Henry Johnson’s career is nothing short of legendary. He kicked off his military journey as a Recon Marine with the U.S. Marine Corps in 1993, before transitioning to the U.S. Army. There, he took on Civil Affairs missions in Kosovo and later served as a Team Leader under Special Operations Command in Iraq. After over a decade in combat zones, including working as a contractor for the U.S. State Department in Afghanistan and Iraq, Henry returned to the tranquility of rural Wisconsin.

A lifelong K-9 trainer, Henry’s expertise shines at Dogs for Defense, where he handles and trains explosive and drug detection dogs. Certified by the U.S. Army, Henry's dedication to training working dogs is unparalleled, and his experience ensures every dog and handler pair reaches their full potential.

When Henry isn’t training the next generation of working dogs, he’s out adventuring. Whether he’s cruising the countryside on his motorcycle, cultivating honey, or making maple syrup, Henry embraces life with the same passion he puts into his work. At home in Birchwood, Wisconsin, Henry enjoys life with his beautiful wife, Mandy, and is the proud father of two adult children, with an ever-growing number of grandchildren keeping him busy.

Dan Hughes' career reads like a page-turning action novel. He began as a Special Agent with the U.S. Secret Service, spending five intense years in the New York Field Office, where he survived the collapse of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. His role on the Technical Operations Squad sparked a new passion—explosive detection dogs. Dan became the first Special Agent K-9 handler for the Secret Service, setting the stage for a remarkable journey with dogs.

At the helm of Dogs for Defense, Dan has done it all—from serving as a Kennel Master and K-9 handler in Iraq and Afghanistan for five years to leading K-9 training for the U.S. State Department and the ATF. With certifications as both an explosive and drug detection handler, plus credentials from the TSA as a Third Party Cargo (3PK9) evaluator, Dan is a true K-9 expert.

Dan’s life isn’t all about dogs and training. He’s also a family man, with a stunning wife, Kristin, and five amazing kids he loves spending time with. Whether he's busy with his K-9s or enjoying family life, Dan puts his heart into everything he does.

Kristin Hughes is the brilliant director behind several organizations. After nearly two decades of leading Dogs for Defense Inc., she parlayed that experience into founding the Dogs for Defense Foundation, showcasing her remarkable leadership. With a great smile, a huge heart, and an eye for strategy, Kristin is known for juggling finances on a shoestring budget while growing the Foundation. This nonprofit arm is dedicated to rescuing, training, and rehoming working dogs, a cause she’s deeply passionate about. Kristin is committed to educating the public on working dog breeds and ensuring these incredible dogs find homes or jobs where they can thrive.

Beyond her business leadership, Kristin is also a tireless supporter of the Military Veteran Community in Central Minnesota. A loving mother to five wonderful kids, she seamlessly balances her family life with the demands of leading a growing organization. With her dedication, warmth, and vision, Kristin manages it all with grace and heart.