Meet the Team

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.

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.

Chris lives with 3 dogs, a Poodle, Frenchie, and Papillion and a rescued cat at home. With over 20 years working with dogs, he understands the importance of the Human-Animal bond and the potential healing it provides.

Army veteran and VA Peer Support Specialist working in general mental health, substance use disorder clinic and the trauma recovery team. Robert also works with kids in a Judo Ministry and enjoys doing Judo, Tai Chi and hanging out with his dogs. He is married and has two adult children.

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.

By focusing on the needs of the community, James has been able to put his military experience and education to good use and has garnered recognition for his professional accomplishments, as well as his contributions volunteering for a variety of local non-profit and government positions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Desireè is an Army veteran who is passionate about supporting fellow veterans and believes in the powerful bond between people and animals. She is honored to serve on the board of Heartland Canines for Veterans and support its mission.

Desireè has been married to her husband for 20 years; he is also a veteran, having served 25 years in the Army National Guard. Together, they have four children and two grandchildren, and family is at the heart of everything they do.

Outside of her service, Desireè enjoys running, spending time with her family and friends, and supporting her community whenever possible. Through her military service and community involvement, she believes that serving others is a lifelong commitment rooted in compassion, dedication, and a genuine heart for people.