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Warrior Canine Connection utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to help recovering Warriors reconnect with life, their families, their communities, and each other.

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News Updates

Warrior Canine Connection Founder and Executive Director Rick Yount Elected to Board of Directors for Assistance Dogs International North America

October 17, 2018

BOYDS, Maryland – Warrior Canine Connection is pleased to announce that its Founder and Executive Director Rick Yount has been elected to the Board of Directors for Assistance Dogs International North America (ADINA), effective immediately. Yount, along with three additional newly elected board members, will work together to represent ADINA’s mission and vision within North […]

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Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection

Join us in welcoming WCC’s Owen (Mr. Blue) Named in honor of United States Navy Captain Owen Thorp III Navy Captain Owen Thorp III was born in Plainfield, New Jersey. Inspired by his cousin George, a Midshipmen, and with a desire to serve his country, challenge himself, and serve others, CAPT Thorp enrolled at the United States Naval Academy (USNA) where he graduated in 1977, receiving his B.S. in Mathematics. After completing Nuclear Power School in Ballston Spa, NY, and Naval Submarine School in Groton, CT, CAPT Thorp was stationed on the USS Baton Rouge (SSN-689), in Norfolk, VA, where he qualified in submarines.During his tour in Norfolk, he met his wife Kathy at Portsmouth Naval Hospital, and within a few months, he found himself with orders to Naval Nuclear Power School in Orlando, FL. In 1984, after the birth of their first child, CAPT Thorp resigned his Officer commission and moved to Annapolis, near the United States Naval Academy. In 1997, CAPT Thorp returned to active duty, teaching the Midshipmen in Mechanical and Systems Engineering at USNA. Through his hard work ethic, good humor, and intellect, CAPT Thorp was selected for various positions during his 20-year tenure, to include Deputy Division Director of the Engineering and Weapons Division, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, and Assistant Professor. Through the years, he received a Masters, and Ph.D., in Mechanical Engineering from Catholic University and served proudly on the Catholic University Advisory board in Engineering, among other academic and advisory Boards at the Naval Academy.His mentorship, teaching ability, and enthusiasm earned CAPT Thorp the Clements Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2008. CAPT Thorp’s most prized collateral duty was serving as the Academic Representative for the Navy Lacrosse team, intervening, supporting and encouraging countless Midshipmen who successfully graduated and served and are serving with distinction as United States Navy and Marine Corps Officers. By all accounts, CAPT Thorp was deeply loved by the USNA community. Former Navy Coach Richie Meade recalls, “He cared about you. He cared about your parents and your brother and sister and knew your story. That’s what great leaders do – they give themselves to other people. He was a great leader.” CAPT Thorp was a consummate Naval Officer but first and foremost, he was a devoted husband and father. CAPT Thorp adored his children, Regina, Andrew, Lauren and Matthew, proud of each of their endeavors, and accomplishments through the years, with three entering Military Service. Through his example, he left them with tools to grow their faith and to serve others. His greatest love of his life was his wife Kathy, whom he adored through their 35 years of marriage.Bryan Wolfe, a 2003 Navy graduate, once shared, “I don’t think you can replace Captain Thorp. We have to carry on who he was. He impacted so many people and so many naval officers and marine officers and just people in general. He gave everything he had to everybody and we all kind of owe it to him to try to carry that legacy on in his model to help others first.”With gratitude for the opportunity to carry on his namesake’s legacy, it is with great pride that we name WCC’s Owen in honor of United States Navy Captain Owen Thorp III. ... See MoreSee Less

5 hours ago  ·  

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