• Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
Donate
Warrior Canine Connection enlists recovering Warriors in a therapeutic mission of learning to train service dogs for their fellow Veterans.
Warrior Canine Connection
  • How We Help Warriors
    • Mission Based Trauma Recovery
    • Program Details
    • Program History
    • Research
  • Service Dogs
    • Purpose Bred
    • Puppies
    • Puppy Cam
    • Dog Applicants
    • Adopting a Release Dog
  • Get Involved
    • Donate
    • Individual Volunteer Opportunities
    • Corporate and Group Volunteer Opportunities
    • Hold a Community Event
    • Become a Puppy Parent
    • Become a Puppy Sitter
    • Educational Toolkit
  • About Us
    • Mission
    • Board of Directors
    • Board of Advisors
    • Our Staff
    • Current Job Openings
    • Partners and Sponsors
    • Financials
    • Locations
    • Contact
  • WCC Healing Quarters
    • Construction Cam
  • Newsroom
    • Warrior Stories
    • Stories of Impact
    • WCC in the News
    • Press Releases
  • Shop
  • Menu Menu
  • Donate
  • Home
  • How We Help Warriors
    • Mission Based Trauma Recovery
    • Program Details
    • Program History
    • Research
  • Service Dogs
    • Purpose Bred
    • Puppies
    • Puppy Cam
    • Dog Applicants
    • Adopting a Release Dog
  • Get Involved
    • Donate
    • Individual Volunteer Opportunities
    • Corporate and Group Volunteer Opportunities
    • Hold a Community Event
    • Become a Puppy Parent
    • Become a Puppy Sitter
  • About Us
    • Mission
    • Board of Directors
    • Board of Advisors
    • Our Staff
    • Current Job Openings
    • Partners and Sponsors
    • Financials
    • Locations
    • Contact
  • WCC Healing Quarters
    • Construction Cam
  • Newsroom
    • Warrior Stories
    • Stories of Impact
    • WCC in the News
    • Press Releases
  • Shop

Governor Moore Honored with Namesake of Service Dog in Training

May 26, 2023/0 Comments/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

Service Dog in Training “Wes” to Impact the Lives of Service Members and Veterans

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland – Governor Wes Moore has received a great new honor—that of namesake to “Wes,” a service dog in training at Warrior Canine Connection, a nonprofit based in Boyds, Md. WCC’s namesake program was designed to recognize the great men and women, both past and present, who have selflessly served our country.

Governor Moore accepted the namesake honor, after being nominated for the opportunity by Secretary Anthony Woods, Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs. Last week, “Wes met Wes” at WCC’s 80-acre farm property in Boyds, Md. In addition to Governor Moore, his son, James, members of his office, along with Secretary Woods, and other state officials were in attendance.

“When you have one dog that’s serving a group of Veterans, it’s like what happens in our units—one person is working and serving whole collections of others—that’s the brotherhood, that’s the bond, that’s the connection,” said Governor Moore. “I am truly honored by the fact that we’re going have one of our canine battle buddies with my name on it.”

WCC’s namesake program is meant to honor the legacies of those who have served our country.

“Service dog in training Wes is the perfect namesake addition to our pack,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “As a Veteran himself, Governor Moore is tremendously committed to his fellow Veterans and their families in our great state. This is a huge honor for us, and we look forward to watching puppy Wes grow up as he works alongside dozens and dozens of Veterans, all whose lives he’ll impact along the way, before being placed with a Veteran or military family. Puppy “Wes” certainly has big shoes to fill, being named after an incredible Veteran who puts all of his heart into his service as Governor of Maryland.”

A nonprofit, WCC breeds, trains and places highly skilled service dogs with service members and Veterans with visible and invisible wounds. WCC uses a training program called Mission Based Trauma Recovery, whereby it enlists Service Members and Veterans in recovery to help train future service dogs for their fellow Warriors. In doing so, they can also benefit from therapeutic aspects of the program including increased impulse control, sleep and emotional regulation, as well as decreased stress levels, depression and hypervigilance.

 

#          #          #

 

Media Contact:
Beth Bourgeois
Warrior Canine Connection
719-216-3206
beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2023-05-26 13:34:572023-05-26 13:34:57Governor Moore Honored with Namesake of Service Dog in Training

Warrior Canine Connection Receives $10,000 Grant from Veterans Help Group

May 4, 2023/0 Comments/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

Funding to Support WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery Training Program

BOYDS, Maryland – Veterans Help Group (VHG) has generously donated $10,000 to Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) to help support placement of skilled service dogs with wounded Veterans, and the organization’s unique Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program. The MBTR program enlists Service Members and Veterans to help train service dogs for fellow Warriors as part of their own treatment for invisible wounds of war. 

“Veterans Help Group is a fantastic organization that is making a difference in the lives of Veterans,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “VHG is 100% dedicated to providing assistance, care and resources to our nation’s Veterans, and we are immensely thankful for their support.” 

WCC’s MBTR program teaches Veterans how to work with service dogs in training, which 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. 

Joe Waring, Board Member for Veterans Help Group, stated: “Warrior Canine is one of those charities that brings tears to your eyes because of how passionate their work is. We are privileged to help them serve other Veterans.” 

Veterans Help Group was founded more than 15 years ago to advocate for disabled Veterans in securing their disability benefits.

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 Veterans Help Group
Veterans Help Group is committed to improving the quality of life for Veterans and their families by aggressively advocating for the favorable and timely resolution of their disability claims. The group is able to serve Veterans in all 50 States.  For more information, visit www.veteranshelpgroup.com. 

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/VHG-Logo-Full-Color-1.png 1038 4625 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2023-05-04 13:39:552023-05-04 20:19:59Warrior Canine Connection Receives $10,000 Grant from Veterans Help Group

Cyclists to Complete 150-mile “Capital to Capital” Bike Ride in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, April 30

April 26, 2023/0 Comments/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Several dozen cyclists riding on behalf of Team Foster, will wrap-up their two-day, 150-mile trek from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. on Sunday, April 30th. Their goal? To raise awareness and funds to help provide service dogs and other support for Veterans with visible and invisible wounds.  

Over 20 Veterans and service members die by suicide every day. Service dogs can have a profound impact on Veterans battling the wounds of war. Team Foster raises money to fight for the unmet needs of injured and disabled Veterans by bringing together civilians, Veterans and highly trained service dogs who are bred, trained and placed by nonprofit Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), based in Boyds, Maryland.  

Media is invited to attend the finish, interview riders, and visit with some of WCC’s service dogs in training who will be cheering on the riders.

WHO:
Cyclists raising money to help provide Veterans with visible and invisible with highly trained service dogs and additional support 

WHAT:
150-mile bike ride from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. to raise funds and awareness of Veterans’ needs

WHEN:
Noon – Sunday, April 30, 2023 

WHERE:
Crystal City Sports Pub
529 23rd Street
S. Arlington, VA 22202

 

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

 

About Team Foster
Team Foster fights for the unmet needs of injured and disabled Veterans by bringing together civilians, Veterans and highly trained service dogs. 
We do this by: 

  • Helping Veterans obtain highly trained service dogs they need at no cost; 
  • Providing grants for the unmet needs of Veterans and their service dog; 
  • Ensuring Veteran service dogs receive the highest quality training; 
  • Promoting awareness of service-related PTSD and TBI and advocating for the long-term needs of our Veterans. 

Learn more at www.teamfoster.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.   

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2023-04-26 20:41:562023-04-26 21:43:22Cyclists to Complete 150-mile “Capital to Capital” Bike Ride in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, April 30

150-mile “Capital to Capital” Bike Ride to Help Place Service Dogs with Veterans

April 26, 2023/0 Comments/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Several dozen cyclists riding on behalf of nonprofit Team Foster, will put rubber to road for a 150-mile trek—Philadelphia to Washington, D.C.—to raise awareness and funds to help provide service dogs and other support for Veterans with visible and invisible wounds. 

Over 20 Veterans and service members die by suicide every day. Service dogs can have a profound impact on Veterans battling the wounds of war. Team Foster raises money to fight for the unmet needs of injured and disabled Veterans by bringing together civilians, Veterans and highly trained service dogs who are bred, trained and placed by nonprofit Warrior Canine Connection.  

Each of the riders has committed their time, training and are fundraising as a way to show support for Veterans who have served our country, many with personal connections and compelling stories to share. 

Media is welcome to attend both the start and finish segments of the race to learn more about these cyclists and Team Foster, nonprofit responsible for organizing the ride.

WHO:
Cyclists raising money to help provide Veterans with visible and invisible with highly trained service dogs and additional support

WHAT:
150-mile bike ride from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. to raise funds and awareness of Veterans’ needs

WHEN:
Saturday, April 29, 2023 – 7 a.m. departure 

WHERE:
Love Park
Arch Street, Philadelphia 19102 

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

 

 

About Team Foster
Team Foster fights for the unmet needs of injured and disabled Veterans by bringing together civilians, Veterans and highly trained service dogs. 
We do this by: 

  • Helping Veterans obtain highly trained service dogs they need at no cost; 
  • Providing grants for the unmet needs of Veterans and their service dog; 
  • Ensuring Veteran service dogs receive the highest quality training; 
  • Promoting awareness of service-related PTSD and TBI and advocating for the long-term needs of our Veterans. 

Learn more at www.teamfoster.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.   

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2023-04-26 20:36:142023-04-26 20:37:43150-mile “Capital to Capital” Bike Ride to Help Place Service Dogs with Veterans

The Phillies’ New Service Pup-in-Training, Major, Makes His MLB Debut; Life’s Mission is to Help a Veteran with a Disability

April 26, 2023/0 Comments/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

Partnership with Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection brings a new service pup to the Phillies family, which will be trained and later placed with a veteran who has a disability

Earlier today, the Phillies partnered with Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection to welcome Major, a new service pup-in-training, to the club’s off-the-field roster at Citizens Bank Park.

Dubbed Major after decorated veteran and former Phillies’ coach, scout, and goodwill ambassador Maje McDonnell, the 10-week-old puppy has been given an important mission: to become a specialized service dog so he can be placed with a veteran with a psychological or physical disability.

The new service pup initiative with Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection was made possible through a Phillies Charities, Inc. grant, as well as an MLB 2023 Military Community grant.

“Phillies Charities, Inc. is proud to support the caring and training of Major as he works his way up the ranks from service pup to service dog,” said Phillies Director of Community and Charity Events Michele DeVicaris. “Thanks to Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection, we know that Major is destined to bring joy, comfort and support to a very deserving veteran.”

A pure-bred black Labrador, Major will receive his service training through Warrior Canine Connection, a nonprofit organization that breeds, trains and places highly skilled service dogs with service members and veterans with visible and invisible wounds.

Major will spend two years in training with Warrior Canine Connection, where he will advance through a series of military ranks as he masters commands to support a future veteran with physical injuries and invisible wounds of war.

During this time, he will make various guest appearances at Phillies games, where he will meet fans and participate in military-themed and community events such as the team’s annual Salute to Veterans at Citizens Bank Park. His progress will also be followed on the team’s social media accounts.

When his mission of becoming a service dog is reached, Major will then be placed with a wounded veteran through Warrior Canine Connection with support from Team Foster, which has helped to connect over 400 veterans with service dogs to assist a vast array of injuries and disabilities, and whose motto is “No Hero Left Behind.”

“Having the Phillies support Team Foster is an invaluable asset in the fight for our veterans,” said Team Foster Founder and Executive Director Nick Liermann. “We are incredibly excited to showcase this service dog in training and share the journey of these life-saving canines with the Phillies community.”

“We are so honored and grateful to be working with the Phillies and Team Foster, which both have a history of providing unwavering support for our nation’s veterans, on this exciting, new puppy project,” said Warrior Canine Connection Founder and Executive Director Rick Yount. “The vital support of both organizations is making Major’s training possible, while at the same time, honoring the pup’s veteran namesake in such a meaningful way.”

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2023-04-26 19:47:562023-04-26 19:47:56The Phillies’ New Service Pup-in-Training, Major, Makes His MLB Debut; Life’s Mission is to Help a Veteran with a Disability

Warrior Canine Connection Named a Finalist in the 2023 Classy Awards

April 6, 2023/0 Comments/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

The Classy Awards honor the impact of innovative nonprofits.

Boyds, Maryland – Classy, a giving platform that enables nonprofits to connect supporters with causes they care about, has named Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) as a finalist for the 2023 Classy Awards. Launched in 2009, The Classy Awards shine a spotlight on the innovative work nonprofits are implementing around the globe. Today, WCC is proud to share its unique Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training program has been recognized for its positive impact on Veterans with visible and invisible wounds.

“Warrior Canine Connection is honored to be included among an impressive list of finalists for the 2023 Classy Awards,” said Jennifer Wilder, development director, Warrior Canine Connection. “Warrior Canine Connection is dedicated to its mission of providing highly trained service dogs to our nation’s Veterans, and we do that through an innovative training program. This recognition for our work helps us to raise awareness about what we do, which in turn allows us to impact more Veterans.”

WCC’s MBTR training program teaches Service Members and Veterans how to work with service dogs in training which 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.

This year, 11 Classy Awards will be distributed including the People’s Choice Award, which is determined by public vote. Supporters can vote here for (insert organization name) from April 6-April 25, 2023. Winners will be announced live on June 7 at the Collaborative by Classy conference in Philadelphia, Pa.

For more information on the Classy Awards, visit awards.classy.org.

Media contact:
Beth Bourgeois
Warrior Canine Connection
719-216-3206
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 the Classy Awards
Started in 2009, the Classy Awards recognize nonprofits for their unique approaches and impact on our world. Decided by a well-respected group of judges, the Classy Awards bring together groundbreaking nonprofits and impact leaders to honor the achievements driving lasting change around the globe.

About Classy
Classy, an affiliate of GoFundMe, is a Public Benefit Corporation and giving platform that enables nonprofits to connect supporters with the causes they care about. Classy’s platform provides powerful and intuitive fundraising tools to convert and retain donors. Since 2011, Classy has helped nonprofits mobilize and empower the world for good by helping them raise over $5 billion. For more information, visit www.classy.org.

 

###

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2023-04-06 17:10:122023-04-10 18:19:42Warrior Canine Connection Named a Finalist in the 2023 Classy Awards

Warrior Canine Connection Partners with University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine to Bring Therapeutic Service Dog Training Program to Veterans on Campus

November 8, 2022/0 Comments/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

Program Made Possible Thanks to Funding from Team Foster

BOYDS, Maryland – The Perelman School of Medicine and its Veterans Care Excellence Program (VCEP) at the University of Pennsylvania is going to the dogs. Starting this month, Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), a nonprofit that breeds, trains and places highly skilled service dogs with Service Members and Veterans with physical and psychological trauma, will provide an on-site service dog training program for Penn Veteran students, staff and those served by the university.

The program will utilize WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training model, in which Veterans learn how to train service dogs for their fellow Warriors. The program fulfills a time-honored military tradition of Warriors helping Warriors, and in doing so, Veterans can also benefit from their own skills development in communication, confidence building, accountability, emotional regulation and patience.

The new program is made possible thanks to a generous $100,000 gift from Team Foster, a local Philadelphia-based Veteran support organization dedicated to serving disabled Veterans through community support, Veteran peers and highly trained service dogs.

“Fueled by the support of Team Foster, we are honored to partner with an educational institution of Penn’s distinction,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “To have a program like this accessible on campus is incredible—as it will allow Veteran students and staff to more actively engage and benefit from the program, while helping to serve other Veterans by helping to meet the incredible need for service dogs.”

VCEP at Penn established a formalized structure to guide the existing and continued growth and development of Penn Medicine’s programs and services for Veterans in an effort to create a streamlined and supportive culture of care. The program oversees the recruiting, training and success-building of Veteran employees at the health system and ensures Veteran patients served by Penn receive optimum care. In addition, the VCEP program helps streamline the process of navigating health care benefits with those from Veteran Affairs.

“The Veteran Care Excellence Program at Penn Medicine and the Penn Veteran Collaborative Consortium program is honored to partner with Warrior Canine Connection and Team Foster,” said Paula Crawford-Gamble, RN, MSN, CAPT, NC, USN (Ret), Veterans Care Excellence Liaison, Penn. “Together we are excited to help our service members in need reconnect with life, their families, their communities, and each other through this innovative program.’” Crawford-Gamble has a service dog of her own from WCC, named Dollie.

“Team Foster has partnered with service dog organizations across the region for years; this is a long-overdue opportunity to bring a reputable, best-in-class partner to the Philadelphia area,” said Nick Liermann, founder and executive director, Team Foster. “Service dogs literally save
lives. Partnering with Warrior Canine Connection and Penn provides Philadelphia-area Veterans access to these amazing animals—something our area desperately needs.”

The program officially launched in October and is located on Penn’s campus. A WCC service dog training instructor, along with five service dogs in training, are already based at the location.
The program is actively seeking Puppy Parents, volunteers who help raise and train the service dogs in training for up to the first two years of their lives.

Veterans interested in learning more about the program can email mbtr@warriorcanineconnection.org or visit warriorcanineconnection.org.

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 Team Foster
Team Foster fights for the unmet needs of injured and disabled Veterans by bringing together civilians, Veterans and highly trained service dogs.
We do this by:
·Helping Veterans obtain highly trained service dogs they need at no cost;
·Providing grants for the unmet needs of Veterans and their service dog;
·Ensuring Veteran service dogs receive the highest quality training;
·Promoting awareness of service-related PTSD and TBI and advocating for the long-term needs of our Veterans.
Learn more at www.teamfoster.org.

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2022-11-08 14:21:102022-11-08 14:21:10Warrior Canine Connection Partners with University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine to Bring Therapeutic Service Dog Training Program to Veterans on Campus

Wounded Warrior Project Honored with 2022 Wag of the Tail Award from Warrior Canine Connection

October 19, 2022/0 Comments/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

Award Presentation Made During WCC’s 2022 Graduation

BOYDS, Maryland – Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), a nonprofit that breeds, trains, and places highly-skilled service dogs with Service Members and Veterans with physical and psychological wounds, announced Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) as a Wag of the Tail Award recipient during its 2022 graduation ceremony. All Wag of the Tail Award honorees exemplify and share WCC’s No-Fail Mission and commitment to supporting our nation’s Veterans.

Wounded Warrior Project has supported WCC’s mission since 2020, helping to propel its unique animal-assisted therapy program to new sites across the country. Thanks to WWP’s support, in 2021, WCC was able to provide 526 wounded Veterans with 4,000 hours of programming.

“Being a Veteran-focused organization, we couldn’t ask for a better partner than Wounded Warrior Project as Veterans are at the core of both our missions, and their success is aligned with our own,” said Rick Yount, founder, and executive director, of Warrior Canine Connection. “Wounded Warrior Project’s partnership, investment in our organization, and ability to provide critically important support to our nation’s Warriors has been nothing short of amazing. I look forward to our continued partnership and working together to impact more Veterans’ lives through the therapeutic power of four legs and a wet nose.”

WWP began in 2003 and has since served the growing needs of wounded, injured, and ill post-9/11 veterans, their families, and caregivers through free programs and services. The organization provides free services in mental health, physical health, career counseling, long-term rehabilitative care, and advocacy. WWP’s continued support of WCC and other nonprofit partners has made a significant difference in expanding and transforming the life-changing resources and programs available to America’s wounded Veterans.

Two additional 2022 Wag of the Tail Awards were presented during the commencement ceremony; John Shooshan, the founder of The Shooshan Company, which specializes in property management, development, acquisition, and engineering services, was also acknowledged for his support of the Veteran community. Mission BBQ and its founders, Rosemarie and Bill Kraus, were also honored for their generous support of WCC, not only by providing delicious meals but also through their volunteerism to the organization and leadership support.

 

#          #          #

 

Media contact:
Beth Bourgeois
Warrior Canine Connection
beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org
719-216-3206

 

 

 

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2022-10-19 13:01:052022-10-19 13:01:05Wounded Warrior Project Honored with 2022 Wag of the Tail Award from Warrior Canine Connection

Largest Class of Veterans and Service Dogs Set to Graduate as part of Warrior Canine Connection’s Class of 2022

September 20, 2022/0 Comments/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

Ceremony Highlighted during National Service Dog Month Observance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2022

BOYDS, Maryland – Saturday, September 24th promises a paw-sitively exciting event, as Veterans and their newly paired service dogs will graduate as part of Warrior Canine Connection’s class of 2022—its largest class to date. While the commencement ceremony will take place virtually at 11 am on WCC’s Facebook page, the nonprofit will host an in-person celebration at its Healing Quarters in Boyds, Md. immediately following the online event.

The virtual ceremony will be marked by powerful Veteran journey video vignettes, namesake stories, and keynote remarks from Governor Larry Hogan, who has a strong record of providing support for Veterans resources and benefits.

Members of this year’s graduating class, including Veteran Service Dog Teams, will attend the celebration, as well as those from previous graduations. In addition, puppy parents, who have helped train the dogs, as well as several namesake families who have a personal connection to dogs named after them or a loved one, will also be in attendance.

Graduating service dogs will have completed WCC’s intensive, Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training conducted by Warriors in recovery who learn to train mobility service dogs for fellow Warriors as a means of addressing their own symptoms of combat stress.

Media is invited to attend this event. The graduation celebration promises plenty of great b-roll opportunities, as well as interviews with Veterans and their new service dogs, past graduates and WCC staff.

Media interested in attending are asked to RSVP to Beth Bourgeois, WCC, 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.

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2022-09-20 18:20:302022-09-20 19:08:57Largest Class of Veterans and Service Dogs Set to Graduate as part of Warrior Canine Connection’s Class of 2022

Warrior Canine Connection Receives Grant Funding from TD Charitable Foundation

August 4, 2022/0 Comments/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOYDS, Md. – Warrior Canine Connection was recently awarded $10,000 in grant funding 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.

“We are extremely fortunate to have continued support from the TD Charitable Foundation,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “This grant funding will go directly toward WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training program, which helps Veterans in recovery train service dogs for their fellow Warriors. We appreciate the TD Charitable Foundation’s generous assistance and commitment to expanding this innovative intervention to more Veterans in our communities.”

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 Mission Based Trauma Recovery program gives participating Service Members the opportunity to build critical life skills while also ensuring their fellow Veterans have the service companions they need. The support from the TD Charitable Foundation demonstrates our commitment to helping build a better future by creating opportunities, increasing resources and assisting to meet the critical needs of our Veteran and Service Member Community,” said Dave Hargadon, Regional Vice President for the Mid-South Metro (Calverton, Md.).

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 $282 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/.

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2022-08-04 16:57:232022-08-04 16:57:23Warrior Canine Connection Receives Grant Funding from TD Charitable Foundation
Page 1 of 512345

Featured Video

Contact Us

14934 Schaeffer Road
Boyds, MD 20841

(T) 301.260.1111
info@warriorcanineconnection.org

Connect with us!

Warrior Canine Connection
is a 501(c)(3)
Nonprofit Organization
# 45-2981579

Scroll to top