Executive Director & Service Dog Trainer
Jimmy Burgess
Email: director@heartlandk9s.org
Jimmy joined the HK9 Team in November of 2022. A disabled Veteran, he shares a passion for the HK9 mission. Jimmy is married and has two boys, Ethan, 22, who lives in the Joplin area and Ryne, 20, who is currently serving in the United States Marine Corps. His military service included three tours to Iraq with the 160TH Special Operations Aviation Regiment as well as many TDY missions to South America.
Outside of Heartland, Jimmy is also a volunteer firefighter and is closely tied to Peterson Outdoors Ministries and takes disabled Veterans out on the water kayak fishing.
Jimmy has a service dog and her name is Riley. She is a PTS & Anxiety service dog trained in pressure therapy, block, post, and watch.
Board President
Chris Flemming
Chris Fleming served as an air traffic controller in the United States Marine Corps. During that service, he learned the leadership skills and “never give up” attitude to become a successful entrepreneur and multi-business owner within the pet care community. His wife, Misty, is also his business partner and his greatest accomplishment is raising two young men who are starting their own small business: the oldest, Nathaniel, is a kennel owner, the youngest, Anthony, a certified dog trainer.
Board Vice President
Robert Wood
Board Member
Larry Warren
Board Member
James Childers
James Childers is a Navy veteran who spent the majority of his military time attached to the 11th Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron. James utilized his college fund to pursue a career in mental health and has been a professional counselor for over 16 years, with an emphasis in post traumatic stress disorder.
Board Member
Jennifer Johnson
Jennifer and her husband Michael have been married for 26 years. They are the owners of Union Station Deli & Event Center. Previously, they were the owners of Simple Simons Pizza in Joplin for 10 years. Mike is a retired Combat Veteran of 26 years, leaving Jennifer to “hold down the fort” during deployments. Both extremely patriotic, they have made a point of hiring Veterans and those in need or a “hand-up”.
Jennifer is extremely active in the community and Veteran issues and is passionate about HK9 and helping as many Veterans as possible.
Board Member
Cody Simmons
A Graduate of Carl Junction High School, Cody enlisted in the Army and served in support of
Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2006 to 2010, serving
in multiple positions in an infantry squad.
Following the military he used his GI Bill to fund his technology certifications, and now
work in the tech industry, at a local managed service provider.
He has a passion for assisting other veterans, and bringing awareness to the mental
health crisis that is affecting our veterans.
Cody is also in training with his service dog Willow.
Board Member
Madison Stratton
Madison Stratton served as a Radio Operator and Regimental Legal Chief in the Marine Corps. Battling PTSD, she started her journey of recovery through various programs and eventually found Heartland in 2023. Because of her efforts, she is now in college pursuing a Bachelors in Graphic Design and on the road to graduate school. Due to her struggles, she is fiercely devoted to the community and the health and welfare of veterans around the country.
Madison was paired with Gunther, a standard poodle, and has shown immense improvement in her mental health. “Its truly night and day compared to where I was to where I am now. I can’t thank my friends, family, and the community enough for helping me through everything.” Gunther and Madison have now become inseparable.
Board Member
Michael Johnson
Mike is our newest addition to our amazing board. He is a 22 year Army Veteran. Not only is Mike the owner of Union Station Deli with his wife Jennifer, he also owns a handyman business. He enjoys motorcycles and golf. He is married and has 2 dogs and a cat.
Development Director
Ted Donaldson
Ted serves as the Development Director for Heartland Canines for Veterans and has helped
the organization in several volunteer capacities since its founding in 2015. Ted served in the
United States Air Force for more than 32 years. His military awards and decorations include
the Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Meritorious Service Medals, Air Force
Commendation Medals, Humanitarian Service Medals, Southwest Asia Service Medal,
Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and several
other awards. During his military career, Ted accumulated over 6,000 hours flying on
helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. Ted also flew over 500 hours of combat missions during
Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
His own experiences and exposures during his military career led him to co-found Compass
Quest Veterans Advocacy Group which operated from 2015 – 2025. Compass Quest
supported Veterans and family members with services and support in crucial areas. He has
worked with state legislators to advance quality of life issues for Veterans. He also serves as
a mentor on the Jasper County Veterans Treatment Court. He is a life member in the
Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans and the Air Force Sergeants
Association.
Ted organizes and leads many community activities such as the Joining Community Forces
Council, Veterans Ascent Transition & Entrepreneurship Program, the Veterans Volksmarch,
Chose Joplin, the Heartland Patriots Festival and much more. He serves on the Board of
Directors at the Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity and actively supports affordable housing
build and repair projects for area veteran families. He also serves on the board of directors at
A Dog’s Dream whose mission is to find homes for former breeding dogs. He was recognized
by the Missouri Lt Governor in 2025, when he was inducted into the Missouri Veterans Hall of
Fame.
Ted has a dog, Baylor and cat, Anna and enjoys spending time with them and his family,
especially his grandsons.
Email: development@heartlandk9s.org
Volunteer Coordinator
Jim Burgess
Jim has been with HK9 since the spring of 2023. Jim’s experience includes over 30 years of banking. He has been involved in the Veteran scene, working closely with his son, Jimmy, for 10 years. Jim works closely with volunteers and the dogs in training to give them the best experience possible.
Email: jim2burgess@hotmail.com