. Even after putting away the uniform, the values instilled in him continued to guide his life: duty, loyalty, composure under stress, and unwavering dedication to those around him,” his obituary notes.

Lee devoted his post-military years to helping others. In 2021, amidst the turmoil of Afghanistan’s government collapse, he was instrumental in evacuating thousands as part of the nonprofit Save Our Allies. The following year, he aided efforts in Poland, delivering vital supplies to the frontline during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. It was during this time that Lee played a crucial role in rescuing Benjamin Hall after a devastating attack left Hall critically injured, an incident that claimed the lives of two crew members.

Lee also engaged with initiatives supporting wounded veterans through The Independence Fund. In 2024, he was involved in delivering essential supplies to Hurricane Helene survivors in North Carolina, living out of a tent and assisting communities where traditional support systems had broken down, according to his obituary.

Previously, Lee worked under Secretary Doug Collins at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He was part of the military’s 2003 invasion of Iraq and served in the Bravo Company, 2-508 Parachute Infantry Regiment, with many in his unit receiving Purple Hearts for their Afghanistan deployment—a journey documented in Ben Kesling’s book, “Bravo Company: An Afghanistan Deployment and its Aftermath.”

Tragically, Lee lost his two closest friends—Sgt. Michael Verardo and Sgt. Allen Thomas—both who had served alongside him in Afghanistan. His cancer was attributed to exposure to burn pits during his time in Iraq and Afghanistan, and he succumbed to the illness at the age of 50.

In reflecting on Lee’s legacy, former MMA fighter and Special Forces sniper Tim Kennedy expressed profound sorrow, stating, “I can’t even begin to explain what the world has just lost.” He described Lee as one of the finest ever to serve, noting that Lee’s service went far beyond wearing a uniform; it was about dedicating his life to others, always stepping forward when help was needed.

Ultimately, Lee’s impact transcended the conventional measures of life, deployments, or missions. His true legacy lies in the numerous individuals who returned home safely due to his bravery and commitment, from wounded veterans he supported to families starting anew in Afghanistan, and the children who cherished him as “Uncle Sean”—a steadfast figure who always showed up for them.