Press Releases Archives - Warrior Canine Connection

Hollywood Celebrities, War Veterans and Super-Star Dogs Go Online to Benefit Warrior Canine Connection

February 10, 2021/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 10, 2021

WHAT DO MILITARY BRATS, HOLLYWOOD CELEBRITIES, WAR VETERANS AND SUPER-STAR DOGS HAVE IN COMMON? They’ve all come together to bring awareness to a truly wonderful cause: providing specially trained
service dogs to Veterans.

Join them on Monday, February 15, 2021 at 7 p.m. EST to learn more about Operation Warrior Shield’s upcoming Virtual Fundraising Gala to benefit Warrior Canine Connection! (Click on link to reserve your FREE TICKET to this virtual press announcement on February 15. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/healing-their-hidden-wounds-tickets-138779482167)

The Virtual Fundraising Gala details:
Operation Warrior Shield (OWS) will be sponsoring a Virtual Fundraising Gala on Monday, March 29, 2021 at 7 p.m. EST (Vietnam Veterans Day), with all proceeds directly benefiting Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) and its placement of service dogs with Veterans.

The Gala will feature an impressive line-up of VIP celebrities and speakers, including Lainie Kazan, actress and singer; Greta Blackburn, actress, singer and daughter of an Air Force Veteran; TONY Lo BIANCO, actor and narrator of “Just A Common Soldier”; Dabney Coleman, American actor; Andre Rush, former White House Chef and combat Veteran; Daniel Rodriguez “The Singing Policeman” and Army Veteran; Dr. Robert Koffman, CAPT (Ret.), decorated Navy combat Veteran and military psychiatrist; Errol Rappaport, Air Force Veteran and OWS Goodwill Ambassador; Edward Schloeman, CMSgt (Ret.) and founder of Operation Warrior Shield; Brigadier General Loree Sutton, New York’s veterans-affairs commissioner and formerly the Army’s highest-ranking psychiatrist; and Rick Yount, founder and executive director of Warrior Canine Connection. 

 Also featured at the event will be U.S. Air Force Veteran Ryan Garrison and his WCC service dog Luke, who was recently named 2020 Service Dog of the Year by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Ryan and Luke were paired up in 2016 by WCC. Garrison, who enlisted in the Air Force after the 9/11 attacks, was severely injured while deployed in Iraq in 2006. His injuries included fractured and torn disks in his back, which have resulted in numerous surgeries, chronic pain and anxiety.

 Luke not only helps Garrison with his mobility and everyday tasks but since being paired with him, Garrison has been able to better control his anxiety and PTSD.

“I feel beyond blessed to be able to share what Luke, and other WCC service dogs, can do,” said Ryan Garrison. “My hope is to encourage other veterans to take a step forward to seek help.”

“This event is to raise awareness and critical funds to place more service dogs with our nation’s wounded Veterans. Period,” said Edward Schloeman, CMSgt (Ret.) and founder of Operation Warrior Shield. “This is a no-fail mission.”

“Warrior Canine Connection is privileged to work with Operation Warrior Shield, a fellow nonprofit that is making a real difference in the lives of our Veterans,” explained Rick Yount, founder and executive director of Warrior Canine Connection. “Operation Warrior Shield knows the sacrifices our Service Members and Veterans have made, as well as the value of canine therapy, and we are so thankful to have their support,” he adds.

About Warrior Canine Connection:
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat Veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat Veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities. For more information, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org or contact Beth Bourgeois at beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org.

About Operation Warrior Shield:
Operation Warrior Shield, Inc. provides comprehensive support programs for service members, veterans, first responders and their families that are focused on transition, health and wellness, employment, prevention of homelessness, peer engagement, and connections to community resources. The emphasis is to help heal their hidden wounds through: Helping veterans find jobs; Eliminating veteran homelessness; Teaching Transcendental Meditation; and VETWELL, the organization’s “Community Based Holistic Wellness” program. For more information visit www.operationwarriorshield.com or contact Edward Schloeman, CMSgt (Ret.) at eschloeman@aol.com.

Errol Rappaport
Good Will Ambassador
Operation Warrior Shield
Fidelis Services Group
Vietnam Veteran, Medic United States Air Force
errolink@gmail.com – 310-780-1170

Visit Warrior Canine Connection’s 24-hour Puppy Cam:
https://explore.org/livecams/warrior-canine-connection/puppy-whelping-room

Warrior Canine Connection Service Dog Luke Honored with 2020 AKC® Humane Fund Award for Canine Excellence (ACE)

December 4, 2020/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 4, 2020

Boyds, Md. – Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) is proud to announce that service dog Luke, a graduate of WCC’s class of 2016, was named the winner of the 21^st annual AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE) in the service dog category.

Ryan Garrison (Beavercreek, Ohio) and Luke, a six-year-old Labrador Retriever and mobility service dog, were paired up in 2016 by WCC. Garrison, who enlisted in the Air Force after the 9/11 attacks, was severely injured while deployed in Iraq in 2006. His injuries included fractured and torn disks in his back, which have resulted in numerous surgeries, chronic pain and anxiety.

Luke not only helps Garrison with his mobility and everyday tasks but since being paired with him, Garrison has been able to better control his anxiety and PTSD.

“I feel beyond blessed to be able to share what Luke, and other WCC service dogs, can do,” said Ryan Garrison. “My hope is to encourage other veterans to take a step forward to seek help.”

The official announcement was made today on an AKC.tv special, which featured a daily episode on each of the five ACE award categories (Uniformed Service K-9, Therapy, Service, Search and Rescue and Exemplary Companion dog) that aired November 30^th – December 4^th. Five winners were selected from 800 impressive nominations.

“Ryan and Luke have had a special bond since day one,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “Luke started healing humans as soon as he was named after 1^st Sgt Luke Mercardante, a proud Marine killed in action in Kandahar Province Afghanistan. Service dog Luke brought comfort to the Gold Star Mercardante family, the many Veterans who helped train him in WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery program, and especially to Ryan Garrison and his entire family, who regained their father and husband as they knew him.”

In January of this year, Ryan, Luke and his son were involved in a rollover vehicle crash, which triggered flashbacks of his incident in Iraq. Luke gently nudged and pawed at Ryan to pull him out of his anxiety attack. Once they were pulled to safety, Luke calmly walked over to him and took the comfort command position that he was taught at WCC. Even during such a traumatic incident, Luke followed his training and put comforting his owner ahead of anything else.

The experience with the incident earlier this year has inspired Ryan’s next challenge, Valor Therapeutics, a nonprofit he and his wife are launching to serve active duty Veterans and first responders in Dayton, Ohio and the surrounding area. They plan to provide creative arts therapies, such as music and art therapy, to individuals who’ve seen and experienced traumatic life events.

Media note: To arrange interviews or for photo requests, please contact Beth Bourgeois, Warrior Canine Connection, at 719-216-3206 or beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org.

# # #

About Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat Veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat Veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities. For more information, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.

The AKC Humane Fund, Inc. unites animal lovers in promoting the joy and value of responsible pet ownership through education, outreach and grant-making. The Fund provides financial grants to domestic violence shelters and Breed Rescue organizations and awards scholarships to students pursuing professions that strengthen the human-animal bond. The AKC Humane Fund’s Awards for Canine Excellence are given each year to promote the important role dogs play in our lives. Contributions to the AKC Humane Fund are fully tax-deductible as allowed by law under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. For more information, visit www.akchumanefund.org.

The American Kennel Club
Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 22,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred and mixed breed dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite and the AKC Museum of the Dog. For more information, visit www.akc.org.

AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.
Become a fan of the American Kennel Club on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter @AKCDogLovers.

Warrior Canine Connection Awarded $35,000 Grant from SAGA Foundation for Menlo Park Program

November 9, 2020/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2020

BOYDS, Md. – Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) has received a $35,000 grant from SAGA Foundation to support its therapeutic service dog training program at its Menlo Park Campus of the VA Palo Alto Care System. This marks the third grant to WCC from SAGA, bringing the organization’s contribution to WCC to nearly $100,000.

WCC’s program is unique from other service dog organizations in that it enlists Service Members and Veterans who are in recovery to help train the dogs for their fellow Warriors. Anchored in performing a military support mission, the participants in WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program concurrently benefit from the program while serving others. Program participants receive therapeutic benefits from skills development in communication, confidence building, accountability, emotional regulation and patience to promote an act of service.

“We appreciate SAGA Foundation’s continued support and sustained commitment to helping Veterans in need,” said Rick Yount, executive director and founder, Warrior Canine Connection. “This grant funding is crucial in helping us to continue providing Veterans in California with the healing benefits that come from the human-animal bond.”

Due to support provided by SAGA Foundation, in 2019, WCC’s was able to achieve the following impact in California:

Engaged 56 new California Veterans and military family members in programming, 79% of whom reported an overall elevation in their mood and reduction in their stress level following participation in WCC’s MBTR program
Provided 797 hours of Mission Based Trauma Recovery training at no-cost to Veterans, with 98% reporting high levels of satisfaction with their progress in the program
Trained seven service dogs with the assistance of wounded Veterans
Placed two service dogs with California-based disabled Veterans
Supported a long-term WCC facility dog who proudly serves at the VA in Menlo Park.

“SAGA Foundation recognizes those who have sacrificed so that we can live in a free country,” said David Bartoshuk, president of SAGA Foundation. “We are grateful to be able to help our veterans by way of this amazing, impactful program.”

WCC has been providing its Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training program for Veterans at the Menlo Park Campus of the Palo Alto Health Care System since 2012.

SAGA Foundation awards annual grants through a selective application and review process, placing priority on organizations that focus on leadership, underserved youth, safety & security and global peace.

For more information, please contact Beth Bourgeois, Warrior Canine Connection, at beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org.

# # #

About Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat Veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat Veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities. For more information, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.

About SAGA Foundation
SAGA Foundation assists nonprofit organizations focusing on the issues of leadership, underserved youth, safety and security, and global peace. We collaborate with nonpartisan, nondenominational, entrepreneurial nonprofit organizations to help them work smarter, reach further, and have lasting impact. Visit https://sagafoundation.org/ to learn more.

Join us on Saturday, September 26th for Warrior Canine Connection’s 2020 Virtual Graduation

September 24, 2020/in Press Releases, Stories of Impact, WCC in the News /by WCC Comms

Be sure to tune-in to WCC’s Facebook page at 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, September 26^th for Warrior Canine Connection’s eighth annual graduation. The ceremony will include this year’s graduating Veteran Service Dog Teams, as well as inspiring stories, special awards, shout-outs and more!

This year’s ceremony will mark WCC’s first virtual ceremony, and despite the format change, the event still promises to be one not-to-miss!

Simply log-on to WCC’s Facebook page here on Saturday at 11 a.m. E.T. to join the celebration! You can follow along with our WCC 2020 Graduation Program here.

We look forward to seeing you then!

Warrior Canine Connection Receives $30,000 Grant from Mead Family Foundation

August 18, 2020/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2020

Boyds, Md. – Warrior Canine Connection has received a $30,000 grant from the Mead Family Foundation in support of its Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) service dog training program for Service Members and Veterans with visible and invisible wounds.

“Especially in this difficult time, we are so grateful to have the partnership of outstanding foundations, like the Mead Family Foundation,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection “Veterans with pre-existing mental health conditions are particularly vulnerable given our current global situation since the economic impact and the need for social distancing can increase feelings of loneliness. Public health experts anticipate a surge in demand for mental health care services due to the pandemic, underscoring how critical it is for WCC’s mission with wounded Veterans to continue.”

WCC’s MBTR programming is unique from other service dog organizations in that the organization enlists Service Members and Veterans who are in recovery to help train the dogs for their fellow Warriors. Anchored in performing a military support mission, the participants in WCC’s MBTR program concurrently benefit from the program while serving others. Program participants receive therapeutic benefits from skills development in communication, confidence building, accountability, emotional regulation and patience to promote an act of service.

Beginning in March, WCC quickly moved all of its MBTR programming to virtual formats such as training videos and online instructional tools to help Veterans stay engaged and facilitate their continued rehabilitation. In-person programming will resume at most WCC program locations in July, in accordance with state and local guidelines.

For more information, please contact Beth Bourgeois, Warrior Canine Connection, at beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org or 719-216-3206.

About Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat Veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat Veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities. For more information, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.

Warrior Canine Connection Receives $10,000 Grant from TD Charitable Foundation

July 28, 2020/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 28, 2020

BOYDS, Md. – Warrior Canine Connection has received a $10,000 grant from TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, in support of its Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program.

“TD Charitable Foundation has supported WCC in the past and we are grateful to have their continued support,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “This generous grant is most welcome, as it gives us a leg up during this uncertain time. The Foundation is first-rate; it is deeply committed to providing support to other nonprofits that are making a difference in the community. We are privileged to have their generous assistance to help us realize our mission of serving our Veterans.”

WCC’s MBTR programming is unique from other service dog organizations in that the organization enlists Service Members and Veterans who are in recovery to help train the dogs for their fellow Warriors. Anchored in performing a military support mission, the participants in WCC’s MBTR program concurrently benefit from the program while serving others. Program participants receive therapeutic benefit from skills development in communication, confidence building, accountability, emotional regulation and patience to promote an act of service.

“We are honored to support the trauma recovery services of Warrior Canine Connection,” said Dave Hargadon, Regional VP and Co-Chair of the Veteran Diversity Council, TD Bank. “TD recognizes the unique advantage in leveraging the time and talents of Veterans to help train future service dogs. Together, we will build a more inclusive, sustainable tomorrow for our Veteran community.”

TD Charitable Foundation carries a legacy of supporting not-for-profit institutions and their important work throughout the region. Since its inception in 2002, the Foundation has contributed over $243 million in grant funding to not-for-profit organizations in the communities where we work, live, and do business.

For more information, please contact Beth Bourgeois, Warrior Canine Connection, at beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org or 719-216-3206.

About Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat Veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat Veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities. For more information, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.

About the TD Charitable Foundation
The TD Charitable Foundation is the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank^®, one of the 10 largest commercial banking organizations in the United States. Since its inception in 2002, the Foundation has distributed over $243 million through donations to local nonprofits from Maine to Florida. More information on the TD Charitable Foundation is available at https://www.tdbank.com/corporate-responsibility/the-ready-commitment/funding-opportunities/

This contribution supports TD’s longstanding commitment to community enrichment through the bank’s corporate citizenship platform, the TD Ready Commitment. The TD Ready Commitment actively promotes inclusivity, economic vitality, environmental wellbeing and health, enabling people of all backgrounds to succeed in a rapidly changing world. As part of the TD Ready Commitment, TD targets US $750 million in total by 2030 towards community giving in four critical areas: Financial Security, a more Vibrant Planet, Connected Communities and Better Health. Through this platform, TD aspires to create a more inclusive tomorrow — helping people of all backgrounds feel more confident, not just about their finances, but about their ability to achieve their goals. Visit: https://www.tdbank.com/corporate-responsibility/the-ready-commitment/

Warrior Canine Connection Receives $90,000 Grant from Wounded Warrior Project to Bring Canine-Assisted Therapy to More Veterans

July 20, 2020/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 21, 2020

BOYDS, Md. – Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) has received a $90,000 grant from Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) in support of its innovative Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program and to expand its program reach to additional Service Members and Veterans who are registered with WWP.

“We are honored to have the support of Wounded Warrior Project — one of the foremost Veteran service organizations dedicated to supporting post-9/11 Service Members and Veterans,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “Our partnership and this funding for programs will help us to bring canine-assisted therapy to those who will benefit from it most.”

WCC’s MBTR programming is unique from other service dog organizations in that the organization enlists Service Members and Veterans who are in recovery to help train the dogs for their fellow Warriors. Anchored in performing a military support mission, the participants in WCC’s MBTR program concurrently benefit from the program while serving others. Program participants receive therapeutic benefit from skills development in communication, confidence building, accountability, emotional regulation and patience to promote an act of service.

“The long-term resiliency and well-being of the military community requires ever-changing and innovative care solutions,” said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington. “Service dogs meaningfully improve quality of life and mental health for wounded veterans, and we’re proud to support the amazing work of Warrior Canine Connection.”

WCC will also host WWP warriors at its Healing Quarters in Boyds, Md. on a monthly basis to engage in MBTR programming, early socialization activities with puppies, recreational therapy and volunteer activities.

In the past two years, WCC has expanded its services to communities where Veterans are falling through the cracks and at high risk due to their avoidance of, or lack of, access to DoD or VA care. Specifically, WCC has recently enhanced its efforts to provide MBTR services for Veterans at community-based intervention sites serving Veterans and some of the many VA-administered Veterans Treatment Courts that have emerged throughout the country. Diversification of WCC’s MBTR delivery sites is allowing WCC to not only work with critically-ill Veteran populations in hospital settings, but also the vast population of Veterans who may remain undiagnosed and instead opt to seek help through VA community centers, resource centers, and other non-profit organizations, like Wounded Warrior Project.

For more information, please contact Beth Bourgeois, Warrior Canine Connection, at beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org or 719-216-3206.

About Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat Veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat Veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities. For more information, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.

About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.

Robin Martin, WCC Volunteer, Receives 2020 Volunteer Service Award from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper

July 7, 2020/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 7, 2020

Boyds, Md. – Robin Martin, a long-time volunteer for Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), has received the 2020 Volunteer Service Award from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper for her dedication and service to the Buncombe County community.

“We are delighted to see Robin receive this most-deserved honor,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “Robin’s unwavering commitment, dedication and support of our programs and the Veterans involved has been nothing short of amazing. She is a tremendous asset not only to our organization but also the wider Buncombe County community. She’s a wonderful human being, and we are all better for knowing her.”

Robin began volunteering with WCC in 2012. Last year alone, she volunteered a staggering 1,727 hours with WCC. She spends a great deal of her time at the Buncombe County Veterans Treatment Court (VTC), where WCC runs its Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) service dog training program for Service Members and Veterans involved in the court system.

No stranger to the military, Robin is a Veteran herself; she spent many years as an Army nurse at the old Walter Reed. And her father was a Veteran who served three tours in Vietnam. She says her support of WCC is all about the Veteran mission.

“It has been such a pleasure to work with the Veterans here in Buncombe County,” said Robin Martin, WCC volunteer. “I love seeing them coming in to meet the dogs for the first time and being grumpy and just not into it. By the end of their first session, they are hooked, and many continue to show up even though they have completed the program and are no longer required to come. The smiles just make my day.”

As a VTC Training Assistant, Robin instructs Veterans on how to work with service dogs in training which helps not only to meet their legal community service obligations but also fulfills a time-honored military tradition of Warriors helping Warriors. In doing so, the Veteran can also benefit from skills development in communication, confidence building, accountability, emotional regulation and patience to promote an act of service while receiving a therapeutic benefit.

In addition to assisting with the VTC, Robin helps provide MBTR to Veterans referred to WCC’s program from the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and FIRST at Blue Ridge, a residential therapeutic community for individuals and Veterans with substance abuse disorders.

Robin also helps organize and teach puppy parent classes, providing the opportunity for WCC to expand its Asheville and Buncombe County programming.

As if that weren’t enough, it’s also worth noting that, to-date, Robin has helped socialize, raise, train, puppy sit and care for a total of 22 WCC dogs. Currently, Robin is puppy parent to WCC service dog in training Danny, who works closely with the Veterans in the program at the Buncombe County VTC.

The Governor’s Volunteer Service Award honors the true spirit of volunteerism by recognizing individuals, groups and businesses that make a significant contribution to their community through volunteer service. Any person, group, or entity from the public, non-profit and private sector may be nominated for an award to their county award coordinator. County award coordinators submit their top 10 volunteer nominations per county. There are categories for the type of nominee (senior, youth, faith-based, family, group, business, etc.). Additional categories are based upon the area of service (animal, environmental, disaster, youth, preservation, etc.). County recommendations are reviewed by the Commission and awards are given out in the counties.

For more information, please contact Beth Bourgeois, Warrior Canine Connection, at beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org or 719-216-3206.

About Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat Veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat Veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities. For more information, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.

Warrior Canine Connection Receives $30,000 from Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program

February 4, 2020/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2020

BOYDS, Md. – Warrior Canine Connection recently received $30,000 in funding from the Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program to help support the placement of service dogs with Veterans with visible and invisible wounds in Maryland.

The Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program was passed in 2017 and is part of the state’s Department of Veterans Affairs. The program, which helps to educate the community about therapy and service dog programs and provide funding for the placement of those dogs with Veterans, was passed through the legislature with the entire Senate co-sponsoring the law.

“We are beyond thrilled to not only receive this funding, which will go a long way to support our program to help Veterans but also by the commitment, cooperation and support from our legislators, who helped make this program a reality,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “It’s no secret that service dogs are an amazing tool to help in the Veteran recovery process and by making them more available, together, we can help serve more of our nation’s heroes.”

Trained service dogs can console and are able to bring out even the most isolated personality. Service dogs have also been found to reduce the hypervigilance that has been found to be common in Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as depression and anxiety.

Of course, the Maryland Veterans Service Animals Program wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the state’s Department of Veterans Affairs.

“We are pleased to partner with Warrior Canine Connection and to support the training of service dogs for our veterans,” said George Owings, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs. “For our veterans who have honorably served in the military and who have also given so much to our state and nation, this is but one way we can give back.”

Senator Simonaire, the son of a Veteran, sponsored the bill to provide help to Veterans in a unique and special way.

“There are many issues facing our veteran population, and the work that Warrior Canine is doing is making a difference,” said Senator Simonaire. “I am thankful for the partnership we have created with non-profits to provide more services, especially through these wonderful and adorable dogs.”

Simonaire was first elected to the Maryland State Senate in 2006 to represent District 31, which is a part of Northern Anne Arundel County.

For more information, please contact Beth Bourgeois, Warrior Canine Connection, at beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org or 719-216-3206.

About Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat Veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat Veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities. For more information, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.

Kearney & Company Tees Off to Support Warrior Canine Connection for Seventh Year in a Row

November 14, 2019/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 14, 2019

BOYDS, Md. – For the seventh year in-a-row, Kearney & Company hosted its annual charity golf tournament benefitting Warrior Canine Connection (WCC). Raising a record $75,000 this year, Kearney’s generous giving to WCC totals $275,400.

“We are honored to have the support of Kearney & Company, a first-class company that is 100% committed to supporting its community,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “Not only have we been blessed with the company’s longstanding support over the past seven years, but also with the leadership and expertise of one of its valued team members, Dr. Kyle Richards, who serves on our board; he brings so much value, impeccable judgment and immeasurable support to our organization, we are so thankful.”

More than 150 golfers turned out for the event, along with WCC staff, and service dog and puppy parent teams. This year’s event included remarks by Retired Marine Corps Sergeant Michael Boudreau, who served two tours in Iraq and received service dog Tamer from WCC in 2017.

“Thank you for supporting WCC,” said Boudreau to golfers at the event. “Without it, Veterans, like me, would not have service dogs.”

As a company, Kearney & Company and its employees have made community outreach a priority; the company highly encourages its team members to participate in and contribute to greater causes beyond the company’s own mission.

“It’s truly a pleasure to host our golf tournament with Warrior Canine Connection for the 7^th year in a row,” said Brian Kearney, chief operating officer, Kearney & Company. “We’re humbled that our contributions can help Warrior Canine Connection achieve their mission, and we value our partnership with them immensely.”

For more information, please contact Beth Bourgeois, Warrior Canine Connection, at beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org or 719-216-3206.

# # #

About Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat Veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat Veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities. For more information, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.

About Kearney & Company
Founded in 1985, Kearney is the premier CPA firm focused exclusively on the Federal Government, providing services across the financial management spectrum. Kearney has helped the Federal Government improve its financial operations’ overall effectiveness and efficiency; increase its level of accountability and compliance with laws, regulations, and guidance; and protect its funds from fraud, waste, and abuse. We understand the Federal Government’s need for efficiency and transparency. Visit https://www.kearneyco.com/ for more information.

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