Lee Gortman was born in Charleston, SC. He graduated from Chicora High School in 1981 and attended Trident Technical Community College prior to joining the US Army in 1983 as a Equipment Records and Parts Specialist. (76C)

Lee served his entire 21-year US Army career at Fort Bragg, NC. He was first assigned to C Squadron, 1/17^th Cav (82nd Aviation Bde) and later assigned to HHC, 1/17^th Cav as a Unit Supply Specialist. (76Y) He deployed to Saudi Arabia and Iraq in 1990/1991 in support of Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm. Soon after returning from Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm, he applied and was accepted into the Support Squadron at 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment (Delta). He served as a Unit Supply Specialist (92Y) in the Armory for over 4 years; the Property Book Office 4 years, and then was selected to serve as a senior logistician supporting an operational assault squadron for 3 years. He retuned to be the Property Book Office as the NCOIC his last two years before retiring as an E-8/Master Sergeant in 2004.

With over 21 years of Logistical, experience in the U.S. Army, Lee retired as a Senior Logistics NCO (E-8/MSG) within the 1^stSpecial Forces Operational Detachment (Delta) which is the highest priority unit within the US Army. Lee supported air and ground logistical combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and provided logistical support in many countries around the world.

Lee earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Trinity College and University. He holds several certifications that include Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI), Certified Professional Property Manager (CPPM) from the National Property Management Association (NPMA), Certified ITAR Professional (CIP) from Dunlap-Stone University / International Import-Export Institute (IIEI) and Certified Export Compliance Professional -ITAR (ECoP) from the Export Compliance Training Institute. 

Lee worked for Triple Canopy / Constellis out of Herndon, Virginia for 17 years serving in various roles from Logistics Coordinator to VP Supply Chain  and Facility Operations.

Lee resides in Leesburg with his wife Cynthia.