Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Kitchens.
Hi Mike, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In the latter part of 2010, a few individuals, the Founding Friends, (Mike and Suzy Kitchens, Darrell and Heather Wilkerson, Elaine Lintner, Rhoni Standefer, Gail Alexander, and Tami Wyatt) gathered at the home of Mike and Suzy and laid out the original plan to begin a service dog organization with a mission to serve wounded Veterans with mobility assistance service dogs. SMSD now serves wounded Veterans and First Responders with mobiity assistance service dogs and psychiatric service dogs for post traumatic stress injuries. Since 2011, SMSD has provided 79 service dogs at zero cost to the recipient although the invested cost is between $22,000 – $25,000. Each canine is trained for approximately 1500-1800 hours over a two year period. SMSD has approximately 200 community volunteers who assist the training staff (raising puppies, socializing, and respite fostering) with the canines journey to service. We operate with no administrative staff, i.e. Executive Director, etc. so that approximately 97 cents of each donated dollar goes directly to the training/care of the canines and the recipients/families that receive the service dogs. SMSD is highly regarded by Assistance Dogs International (accreding agency for service dogs), the Department of Defense, Veterans Administration, and others. SMSD is located in Lenoir City where our Veteran/Canine Training Center and kennel are located.
We are Blessed to be supported by many Sustaining Partners including Weigel’s, American Valor Foundation (family foundation of Navy Seal Chris Kyle), the Andy Quattlebaum Foundation, the Blackwell Family Foundation, Gary Lindsey Foundation, Pull for Our Veterans, and others.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a journey of perseverance, especially in the early years before we were ready to place dogs. We could tell folks what we had planned but it took time to train our first dogs and place them. Once people could see the results of placement with Veterans and could see how lives were being changed/possibly saved, the road became somewhat smoother but a lot of work remained to be done. Recruiting volunteers, expecially puppy raisers has always been a challenge and continues to be. Since we do not charge for our service dogs, the fundraising was critical but over the years, as people have gotten to know us and our business model, things have gone much better.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your career?
As Volunteer Chair of SMSD for the past 12 years, I take great pride in the development and success of the organization. To serve wounded Veterans and First Responders who have sacrificed so much in their service to their nation is a paycheck for the heart. Being told on more than one occasion, I would not be here if not for my dog, strikes to the core of what we do.
What I do – drive a bus load of cheerleaders around, an honor to work with so many others who support the mission with their time and financial resources. The volunteer and giving spirit is alive and well in our wonderful state and nation. I specialize in leading the volunteer board of directors and sharing the mission to donors and others.
What sets me apart – perseverance and willing to give considerable time/effort to others.
Most proud of – all the wonderful relationships that have been developed with our recipients, all volunteers, donors, training staff and of course the most wonderful of God’s creations, the canines and their desire to serve.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Save A Warrior – www.saveawarrior.org
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