Jon Barocas

Executive Director K9 Global Rescue

Mr. Barocas has a proven track record as a well recognized CEO having established, operated, and grown a multi-million-dollar, global media company with offices in 7 countries. Along with a group of military veterans, he unofficially started rescuing dogs in 1994 and formally established K9 Global Rescue in 2015. He has worked advocating for the end to the dog and cat meat trade for over 30 years. His experiences saving dogs and working tirelessly for population control and disease mitigation throughout the United States, Mexico, Afghanistan, Iraq, Jordan and Asia are well documented. When the Ukraine conflict began, he dedicated his organization to the welfare of all animals caught in the devastating conflict, delivering humanitarian aid, veterinarian supplies and working the front line to save dogs and cats left behind. Working and partnering with rescue organizations, shelters and the Armed Forces of Ukraine, K9 Global Rescue have saved countless animals and humans and provided essential humanitarian aide. 

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Rafał Sikora

General Counsel

Rafał has been instrumental is setting up the K9GR Polish Foundation, advising and guiding us through the complicated Polish government structure. He is a well known and highly regarded attorney. Along with his wife and 2 daughters they adopted Izzy who K9GR saved from certain death in Izium, Ukraine.

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Dr. Andrew Kushnir “The Nomad Vet”

A veterinarian of Ukrainian heritage, Andrew's father's side of the family fled Ukraine during World War II. When the devastating war began in February, Andrew immediately thought of his family, the people of Ukraine—and as a vet, he thought of the animals. Andrew is known internationally as the “Nomad Vet” and has been working with K9GR and providing aid to refugees and their pets, from the start of the conflict, while also assisting shelters, sanctuaries, and zoos in Ukraine and Poland. His knowledge of animals and the compassion he shows is extraordinary. His qualifications include Large animal, Wildlife and Shelter Medicine. He has worked with the IFAW and was featured on the Vanderpump Dogs reality TV series.

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Colton Martin

United States Army - 82nd Airborne 

68W- healthcare specialist/combat medic

1/73 Cav 2nd brigade

Colton is Boston born but country raised. His compassion lies with lost souls and has found his calling through the service to those in need by Interacting with trauma survivors and other veterans who have experience with PTSD. Colton has found a special calling in "equine therapy," veteran horse therapy involving interactions between a veteran and a horse.

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Brian Rutter

Staff PhotoJournalist

Brian Rutter is a renowned Documentary Photographer and Photojournalist currently based in Dublin, Ireland.  He has spent the last 12 years covering conflict and humanitarian issues from around the globe. 

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Either while embedded with Kurdistan Armed Forces in Iraq, he filed images from the frontline during the war against ISIS, be it from the streets of Bangkok during the Thai Army’s coup d'état, or reporting from hospitals or ground level in Gaza City during the Israeli-Palistine war, to being the first photographer on the ground after a suicide bomber in an explosive-laden vehicle detonated at the Iranian Cultural Center in Bir Hassan. War and conflict is his main focus. 

Having covered the Refugee Crisis extensively, documenting the lives of displaced Syrian refugees, living in camps on the Lebanon/Syrian boarder. From the Greek islands to assignments from France, giving first hand accounts of life in the heart of the Calais Jungle….or in Africa, reporting on the AIDS crisis and child malnutrition. Brian has garnered a reputation as an independent witness to the harsher side of humanity.

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After being introduced to Jon Barocas in April 2022, Brian came on board with K9 Global Rescue as our staff photographer in July 2022 where he has covered the Ukrainian conflict with passion and dedication.

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Daniel Holz

Captain US Marine Corps six years of service always seeking a challenging role leveraging leadership, aviation support, and logistics expertise.

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Led aviation support and logistics operations with Marine Aviation Support Group 21, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 39 

HMLA-469 Vengeance, and HMLA-367 Scarface.

Completed a successful deployment to Japan and the South China Sea.

Over 200 flight hours as a UH-1Y Huey Crew Chief.

Team Rubicon Volunteer

Actively engaged in humanitarian relief efforts, contributing to disaster-stricken areas and community rebuilding.

Daniel enjoys working with animals and actively participates in community service when needs arise.

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Matt Roberts

US Army Paratrooper

Matt works in public safety instructing Fire and EMS. He has a drive to helping others and in teaching people to do the same.

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Dan Olthen

Armed Forces Federal Republic of Germany

For the Past 7 years Dan has lived and worked as a developer within the video games industry in Warsaw. Together with Paddy and Rafał, Dan has been a foundation of support and logistics for K9GR. His military experience has been imperative to K9GR's mission.

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Tab Kurtz

SFC (RETIRED) US ARMY

32 years of service

104th INF Det. LRSD

19th SFG

129th INF Det. LRSD

2 combat deployments

Since retiring Tab has deployed and worked with K9 Global Rescue in Ukraine in order to assist and support the people and animals of Ukraine. He is an avid paratrooper and spends his time with fellow veteran paratrooper jump clubs or works restoring historical military vehicles.​

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LTC (Ret) Eric Cleveland

26 years Regular Army as an Armor officer

United States Marine Corps Reserve

Deployments: Desert Storm, Afghanistan, Iraq

Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with silver Oak Leaf Cluster, five campaign medals, the Army Staff Identification Badge. Living the life and helping animals and humans wherever needed​

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John Rader

22 years Denver Sheriff Department

10 years United States Marine Corps. - Sergeant

Instructor in hand-to-hand combat and ground fighting

Primary Marksmanship Instructor

Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer

Meritorious Masts, letters of recommendation, Two Navy Achievement Medals

John is a dedicated, 22-year law enforcement officer. As a former marine, John provides invaluable leadership and experience to K9 Global Rescue.​​

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Patrick “Paddy” Ney

Originally From the UK, Patrick has lived in Poland for 13 years. He is a Parenting Trainer at All About Parenting. He lives in Warsaw with his wife and 2 daughters and is the grateful owner of a K9 Rescue Dog from Kharkiv, Boomer. Patrick has been paramount and instrumental in our ground and logistics support for each mission.

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