Interview with Major Joon Mook Lee
by MSgt Hee Won Yoon
Jan 2020
During my time in the “Gun Club” I have met many stellar Marines. Those from within the APA community have been especially impressive. If I was to name one APA Marine who has had the most positive impact on me, both personally and professionally, that individual is Major Joon Mook Lee. I consider him as my “hyung” (which means older brother in Korean) in addition to being my Marine brother. Major Lee is the epitome of living the “American Dream” as he was able to fully capitalize on the opportunities made available to him. But more importantly, he knows the amount of energy and effort it takes to navigate through the obstacles and challenges life constantly throws at us.
As a native of Seoul, Major Lee had just finished his first year of college in South Korea before he immigrated to the U.S. with his parents. Now, I know how tough it is moving to a new location, let alone a new country. I moved to the States from Korea at the age of six but Major Lee was already a fully grown adult that was “set in his ways.” Barely able to speak any English, he decided to enlist in the Marine Corps out of Easton, Maryland in 1996, and the rest is history.
After going through all of his basic and entry-level training requirements, Major Lee hit the “Fleet Marine Force” by reporting for duty in the “Stumps.” Armed only with scanty English speaking and writing abilities while stationed in 29 Palms, he worked his way to earning his blood stripes. In fact, he completed Corporals Course as the honor graduate, and even earned his first Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal along the way. Another good thing that happened here was that Major Lee and I met for the first time in 1998; he was a Lance Corporal and I was a lowly PFC. We were able to establish a lifelong relationship which I so dearly cherish.
Couple of duty stations later, Major Lee had reached the SNCO ranks after having started out as a disbursing clerk and who was now an auditor and section leader. He even went on to having a successful tour as a canvassing recruiter out of Virginia Beach. While stationed in Okinawa, the new Gunny was simultaneously selected for Warrant Officer and the Enlisted Commissioning Program. He went with the latter and eventually became the adjutant for Second Battalion, Second Marines, subsequently deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Upon coming back from a successful combat deployment, Major Lee immediately jumped at a lateral move opportunity by becoming a financial management officer and he ended up serving at MCB Camp Lejeune where he was also promoted to the rank of Captain. His following duty station found him working in Okinawa again where Major Lee seamlessly handled the dual-hatted responsibilities of III MEF budget officer and Northeast Asia foreign area officer. Major Lee was promoted to his present rank before transferring to his current duty station of MCINCR Quantico.
What impresses me about Major Lee is his tenacity. He is constantly challenging himself and striving to become better every chance he gets. My “hyung” has certainly influenced me to do the same. While enlisted, he had earned his bachelor’s degree and after having crossed over to the “dark side” he reached his long term goal of attaining a master’s from Boston University. When I thought he was done, I recently found out he was now working towards a MBA, after he had passed his Project Management Professional certification examination.
With such an impressive resume and a long illustrious career thus far, I decided to have a Q&A interview session with him with the intent of relaying his words of wisdom to the APA masses:
MSGT YOON: Looking back on your years served, what has been the #1 motivating factor to keep you pushing forward?
MAJ LEE: Good Marines around me was the number one motivating factor. I have always tried to keep up with good Marines around me. Once I stepped up to the next level, there were a lot of Marines that also achieved the same things that I did. Then I tried to keep up with those guys again. It was a good cycle throughout my career.
MSGT YOON: What advice do you have for APAs in the Marine Corps?
MAJ LEE: Advice is the same as it applies to any American. Have goals and do something every day.
MSGT YOON: With you having been a SNCO and now a field-grade officer, what is the one piece of advice that can apply to both groups?
MAJ LEE: Have a sincere interest in young Marines and make your boss successful.
MSGT YOON: What has been the most memorable moment of your career thus far?
MAJ LEE: The day I returned from Afghanistan. I arrived at home and held my daughter for the first time. She was born while I was deployed.
MSGT YOON: How do you truly feel the Marine Corps is doing right now as an organization?
MAJ LEE: The Marine Corps is an awesome, elite military organization, and I have full trust and confidence in our Marine leaders. In other words, Marine Corps will continue to kick ass.
It goes without saying that Major Lee has been successful because he knows what his priorities are. He has always ensured that he was part of a win-win situation. Being a family man and taking care of Marines is an inherent part of his life and career. At the same time, Major Lee is truly proud of his institution. Leaders like Major Lee will continue to keep our Marine Corps in check when it comes to professionalism and continuous improvement for both enlisted Marines and officers alike.
If you are interested in sharing or submitting an article, please contact us using the Contact Form.