Our Story
Founded on continued service.
American Heroes Equine Connection was born from the healing Luke experienced with horses during his military transition — and the conviction that other heroes deserve the same.
The founders
Lt. Col. Luke Medvegy (USA, Retired) and his wife Katie Medvegy founded American Heroes Equine Connection, Inc. after living, firsthand, the therapeutic power of horses during Luke's transition out of active-duty military service. What began as personal healing became a mission: to open that same door for other veterans, first responders, and their families.
A 501(c)(3) built to serve
AHEC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to equine-assisted therapy, ranching and farming education, and community healing for veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families. Programs are offered at no cost to the people we serve, funded entirely by donors, sponsors, and community partners.
Why this work matters
The transition from uniform to civilian life — or from years of running toward the fire — is rarely simple. Horses meet a person exactly where they are, without titles, without rank. That honest, present connection is where healing begins.