Who We Are
Our Mission
Kentucky Wounded Heroes is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity that exists to serve Kentucky’s current or former members of the United States Armed Forces, sworn law enforcement, sworn firefighters, and sworn or affirmed EMS, that have been injured during combat operations or line-of-duty service. Our mission is to honor and empower the emotional wellness of these heroes through outdoor activities, programs, and services that enable them to reconnect to nature’s healing properties.
There isn’t a replacement for an organization like the Kentucky Wounded Heroes.
Wounded Kentucky State Police Trooper
Chuck Reed
President
Director Chuck began his military service in the United States Marine Corps (1972-1975). He then joined the Kentucky State Police where he served his local community from (1975-2003). Chuck also joined the Kentucky National Guard in 1978 and served until he retired as a Sergeant First Class in 2013. Chuck is passionate about empowering others that were injured in the line of duty.
Bryan Judd
Vice President
Bryan has served as a Trooper for the Kentucky State Police since 1999. He was injured in an automobile accident in 2003, and after multiple surgeries returned to work. Bryan is very active with the Kentucky State Police and his community. He serves on the following: Trooper Island Board of Directors; the local representative for the Kentucky State Police Professional Association; and the Shop with a Trooper Program. He has coached several youth sports in his community, and serves in various ways in his church. He was awarded the Citation for Bravery along with several written commendations during his career. Bryan looks forward to building relationships with others through the Kentucky Wounded Heroes.
Brett Hightower
Senior Advisor
Brett currently serves as sheriff of Warren County Kentucky. Prior to that, he retired from both the Bowling Green Police Department and the Kentucky National guard in 2011. Brett was injured during combat operations while serving in Afghanistan in 2008. During his recovery, Brett was appointed to the the Department of Defense Task Force on the Care, Management and Transition of Recovering Wounded, Ill and Injured Members of the Armed Forces. Immediately after his military retirement Brett worked for the Army Wounded Warrior Program at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Brett is both a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient. Brett understands the importance of connecting with others that have similar experiences while serving as a first responder or in the military
Tim Morgan
Chaplain
Chaplain Morgan is a 24 year veteran of the US Army whose last 10 years of service were as a senior leader & pilot in the 160th Special Operations Regiment at Ft. Campbell. Tim is an active chaplain for several Law Enforcement Agencies as well as pastor of a local church. Tim loves the unique opportunities God has blessed him with to be with warriors of all types, to offer encouragement, a shoulder to lean on and to help carry the burdens of things that cannot be “unseen”.
Kristin Gallagher
Secretary
Kristin is the proud daughter of a Korean War Veteran and has 12 years of service to the the VA, currently working at the Lexington Vet Center as a counselor for combat veterans and those who have survived Military Sexual Trauma.
She has over 20 years experience as an Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has raised twin boys with her husband, Chris, and proudly serves as an Assistant Scout Master for BSA T473.
Dan Wright
Treasurer
Jim Smith
Board member
Jim retired from the Kentucky Air National Guard in 2014, after 37 years of service, as the State Command Chief Master Sergeant. He has been an active supporter of the Kentucky Wounded Hero program from that point on and has served on the Board of Directors since 2017.
Al Harris
Board Member
Al is a Vietnam veteran, having served as a member of a Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (Seabee) from 1969 through 1971. He subsequently worked 12 years for the Georgia Department of Transportation before moving to Nashville to study at Vanderbilt University. He and his family then moved to Louisville in 1985 where he worked as Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering until retiring in 2013.
Gary Conner
Board Member
Ryan Smith
Board Member
