Testimonials

Discover how our organization has made a difference! These testimonials serve as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Defending Heroes Project and the profound impact we strive to make in the lives of our heroes.

“Dear Defending Heroes Project and Founder, Joe Whitledge,”

I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to Defending Heroes Project and the Founder, Joe Whitledge. What this organization did for my wife, Janna Gatten, was nothing short of amazing! Joe Whitledge saw an opportunity to help and put his organization into action. There are not enough words to express how much that care and support meant to Janna, to us. With the financial, physical, mental and emotional support that we received from all of those involved with Defending Heroes Project, Janna was provided the priceless gifts of peace, dignity and respect. She was able to pass from this world into the next knowing that things were handled or at a point that they could be managed. This organization and Joe have my unwavering support because they truly live out the mission of honoring and assisting heroes in their time of need.

Angie Gatten (wife of Ofc Janna Gatten) Henderson, KY

“THIS ORGANIZATION IS SECOND TO NONE WHEN IT COMES TO HELPING FAMILIES THAT STRIKE DISASTER.”

On August 9, 2023, my son Montana Green fell ill with an unknown illness. Testing began at Baptist Hospital in Southern Indiana and after being uncertain of the results, my wife and I, who serve our communities as first responders, a Police Officers and Licensed Practical Nurse decided to escalate his care to Norton Children's Hospital in Louisville Kentucky. August 11, 2023 Montana’s Doctors found what had been causing his issues. A mass the size of a softball was found on top of his right kidneys' adrenal gland. The doctors informed my wife and I that the mass was called Neuroblastoma- a rare form of pediatric kidney cancer affecting 700-800 children per year. At the time of Montana’s diagnosis my wife and I were clearly devastated. After we made my son’s diagnosis public without hesitation Defending Hero’s Project sprang into action being the first organization to offer support to our family. This organization has helped support my family financially and mentally on several occasions. This organization is second to none when it comes to helping families that strike disaster. We’re truly greatly for everything Defending Hero’s has done for us as we fight this disease!

LMPD Ofc. Malliccaaii Green, Louisville, KY

“Joe WHitledge and his Great organization, Defending heroes project, are changing lives!!”

All my life, I have dealt with PTSI amplified by a career in law enforcement with no out. By Gods grace I developed a relationship with Eddie Dutchover and Joe and I was finally able to find some relief. SGB injections are a game changer. Whilst expensive I was able to find help from Joe who shared similarities in career endeavors and the struggles of mental health. DHP seeks to remove the stigma of getting help with mental health among LEOs, he and Eddie encouraged me to reach out for help. I did and today I’m doing better. I’m no hero but I work with a few. Joe was able to secure the needed funding with DHP for the SGB injections to get a start on fighting back against my PTSD. Without him life would still be bad dreams and re living vivid unfortunate memories.
Thanks for all you do brother.

Zach S., PA First Responder

“DEFENDING HEROES PROJECT AND JOE WHITLEDGE WERE INSTRUMENTAL IN HELPING ME NAVIGATE THROUGH THE DARKEST MOMENTS OF MY LIFE.”

I lost my husband, David Lee Chandler, EOW 9/7/2023. Lee held the rank of Chief Deputy at UCSO at the time of his death and was an Iraqi War combat vet. He struggled with service-connected PTSD. His sudden death, at his own hand, was incomprehensible to me. It left me and our 11-year-old daughter shattered and at a loss of how to function in a world without him. I have a lot of faith, and I am a strong believer that God answers prayers. For me, he helped put people in place to support us, be available to us, care for us, and hold space for us while we tried to pick up enough pieces to keep moving forward.

Defending Heroes Project and Joe Whitledge were instrumental in helping me navigate through the darkest moments of my life. When I think of DHP, I think of heroes helping heroes. DHP showed up for an event to honor Lee. They made/shared a video that honored his service and legacy. They showed up for me and my family.

I know Joe does not consider himself a hero, but in my story he and DHP are. After all, from my perspective, someone who shows up without having to be asked, helps you through your bleakest moments, and continues to check in and ask for updates and offer “anything else I can do” is a hero.

As a supporter of DHP, one of the things I am most impressed with is seeing the idea of peer support and offering a group come to fruition. DHP took time to find time/space to provide a peer group, completed a peer certification program and is welcoming to all heroes in need of upliftment. Hearing the goal of, “hopefully we can save a life,” is very touching for me. I’m the first to tell you there are great organizations out there. My prayer is that more people utilize DHP and receive the help they need, so less people/families like me are accessing peer support through survivors' groups. I 100% endorse DHP and would recommend anyone in need to reach out. If you are looking for a place to donate that helps the helpers, I couldn’t think of a better place.

Cassy Chandler, Union Co KY

“Joe Whitledge and Defending Heroes Project came to me sent by God himself. I was desperate and couldn't see a way out. Joe came over in a time of great need and generously helped me.”

My name is Jaime Morales, I was shot by friendly fire in 2018 while attempting to apprehend a serial bank robber. I am now 90% paralyzed and a (complete) T1 Paraplegic.

Although things were tough, learning to live a new life and all, I always took things in stride and kept pushing foward. The initial donations were life changing, I needed all new furniture, obviously because of my injury pressure sores etc. I needed a new accessible vehicle, couldn't ride my bike anymore, couldn't feel or move anything below my armpits. 90% of the way I perceived the world was now gone.

Things were tough in terms of adapting, but at least I was okay financially because of the initial donations and fund raisers. I was making the best out of the life I had now.

Well, we are going on 6 years now and there is no more help coming in, promises weren't kept more times than I can count. I was faced with many heart-breaking situations while recuperating as well. I faced cheating, lying, abandonment, family problems, friend problems, my best friend dying of cancer next to me, heart breaking legal battles, amongst other things. I was an at all-time low.

Joe Whitledge and Defending Heroes Project came to me sent by God himself. I was desperate and couldn't see a way out. Joe came over in a time of great need and generously helped me.

Defending Heroes Project and other nonprofits like his helped me until I could support myself mentally and physically again. I am now stronger because of them, God bless Defending Heroes Project for helping our veterans and first responders in their time of need.

Joe and I keep in touch to this day, he has become a good friend and always checks on me to make sure I don't need anything. I'm extremely thankful for those people that continue to help vets and first responders just like Joe. Please continue to support Defending Heroes Project so that they may save others like me. Thank you.

Deputy Jaime Morales, Scott County (KY) Sheriff’s Office, US Marine Corps. Veteran

“What a night! Sold out event at the Defending Heroes Project, Inc.!”

Excellent work by Founder and Henderson Police Department Officer Joe Whitledge. Many thanks to all the sponsors and donors who made this night possible. Proud of our community for supporting this important cause of backing our first responders who give everything to keep us safe. Keep up the great work Joe!”

Herbie McKee, Commonwealth Atty. Henderson Co KY

“his heart is so big, he gives everything he can and more to help First Responders and Veterans without wanting anything in return.”

Joe Whitledge, founder of the Defending Heroes Project is the most selfless person I have ever met. Because his heart is so big, he gives everything he can and more to help First Responders and Veterans without wanting anything in return.

Also, he is absolutely the hardest worker in the charity space. For his very first major fundraising event, he had little to no help and took it all upon himself - it was a tremendous success because of him.

If you're a First Responder (as I am) or a Veteran (as I am also), get involved with Joe and DHP and be a part of it's amazing growth!

George Wooden, BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising