AHERO and Danish Wounded Warriors

AHERO’s volunteer ambassadors and guest Veterans visit Denmark to meet with Danish Wounded Warriors who fought alongside our American forces, and the Danish officials who support them.

Royal Danish Army Sgt Jacob Panton (left) is visited in the hospital. A tank commander with LtGen Toolan’s coalition forces in Afghanistan, Panton suffered multiple gunshot wounds and is the visionary leader behind the Danish Wounded Warrior organization.

(l-r:) SSgt Isaac Gallegos, USMC, Mickey Franco, Johnny Stingray, Brian Leiser “Being in the presence of these heroes shows the true alliance between these men and women from different countries. We made lifelong friends on this trip and Denmark was amazing!” ~ Ashleigh and Bricken McKenzie

“I’m deeply honored to support Danish Wounded Warriors and strengthen the bond between AHERO and our brave coalition brothers and sisters in arms.” ~ Deanna Smith, AHERO Ambassador

“Warrior Week in Denmark changed us. Combat Veterans reuniting for a celebration of service and freedom, honoring our fallen heroes … Smiles, laughs and even tears as we shared stories … Thank you to our Danish brothers and sisters for hosting this event!” ~ Jose “Mickey” Franco, AHERO Ambassador

“The relationship developed with Jacob Panton and the Danes exemplifies the bond forged by brothers in arms irrespective of nationality. It’s an honor to serve the Veteran community by their side.” ~ Lex McMahon, AHERO Ambassador

Founder’s Message From Maj. Lee Stuckey, USMC

Almost ten years ago when I was battling my own issues from combat related injuries, I could have never imagined that AHERO would grow and reach almost 5,000 Veterans in that time period. Whether you are new to the organization or have been in the AHERO family since its beginning, you all play a pivotal role in reaching out to our Veterans in need.

Regardless of the ramp down in combat operations, we still have Veterans battling issues. And we still have the brave men and women of our military serving around the world in harm’s way. The need will never go away to support them and to introduce them to resources. I ask each and every one of you to reach out and spread the word about AHERO’s mission, get involved in one of our various programs, or even to start your own fundraising activity or event on AHERO’s behalf in your local area.

Think about organizing a golf tournament, or maybe a 5K run or musical event featuring local talent. You’ll be getting Veterans together with others in your community and raising awareness of AHERO’s goal of stopping despair and suicide from claiming so many of our warriors.

After an exciting 2018, our AHERO team is getting even better at carrying out that mission, especially since Interim Executive Director Deanna Smith joined us in October. A volunteer, Deanna is a powerhouse organizer dedicated to our men and women who have served. Also, she’s extremely motivated, and managed to prevent three suicides in her first two weeks. Please take the time to read about Deanna in the magazine.

AHERO is growing, with new programs. We’re excited to announce our first Warrior Hook-Up weekend at the fabulous Wharf at Orange Beach in Orange Beach, Ala. We also are humbled to partner with our coalition brothers from Denmark. Read “In the Company of Vikings,” about our Senior Hunt with some of Denmark’s Veteran warriors who have fought alongside us.

(l-r:) Maj. Lee Stuckey, Deanna Smith, and Dave Glassman

None of this could be possible without the help of our loyal supporters and volunteers. Every time I look on social media and see AHERO hats or supporters posting events, I see it as a testament to your work in spreading the good news about AHERO. Please continue these efforts and help us raise funds for programming and for our planned Maj. Gen. James A. Livingston Lodge to accommodate more guest Veterans who need the often lifesaving friendship and understanding they find at AHERO’s events.

Be that one call for a person who needs it and help us save the lives of Veterans who desperately need us and answered the call of our country. Thank you for your time, for your dedication to your Veterans, and for believing in AHERO’s mission.