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Warrior Canine Connection enlists recovering Warriors in a therapeutic mission of learning to train service dogs for their fellow Veterans.
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Warrior Canine Connection and Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Partner on Service Dog Training Program

January 30, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Incarcerated Individuals to Train Service Dogs for Veterans with Visible and
Invisible Wounds

BOYDS, Md. – In a groundbreaking partnership, Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) is excited to announce the launch of its new service dog training program at the Jessup Correctional Institution in Jessup, Maryland. Through this innovative program, incarcerated individuals will raise and train puppies that will become highly skilled service dogs for future placement with Veterans with visible and invisible wounds.

“We’re thrilled to launch this program in partnership with the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “This program represents a powerful synergy of rehabilitation and support for Veterans and provides incarcerated individuals with an opportunity to help their fellow brothers and sisters in arms.”

In this unique program, Veteran incarcerated individuals will participate in WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training program, which will be led by WCC’s expert staff. Inmate trainers will learn how to care for, socialize, and teach basic obedience and specialized skills to puppies who will ultimately become service dogs. This collaboration provides the inmates with a positive purpose during their incarceration and the chance to develop skills that can aid in their rehabilitation, future employment opportunities, and contribute to a meaningful cause.

“The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services is proud to serve and honor America’s wounded veterans by partnering with Warrior Canine Connection to provide life-changing service dogs,” said Carolyn J. Scruggs, Secretary of DPSCS. “This is an excellent restorative justice program, allowing incarcerated veterans to pay society back in a most meaningful way.”

Funding for this new program at Jessup is made possible thanks to the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs and Boeing.

“Veterans know better than most that service can be healing. I am proud that the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs can support this program to allow incarcerated veterans to continue to serve their fellow veterans,” said Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Anthony Woods. “The service dogs trained through this program will be a game-changer for our veterans and families, helping them lead richer and more rewarding lives.”

“We are proud to partner with Warrior Canine Connection to expand this important recovery program to even more veterans,” said Linwood Ham, Boeing’s director of military and veteran affairs. “Through this unique partnership, we are supporting veterans while providing incarcerated individuals an opportunity to give back in a meaningful way.”

For more information about Warrior Canine Connection and its Mission Based Trauma Recovery training programs, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.

 

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

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white_sm.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white_sm.svg WCC Comms2024-01-30 16:49:412024-01-30 16:49:41Warrior Canine Connection and Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Partner on Service Dog Training Program

Media Advisory: Warrior Canine Connection, DPSCS Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs, MDVA Secretary Anthony Woods and More Launch Service Dog Program

January 23, 2024

(JESSUP, MD) – Tuesday, January 30th at 11 a.m. at Jessup Correctional Institution, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs hosts Warrior Canine Connection and Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony Woods for the launch of the Warrior Canine Connection service dog program, the newest restorative justice program in State prisons.

Warrior Canine Connection has placed three service dogs-in-training behind the walls of the maximum-security Jessup Correctional Institution, where incarcerated men will train them throughout their journey to eventually becoming service dogs for wounded American heroes. The Department is proud to partner with Warrior Canine Connection. The partnership has even named a dog in honor of Governor Wes Moore.

“This program facilitated by Warrior Canine Connection and the Department is the epitome of restorative justice,” said Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs. “I’ve witnessed the powerful connection and bond between the dogs and our incarcerated men and women who participate in similar restorative justice programs, and the impact programs like this have on the lives of our incarcerated population is life changing.”

Warrior Canine Connection is a nonprofit organization that breeds, trains and places highly skilled service dogs with Service Members and Veterans with visible and invisible wounds. The nonprofit utilizes its Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training model to help recovering Warriors train dogs for their fellow Veterans. In doing so, the participant 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.

Demonstration of the dogs’ skills will be displayed, and Governor Moore’s namesake service dog, Wes, will be present for media and photographs.

WHO:
MD DPSCS Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs
MDVA Secretary Anthony Woods
Warrior Canine Connection Founder and Executive Director Rick Yount

WHEN:
Tuesday, Jan. 30th, 11 AM 

WHERE:
Jessup Correctional Institution
7805 House of Correction Rd
Jessup, MD 

Media interested in attending should RSVP to Mark Vernarelli by Friday, January 26th at 3 pm: Mark.Vernarelli@maryland.gov

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Furry Yuletide Tribute: Warrior Canine Connection Honors Hollywood Legend and Military Veteran Jimmy Stewart with Service Dog Naming

December 22, 2023

Service Dog “Jimmy” Named in Honor of Iconic Actor Jimmy Stewart

BOYDS, Maryland — As the holiday season approaches, Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) announces a heartwarming tribute to the legendary actor Jimmy Stewart (1908-1997). A WCC service dog in training has been named after the iconic star, to recognize his distinguished service as a Brigadier General in the U.S. Army.

Jimmy Stewart, renowned for his roles in classic holiday films such as “It’s a Wonderful Life,” is often remembered for his cinematic legacy. However, many may not be aware of his heroic military service. Stewart served from 1941-1947 during World War II. During that time, he was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses and four Air Medals, as well as the French Croix de Guerre. The newly named service dog in training aims to pay homage to Stewart’s patriotic and impactful life.

“During this holiday season, so many watch the iconic Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” starring Jimmy Stewart,” said Rick Yount. “While they recognize his Hollywood achievements, our hope is to build awareness of his incredible patriotic service and sacrifice throughout his military career.”

The WCC namesake nomination was put forth by the Jimmy Stewart Museum. The museum, which was founded in 1995, is based in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Stewart’s hometown.

Stewart’s daughter, Kelly Stewart Harcourt, who granted WCC permission to use her father’s name, shared, “I assure you that NOTHING would have made my father or mother prouder than to have one of these marvelous animals bearing Dad’s name. They would have considered it a high honor as does our family.”

WCC’s namesake program not only reflects the organization’s commitment to providing service dogs for Service Members and Veterans but also to recognizing the remarkable individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation. All WCC’s dogs are named after Veterans both past and present.

For more information about WCC and its namesake program, visit warriorcanineconnection.org.

 

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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.

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white_sm.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white_sm.svg WCC Comms2023-12-22 16:41:592023-12-22 16:41:59Furry Yuletide Tribute: Warrior Canine Connection Honors Hollywood Legend and Military Veteran Jimmy Stewart with Service Dog Naming

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

August 23, 2023

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

August 10, 2023

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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https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/DVS_LOGO.png 288 432 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white_sm.svg WCC Comms2023-08-10 13:22:462023-08-10 17:37:02Warrior Canine Connection Awarded $125,000 in Grants to Help Veterans with PTSD and TBI

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

July 20, 2023

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.

 

#        #        #

 

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.

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white_sm.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white_sm.svg WCC Comms2023-07-20 13:38:092023-07-20 13:38:09$200,000 Grant Empowers Warrior Canine Connection’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery Training Program

Governor Moore Honored with Namesake of Service Dog in Training

May 26, 2023

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

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

May 4, 2023

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_sm.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

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.   

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

April 26, 2023

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.   

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Contact Us

14934 Schaeffer Road
Boyds, MD 20841

(T) 301.260.1111
info@warriorcanineconnection.org


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

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