NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — An oral surgeon in Newport News has donated services to veterans for nearly ten years. Dr. N. Ray Lee started a non-profit in 2016 called Operation Restore Oral Health.
One of his patients was Army veteran Charlie Rivera. Rivera did five tours of duty in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan.
He was shot falling out of a helicopter in Afghanistan and had 15 surgeries during his recovery.
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“I was struggling with anxiety, depression and PTSD and dental issues,” said Rivera. "Last November on Veteran’s Day, I almost committed suicide because nineteen of my soldiers did not come home with me. I felt defeated and I felt ugly. My ugly smile was holding me back."
Rivera says Dr. Lee fixed his smile and that gave him a new outlook on life.
Rivera is one of dozens of vets Dr. Lee has helped since he started Operation Restore Oral Health.
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“We’re treating honorably discharged veterans and children of Gold Star families whatever their needs might be,” says Dr. Lee.
And he does it for free. Now nearly a decade later, the program is nationwide.
So we coordinated with his staff to surprise him with our Everyday Hero award.
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"Did I win the lottery? " Lee laughed when we surprised him.
“We are here to give you an everyday hero award for everything you do for our veterans to make their smiles beautiful and pain free, thank you so much,” I told him. Kidd also presented Lee with a $300 gift card from our community partner Southern Bank.
"That is wonderful that is really really special,” said Lee.
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Patient Bruce Hitt says the doctor takes special care of vets and civilians alike, even giving out his personal cell number to patients.
“Dr. Lee is just a fabulous guy,” said Hitt. "Every time I’ve needed him, whether it be on a weekend or anything like that, 'come on and see me and I’ll take care of you.'”
A vet himself, having served in the Air Force, Dr. Lee told me that giving back is his way of showing his love of country and community.
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And his patients are grateful.
“You and your team changed my life forever, a beautiful smile can change a person physically and mentally,” said Rivera. "Now we can smile. You guys are my family and I really love you. So thank you, I'm gonna keep smiling every day thank you."
If you are a veteran who has been honorably discharged and need help with your smile, or if you would like to donate time or money to Operation Restore Oral Health, you can find information here.
