Former Secretary of Defense, General (Ret.) James Mattis to Deliver WCC’s 2023 Graduation Keynote Address

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOYDS, Maryland – Today, Warrior Canine Connection announced that Former Secretary of Defense, General (Ret.) James Mattis, a distinguished military leader renowned for his strategic brilliance, unwavering leadership, and deep commitment to national security, will deliver the keynote address during its 2023 virtual graduation ceremony on Saturday, September 23, 2023.  

General Mattis’s illustrious career includes serving as a four-star Marine Corps general, culminating in his appointment as the 26th Secretary of Defense, and as an author. His strategic acumen and profound dedication to the security and well-being of our nation have earned him widespread acclaim both nationally and internationally. 

“We are both humbled and grateful to have General James Mattis, one of America’s greatest Warriors, join us as the keynote speaker for this year’s graduation ceremony,” said Rick Yount, executive director and founder, Warrior Canine Connection. “His remarkable leadership and dedication to service perfectly align with the training we instill in our canine graduates, who will go on to serve our country’s heroes.” 

General Mattis has a more personal connection to WCC, as he is the namesake for WCC’s “Mattis,” a facility dog trained and placed by the organization in 2022. Upon being nominated for the honor, General Mattis shared, “By training dogs for fellow Veterans, Warrior Canine Connection carries on that finest American tradition of assisting one another through the tough times in life,” said General James Mattis.  

Hear more from General Mattis about being a WCC namesake and the impact service dogs are having on our nation’s Veterans here. 

WCC’s 2023 Graduation Ceremony can be viewed on both WCC’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. To learn more about WCC, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.
 

For media inquiries, photos and additional information, please contact: 

Beth Bourgeois
Media Relations Officer
Warrior Canine Connection
719-216-3206
bethannbourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org  

 

 

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Warrior Canine Connection Awarded $125,000 in Grants to Help Veterans with PTSD and TBI

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Funding to Provide WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery Training Program to Veterans in Virginia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOYDS, Maryland – Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded $125,000 in grant funding from the Virginia Department of Veterans Services. The funding will enable WCC to provide its Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) service dog training program to more Virginia Veterans through the Rappahannock Regional Veterans Docket at the Spotsylvania Circuit Court, Fort Belvoir and in partnership with fellow area nonprofit organizations.

The funding will enable WCC to engage Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in the critical mission of helping to train future service dogs for fellow Veterans through its MBTR training program for a 12-month period. By participating in the program, Veterans can receive therapeutic benefits that research has shown reduces symptoms of PTSD and improves mental health.

“We are deeply grateful to the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, Suicide Prevention and Opioid Addiction Services Program (SOS) for its generous grant funding, which will significantly bolster our efforts to provide programming and support for Veterans in the state,” said Rick Yount, executive director and founder, Warrior Canine Connection. “This invaluable support enables us to expand our MBTR programming and resources, ensuring that these Warriors can benefit from the healing power of human-animal bond.”

In addition, grant funds will also support the placement of up to two WCC trained facility dogs at long-term, skilled nursing care facilities for Veterans. WCC facility dogs have the potential to impact the mental health of hundreds of Virginia Veterans.

“The purpose of this award issued by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services is for the provision of comprehensive suicide prevention and opioid addiction services for Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) in the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Angela Porter, PhD., CSOTP, Director of Suicide Prevention and Opioid Addictions Services for the Virginia Department of Veterans Services. “The Virginia Department of Veterans Services – SOS Program aims to enhance understanding of suicide prevention and opioid addiction among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) and build community support capacity to ensure the RIGHT HELP is widely available RIGHT NOW to military-connected citizens and families.”

WCC’s MBTR training model is the foundation upon which Department of Defense (DoD) Animal Assisted Therapy programs have been built, and it also inspired passage of the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act in 2021. This important legislation calls for the U.D. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to replicate WCC’s MBTR program at five pilot sites across the country. The organization has collaborated on that implementation and currently serves as the nonprofit service partner at two of the five VA hospital sites. Veterans participating in the MBTR program frequently report a decrease in isolative behaviors, decreased levels of anxiety, improved quality of sleep, reduced level of stigma, increased sense of purpose, improvement in family relationships, reduced hypervigilance and improved communications skills.

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$200,000 Grant Empowers Warrior Canine Connection’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery Training Program

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Funding Brings DAV’s Support to WCC for $700,000 Since 2016

BOYDS, Maryland – Today, Warrior Canine Connection announced it has been awarded a generous grant of $200,000 from the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust in support of its Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) Training Program. This substantial contribution marks the Trust’s largest gift to WCC to date and reaffirms its commitment to Veteran mental health and support, which are central focus areas for DAV.

“We are profoundly grateful to the DAV Charitable Service Trust for its partnership and continued investment in our organization,” said Rick Yount, executive director and founder, Warrior Canine Connection. “Together, we will continue to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives on our Veterans, ensuring they receive the programming, support and service dog assistance they need to thrive and lead fulfilling lives.”

The MBTR Program, developed by WCC, is designed to help Service Members and Veterans in recovery to train service dogs for their fellow Warriors. In doing so, Warriors 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.

“The Trust is proud to support Warrior Canine Connection because they understand the bond between veterans as much as they understand the animal-human bond,” said DAV Charitable Service Trust President Richard Marbes. “By empowering recovering veterans to train service dogs for fellow veterans in need, WCC instills purpose and provides hope to those who are on their healing journey.”

Since 2016, the Trust’s unwavering support has been instrumental in advancing WCC’s mission. Its total contributions to WCC now amount to an impressive $700,000. Two years ago, WCC bestowed upon DAV the prestigious Wag of the Tail Award, recognizing its remarkable leadership in the field of Veteran support. This grant represents yet another significant milestone in their enduring partnership.

Over the years, WCC has been actively engaged in DAV conferences and events, sharing its expertise and knowledge in service dog training and mental health support for Veterans. In a gesture of gratitude, in 2018 WCC named a puppy in honor of the first female DAV national commander, Delphine Metcalf-Foster, to acknowledge her groundbreaking contributions to the Veterans’ community.

For more information on WCC and its MBTR training program, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.

 

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Media Contact:
Beth Bourgeois
Warrior Canine Connection
beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org
(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 DAV Charitable Service Trust
DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust is dedicated to a single purpose: empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. To carry out this responsibility, the Trust supports physical and psychological rehabilitation programs, enhances research and mobility for veterans with amputations and spinal cord injuries, benefits aging veterans, aids and shelters veterans experiencing homelessness, and evaluates and addresses the needs of veterans wounded in recent wars and conflicts. For ill and injured veterans of every era, the Trust also supports programs that benefit their caregivers and families. Learn more at cst.dav.org.

Governor Moore Honored with Namesake of Service Dog in Training

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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.

 

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

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

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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. 

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

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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.   

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

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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.   

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

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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.”

Warrior Canine Connection Named a Finalist in the 2023 Classy Awards

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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.

 

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

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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.

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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.