top of page

Meet The Team

DSC01120.heic

Bret Cortright

Executive Director

Bret Cortright is a former law enforcement officer of 12 years. Bret came to War Horses in February 2019 as a participant in the First Responder Program and began employment in 2020. Bret and his wife Jessica, raise their three daughters in Gardner, KS. Bret’s passion is for the success of others in their personal or professional lives. Bret strives to make a difference in the lives of War Horse participants through horsemanship and the continual growth of community it provides.

Mail_edited.png
  • LinkedIn

​Jake Greenlief

Director of Operations

Jacob Greenlief is a Marine Corps veteran who served in the infantry from 2008 to 2017. Jacob was medically retired after a helicopter crash and is now working at War Horses for Veterans as the Director Equine Management. Jacob as  his wife C.C. have 3 children.  Jacob hopes to meaningfully impact Veterans lives through horsemanship and continue to grow through horsemanship himself.

  • LinkedIn

Kendall Gammon

Chief Development Officer

Inspirational Speaker, Author, NFL Veteran

Kendall is a Kansas native and attended Division II Pittsburg State University where he was a captain for the 1991 National Champion Gorillas. He was also voted most inspirational by his teammates. There followed a 15-year NFL career as the Kansas City Chiefs’ long snapper, and Kendall played in both the 1995 Super Bowl and a 2005 Pro Bowl. Today, Kendall is the Color Analyst for the Chiefs Radio Network Broadcast team, a role he fits in alongside his increasing speaking engagements. A sought-after keynote speaker, he has an unexpected stage presence for an NFL veteran who’s known for his physical strength. Drawing on his own challenges, Kendall delivers a message threaded with vulnerability.

  • LinkedIn

Joshua Schmied

Fractional CFO

Joshua Schmied has over 6 years of experience in non-profit accounting and is the Fractional

CFO at War Horses for Veterans. Joshua holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and is currently pursuing an MBA graduate degree from the University of Missouri, Kansas City (UMKC). Joshua began working with War Horses in March 2024 and has since been instrumental in guiding the financial strategies and operations of the organization.

Residing in Columbia, MO, Joshua is passionate about the financial health and sustainability of non-profit organizations. He works with multiple non-profit clients across the nation, providing tailored financial solutions to meet their unique needs. Joshua is dedicated to ensuring that each organization they work with remains fiscally responsible and can continue to make a positive impact.

Joshua prides themselves on their integrity, transparency, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of those served by non-profit organizations.

WarHorseTeamJoshua_edited.jpg

Jessica Draper, MSCN, CMWC

Director of Organizational Development

Jessica Draper is the Director of Organizational Development at War Horses for Veterans, where she plays a pivotal role in strengthening internal systems, advancing strategic initiatives, and supporting the holistic wellness of veterans and first responders. Her connection to the military runs deep. As the wife of retired Green Beret Jake Draper and now a proud mother to sons serving in the Army, she has spent more than 20 years immersed in military life. This lived experience gives her a profound understanding of the unique challenges faced by service members and their families.

Jessica holds a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition from Sonoran University of Health Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Purdue University. She also holds certifications in Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University & is a Certified Mental Wellness Coach through Marietta College. 

​

In addition to her leadership role at War Horses for Veterans, Jessica operates a private clinical nutrition practice focused on helping individuals improve their health, resilience, and quality of life. A mother of six, she balances family life, professional service, and a passion for empowering others to thrive.

  • LinkedIn

Taylor Gillespie

Horse Trainer

Taylor Gillespie was born in Canon City, Colorado, into an agriculturally based family and horses have always been a part of his life. He competed in reining and reined cow horse as a youth and was exposed to some of the best in the industry. During his senior year of high school, he felt a calling to serve and do something bigger than him. This led Taylor to pursuing an Army ROTC scholarship. Taylor graduated from the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, KS in 2007 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army shortly thereafter, assigned as an Armor Officer. After completing Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC) 3 and some specialty cavalry scout schools at Fort Knox, KY, Taylor was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 61st Cavalry Regiment (3/61) at Fort Carson, CO. Upon arrival, Taylor learned from the Squadron Commander that the unit had too many Lieutenants which led Taylor to being assigned to 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment (2/12), where he was immediately deployed to Afghanistan where he served as a platoon leader in Dagger Company (heavy weapons). Taylor and his platoon were based out of Fob Blessing in the Pech River Valley of the Kunar Province.

​

Upon his return to the US in May 2010, Taylor knew that he had to get back to riding horses. He also met his future wife, Jennifer, at his welcome home ceremony. He was immediately promoted to Captain after arrival and began the process of exiting the Army. In May 2011, Taylor left the Army and spent the next several years working as an assistant for some of the best trainers in the industry. In April 2014, Taylor and Jen were married and later that year moved back to Colorado and established Gillespie Performance Horses LLC. They quickly went to work building a customer base that consisted of young cow horses, non-pros and lessons. In 2018, they relocated their operation to North Texas to be in a more competitive environment. Taylor was competitive in the “lion's den” of the cow horse world and enjoyed the environment. In the fall of 2022, Taylor was approached by WH to come visit the WH facility and help with a group. Taylor accepted the invitation and also brought a peer of his to see what the program was all about; he immediately fell in love with War Horses and continued to come up several times a year and assist with groups as well as helping to train the competitors for the War Horse Challenge. In November of 2024, Taylor was approached by Jacob about the possibility of moving his business to the War Horse facility in Stilwell. Initially, he declined but with prayer and further conversation with the staff and board members, Taylor and Jen knew that the Lord was leading them to War Horses. In June 2025, Taylor and Jen (along with their two sons, Kaden and Ryder-and one along the way) made the move to KS. They found a good fitting home just south of the barn and moved his customers horses into the barn. Taylor will still continue to train cow horses for the public, compete and judge but will put a larger emphasis of his time helping fellow veterans and WH staff.

war-horse-challenge-taylor-gillespie_edited.jpg
bottom of page