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AHERO News
Exciting News about the Founder of AHERO!
In an effort to extend the reach of healing still further, AHERO’s founder, retired Marine Corps Maj. Lee Stuckey, has recently joined the team at the beautiful 20,000-acre Honey Brake Lodge in Louisiana as its new chief operating officer.
Honey Brake stands as one of the South's premier outdoor destinations. “It was established and built based on a long tradition of world-class hunting, fishing, and dog training,” said Maj. Stuckey. “Honey Brake offers unmatched experiences and hospitality year-round for our Veterans, and for any soul wishing to commune in nature in such exquisite and calming surroundings.”
From legendary waterfowl hunts to luxurious lodge accommodations, every detail reflects the commitment to excellence in the outdoors. Maj. Stuckey expressed his great gratitude to Mr. John McInnis, co-owner of the famed Flora-Bama establishment in Orange Beach, Ala., and Perdido Key, Fla., for this opportunity to bring his (Maj. Stuckey’s) deep knowledge and skills in the area of land and wildlife management to such a prestigious organization as Honey Brake.
Maj. Stuckey added that AHERO is proud to continue strengthening its partnerships that support our Veterans, including its long-standing relationship with the legendary Flora-Bama. “Each year, we team up with Flora-Bama to host the annual Freedom Run during Fourth of July weekend – one of our favorite events that raises critical funds to support our nation’s heroes,” he said. “Stay tuned! And thanks to all our for being part of AHERO’s incredible journey with us!”
Legal Updates
As of May 2025, the current mass tort and class action lawsuits related to veterans primarily focus on injuries caused by toxic exposure, with a strong emphasis on environmental and chemical contamination rather than issues like hearing loss or medications. These cases reflect systemic issues affecting veterans, particularly those tied to military service conditions.
For decades, Levin Papantonio has been involved in dozens of national cases that have helped Veterans receive the compensation they deserve. More recent litigation efforts have ranged from Defective Military Ear Plugs, Toxic Water Exposure at Camp Lejeune, Burn Pits in Iraq and Afghanistan, Opioid Addiction, VA Disability Benefits to TSGLI Insurance. Overall, the firm has helped to secure more than $80 billion in jury verdicts and settlements. Today, there are a number of current cases the firm is handling that affect veterans so we encourage you to learn more.
Here’s a breakdown of the key injury types involved, based on active litigation:
- PFAS “Forever” Chemicals - Firefighting foam manufacturers have released toxic PFAS chemicals into water supplies across America and the world. The chemicals caused people to develop cancer and other serious illnesses. Manufacturers also use PFAS substances to make a broad range of consumer products, including cookware, firefighting foam, carpet, and packaging, and the chemicals eventually find their way into water, soil, and air, exposing millions to their carcinogenic effects. Click here to learn more and for a free case evaluation.
- Depo-Provera Contraceptive - This popular drug has been linked to an increased risk of meningioma brain tumors. If you or a loved one took birth control shots from drugmaker Pfizer, you may qualify for compensation. Click here to learn more and take the first step toward the justice you deserve.
- Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) - Found in sugary cereals, snacks, and sodas, UPFs may have harmed you or your loved ones with conditions like type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease, when they were consumed in your youth. These foods, linked to a rising epidemic, could qualify you for compensation through a mass tort lawsuit. Click here to see if you qualify and to learn more.
This legal update was made possible by the generosity of Levin Patantonio Law Group - Pensacola Florida
Here is a great podcast you should hear!
Why Vets Need Good Attorneys - Stetson University
You Just Made 3 New Allies
Introducing Your Allies Who’ve Got Your Six.
Together, AHERO, Levin Papantonio, and VetCV stand as vital allies—VetCV provides digital empowerment, Levin Papantonio offers expert legal support, and AHERO delivers Mind, Body, and Spirit resources, guiding you through life’s challenges and opportunities with unmatched strength.
A Law Firm For Veterans
Our partner in law, Levin Papantonio, has earned their stripes, over many years, not only fighting the Government on behalf of the Veteran, but winning. This is the law firm that took on big tobacco. And won. They’re now taking on big pharma. Every vet needs a proven, good attorney. Here's yours!
Tim O’Brien, of the Levin Papantonio Law Group, treats AHERO Vets & First Responders to a day on the Gulf!
You Just Made 3 New Allies
VetCV is a huge online platform that houses every resource you could need and is a secure Vault for your personal information. You’ll find links to vetted organizations that can equip you with VA assistance, mental and physical health modalities, transition help, new career and training opportunities, marital assistance, nutrition and much more!
The VetCV Vault App is your essential Digital Go-Bag or Footlocker too, securely storing and managing every critical document—your DD214, legal papers, insurance details, and more—for you and your family, ready when life demands them most!
Subscribe now to gain peace of mind and seize control of your future—having everything in one accessible place is your key advantage!
The VetCV Vault empowers Veterans and their families to take control again. Crafted by Veterans for Veterans, this Web App offers a secure online Vault for Active Military, Veterans, and families, supporting separation, transition, career growth, and vital life tools as you navigate life’s next chapters.
Be Curious—subscribe today! The VetCV App delivers answers when you need them most, and with our vetted Patriot Teaming Partners, we’ve got your six no matter what comes your way!
It is free, join the VetCV community now.
Colonel King teaching at Pensacola Beach, FL
Yoga, Marine's Style
Can you imagine a bunch of burly, battle-hardened, combat Vets on a beach doing “downward dog” Yoga poses? Well, the answer should be yes, if the Yoga instructor happened to be retired Colonel Doug King, USMC (Force Reconnaissance).
From injuries sustained in combat, Colonel King has had no less than 13 surgeries on his legs and multiple operations on his back. He was in excruciating pain. Then, a few years ago, he began eschewing big pharma drugs and hunted for an alternative modality to appease his torment. And he found it: Yoga.
Yoga became the one thing that would relieve his suffering. How? By strengthening his body to compensate for the weaker wounded areas. He now reports almost no pain.
Once a leader, always a leader, so the colonel decided to train as an instructor. Now he travels the country helping Vets.
AHERO Founder Maj Lee Stuckey, USMC (Ret), who had served with Col. King back during his active-duty years, invited him to participate in one of AHERO’s celebrated events. These occur periodically throughout the year as AHERO brings severely wounded, injured, or traumatized Veterans and First Responders to Tuskegee and Orange Beach in Alabama, and to Pensacola Beach, Florida, where they engage in fishing or hunting, and where they commune and break bread together … and begin a healing process.
Included in these events are the resources and healing modalities AHERO brings to the Veteran and First Responders. And one of these is the subtle, yet powerfully effective practice of Yoga. “My version of Yoga is a little different than what people usually think of it,” Col. King told us – with a boatload of understatement!
“Interestingly, people think it might help them physically, but it often provides tremendous stress relief and emotional balance, as well.” He summarized his technique briefly but vividly thus: “I give them so much to think about, they stop thinking about what ails them. For an hour. A very long hour!”
King grounds them, grinds them down, then builds them up. The upshot: Each participant emerges after the longest 60 minutes ever – each surprisingly energized, and many often quite emotional.
You’ll be able to read the full article on Colonel King’s transformative journey via Yoga in the Fall 2025 edition of AHERO Magazine.
injuries by promoting nerve cell growth and repair.
Healing Power of Lion's Mane
The anti-inflammatory properties of Lion’s Mane Mushroom can alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. Some research suggests it can improve the functioning of the hippocampus, a brain region involved in emotions and memory. Extracts from lion's mane might help accelerate recovery from nerve injuries by promoting nerve cell growth and repair.
UPCOMING EVENTS
August
08.07-10 | 7am
14th Annual Pensacola Beach AHERO "Warrior Hook-Up" Weekend
Hit the Seas and catch a new friend
Every memory is unique and every friend is for life
Get Involved with AHERO
AHEROusa.org
is a 501(c)(3) is an established (16 years)
non-profit based in AL and FL, that
serves as a Landing Zone for struggling vets
who need to reconnect with their
Tribe - go hunting or fishing (or many other activities)
and physically connect with a raft of people
and resources to help you to a path of fulfillment.
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