Ep. 9 | Major Lee Stuckey on Overcoming Trauma, Finding Purpose, and Saving Veteran Lives

Marine Major (Ret.) Lee Stuckey shares one of the most powerful and emotional stories ever featured on Coffee Time with Carlos Machado. After three combat deployments, traumatic brain injury, and years of silent suffering, Lee reached the darkest moment of his life. At the exact second he attempted to take his life, his mother called. That single moment redirected everything and eventually led him to create AHERO, an organization that has helped thousands of veterans find purpose, connection, and a path to healing.In this episode, Lee and Carlos dive into trauma, leadership, faith, recovery, daily discipline, brotherhood, and the importance of community for veterans and civilians who carry invisible wounds. Lee explains how outdoor retreats, mentorship, honest conversations, and service to others became the foundation of AHERO’s life saving work. His insights into identity, purpose, and rebuilding a meaningful life offer hope for anyone facing mental or emotional battles.They also discuss how martial arts and jiu jitsu help veterans regain clarity and emotional balance. Lee shares how the mats gave him routine, accountability, and a sense of family that he had been missing. His journey shows that healing is possible, that support systems matter, and that reaching out can change a life.This episode carries a message of resilience, compassion, and faith. It reminds veterans, families, and anyone struggling that they are not alone and that purpose can grow from the hardest seasons of life.Topics CoveredCombat trauma and emotional woundsThe phone call that saved his lifePurpose and identity after serviceFaith as part of the recovery journeyHow AHERO supports veteransThe role of community and connectionMartial arts and emotional groundingHealthy routines and accountabilityLeadership and personal growthBuilding a legacy of serviceIf You Need HelpYou are not alone.Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then press 1Connect With Major Lee StuckeyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lee.stuckeyAHERO Website: https://aherousa.org AHERO Donate: https://aherousa.org/donate AHERO Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_hero_usa AHERO Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aherousaLee Stuckey LegacyWebsite: https://leestuckeylegacy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leestuckeylegacy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leestuckeylegacyOfficial Coffee Time LinksWebsite: https://coffeetimewithcarlos.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeeTimeWithCarlosMachado Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coffeetimewithcarlos Carlos Machado Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlosmachadojiujitsu Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coffeetimewithcarlos Carlos Machado Jiu Jitsu: https://www.facebook.com/CarlosMachadoBJJ Podcast Episodes: https://podcast.coffeetimewithcarlos.com