ASVA Scholarship Gala

Come share an evening with the Auburn Student Veterans Association

When: Friday, November 14th, 2025
Where: Grand National Marriott Hotel, 3700 Robert Trent Jones Trail, Opelika, AL 36801
Time: 7PM CST (Cocktail Hour Starts at 6PM)
Dress Code: Black Tie or Senior Dress Uniform
2025 Keynote Speaker: Lee Stuckey

Four women dressed for a gala posing in front of a backdrop and balloons.
Headshot of Lee Stuckey.
2025 Keynote Speaker

Lee Stuckey, Founder
and President
of Ahero

Maj Lee Stuckey, USMC (Ret), is a native of Montgomery, Alabama, and currently resides in Jonesville, Louisiana. He graduated from Marion Military Institute in 1998 and later earned a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management from Auburn University. He served over 22 years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Logistics Officer, holding numerous leadership billets throughout his career.

Maj Stuckey deployed on three combat tours, beginning in Iraq in 2003. He sustained a traumatic brain injury from an improvised explosive device in 2007 during his second combat deployment outside of Fallujah, Iraq. His third combat tour was in Mosul, Iraq, in 2009 with 3/1 Cavalry. He later deployed with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines to Romania in 2014–2015 during the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Earlier in his career, he also deployed to Albania and Korea as an enlisted Marine.

He retired in September 2021 at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, having earned numerous commendations, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V,” Navy Achievement Medal, (2) Outstanding Volunteer Service Medals and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Maj Stuckey is married to Tamar Stuckey, a retired German infantry soldier with a degree from Auburn University in Wildlife Enterprise Management and currently the Hospitality Director for Honey Brake Lodge in Jonesville, Louisiana.

Driven by personal experiences with PTSD and a commitment to serve others, Maj Stuckey founded AHERO (America’s Heroes Enjoying Recreation Outdoors), a nonprofit organization that connects Veterans, active-duty service members and First Responders through outdoor activities and peer support to heal the visible as well as invisible wounds of war.

He currently serves on the Board of Directors for several nonprofits, including AHERO, the Romanian American Mission and Operation Phoenix, which supports Wildland Firefighting and Prescribed Burn Management. He is also the founder of Habitat Heroes Outdoors (H2O), Habitat Heroes Outdoors Group, and Hometown Heroes Cleaning—ventures that employ Veterans and First Responders while focusing on land conservation and wildlife habitat restoration.

He retired in September 2021 at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, having earned numerous commendations, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V,” Navy Achievement Medal, (2) Outstanding Volunteer Service Medals and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Maj Stuckey is married to Tamar Stuckey, a retired German infantry soldier with a degree from Auburn University in Wildlife Enterprise Management and currently the Hospitality Director for Honey Brake Lodge in Jonesville, Louisiana.

Driven by personal experiences with PTSD and a commitment to serve others, Maj Stuckey founded AHERO (America’s Heroes Enjoying Recreation Outdoors), a nonprofit organization that connects Veterans, active-duty service members and First Responders through outdoor activities and peer support to heal the visible as well as invisible wounds of war.

He currently serves on the Board of Directors for several nonprofits, including AHERO, the Romanian American Mission and Operation Phoenix, which supports Wildland Firefighting and Prescribed Burn Management. He is also the founder of Habitat Heroes Outdoors (H2O), Habitat Heroes Outdoors Group, and Hometown Heroes Cleaning—ventures that employ Veterans and First Responders while focusing on land conservation and wildlife habitat restoration.

Awards and Scholarships

The Luther Daniel Parker Memorial Scholarship cements a lasting legacy of his commitment to those principles enumerated in the Auburn Creed – especially love of country and hard work. He believed in hard work, honesty and truthfulness, mutual respect, a sound body and mind, obedience to law and the human touch. But most of all, he believed in the United States of America and in serving his country. 

The Jed Grant Perseverance Award is named in honor of Jed Grant, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and cancer survivor. Jed is a brave individual who embodied unwavering perseverance throughout his journey as a student veteran. Facing significant challenges, Jed Grant overcame obstacles and achieved personal and academic success. This award recognizes a student veteran who has demonstrated remarkable resilience, determination and the ability to overcome adversity. 

(Johnny Lawrence Memorial Award) 

The Johnny Lawrence Achievement Award is presented to a student veteran who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in their academic pursuits, extracurricular activities and community involvement. This award honors a longtime Auburn public servant and veteran supporter, Mr. Johnny Lawrence. Johnny served almost 50 years for the Auburn and Lee County communities, advocating for local veterans and promoting their causes. His leadership led to Auburn University receiving its designation as a Purple Heart University. This award is reflective of Johnny’s dedication to service before self and acknowledges the recipient’s exceptional achievements. 

The Excellence Award is bestowed upon a student veteran who has consistently displayed exceptional academic performance, setting a high standard of excellence for their peers. This award acknowledges their commitment to knowledge, learning and intellectual growth. 

(Josh Marshall Memorial Award) 

The Mr. Brightside Award is a poignant recognition named after Josh Marshall, a member of the Auburn Student Veterans Association who tragically lost his life. Josh Marshall, a veteran of the United States Navy, was known for his optimism and positive attitude. This award is presented to a student veteran who has exemplified resilience, optimism and a positive attitude in the face of adversity. It acknowledges their ability to inspire others and spread hope, even in challenging times. 

Learn More About the ASVA Scholarship Gala

The Auburn Student Veterans Association Scholarship Gala is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of Auburn’s student veterans and the support that helps them succeed. Since 2016, the gala has raised scholarships and resources that ease the transition from military service to college life and beyond.