Stories of Impact Archives - Warrior Canine Connection

Golden Retriever Life: Spreading Smiles

June 2, 2023/0 Comments/in Stories of Impact /by WCC Comms

If you like dogs and spend time on social media, you’ve probably already heard of “Golden Retriever Life (GRL)” and have seen videos of Kevin and Katie Bubolz with their two golden retrievers, Ellie and Emma. With over 9 million followers across their social media channels, GRL is widely known for their cute dog videos and helpful training tips. They have even made appearances on famous television shows such as “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” and “The Rachael Ray Show.” While creating entertaining and engaging social media content is what drives most content creators, Kevin and Katie are just as interested in the philanthropic aspect of what they do.

“Our focus has and always will be on our mission to spread smiles,” says Kevin, who has teamed up with his wife Katie on this full-time entrepreneurial journey. “Over the past few years, we’ve been truly blessed to connect with millions of people around the world. We hope our fun-loving content featuring Ellie and Emma brings happiness to your life. We are a community that celebrates the joy of having a dog and the many ways they enrich our lives.”

Kevin and Katie’s journey as content creators has, in their own words, followed a nontraditional path. Kevin is an Army Veteran with an MBA from the University of Minnesota, and Katie practiced as a speech-language pathologist for eight years before pivoting from the medical field to join Kevin in their full-time entrepreneurial journey. It was the philanthropic appeal of animal-assisted therapy that led Kevin and Katie to pursue spreading smiles.

“As an Army pilot, I saw first-hand the benefits of animal-assisted interactions on mental health while deployed overseas. This inspired me to get a puppy, Ellie, and create a similar impact in my local community,” Kevin reflected. “As a therapy dog team, we volunteered in schools, nursing homes, and hospitals for several years. However, in 2020 we were prevented from in-person interactions and pivoted to social media.”

In searching for new ways to spread smiles, GRL found Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) in 2022. “We wanted to connect with a nearby organization that trains service dogs for Veterans. WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery model is unique and impressive! They discovered a way for one dog to impact an average of 60 Veterans! As a Veteran, who has seen first-hand the impact of animal-assisted interactions, I can assure you this organization has a tremendous effect on the lives of Veterans. The work WCC is doing is life-changing to those who have given so much to our country.”

GRL’s support of WCC has come in many forms, from creating collaboration videos with WCC to helping to raise awareness of our No-Fail Mission to holding a 4x4x48 Challenge Fundraiser on GoFundMe, which raised over $34,000 for WCC.

Be sure to follow GRL’s journey on all of their social media platforms! Plus, GRL is working on a new training course/community to help people build better relationships with their dogs. If you head to their website (https://www.goldenretrieverlife.com/training) and leave your email, they will let you know when the course is ready this summer!

Warrior Canine Connection’s Innovative Service Dog Training Program Celebrates 5-Year Milestone at Buncombe County Veterans Treatment Court

June 2, 2023/0 Comments/in Stories of Impact /by WCC Comms

Veterans Train Service Dogs as Part of Their Own Recovery

Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) is celebrating a milestone—five years since it has partnered with The Buncombe County Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) to provide service dog training as part of its community service options for Veteran participants.

Veterans involved in the VTC programming are often required to complete a set number of community service hours. The dog training — offered through WCC — is one of the options on the docket. Training takes place on a weekly basis at the courthouse and Veterans can participate within the WCC program for the duration of their VTC commitment.

Judge Marvin Pope, who has presided over the program since its inception and is a dog lover himself, says he knows the powerful role dogs can play as a friend, companion and confidant.

“When Warrior Canine Connection became a possibility for Veteran Treatment Court, I knew that this was a unique opportunity to give our veteran clients this “link” to something they may not have experienced before, plus bond them to a “personality” that is faithful, friendly, and most importantly “forgiving” no matter what the client may or may not have done in the past,” said Judge Pope. “I have seen this work so well for so many of our veteran clients. I want to continue this relationship with Warrior Canine Connection and VTC forever.”

VTC participants learn to train service dogs for their fellow Warriors. In doing so, Veterans 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. Since its inception, Veteran participants have logged more than 1,900 community service hours.

“I always looked forward to working with the dogs; learning how to train them,” shared one VTC graduate. “I like who I am when I get to be with the dogs. I think the dogs understood me even when I couldn’t understand myself. They helped me graduate from the VTC. I want to work with animals and give back.”

Amy Guidash, WCC Asheville program manager and liaison to the Buncombe County VTC Program, says the program has been successful because it focuses on impacting its Veteran participants.

“The Veterans participating have been able to make WCC part of their recovery plan,” said Guidash. “Many of our participants voluntarily continue with the program after completion, staying actively involved by devoting a couple hours per week to give back to their fellow Veterans.”

Kevin Rumley, coordinator for the Buncombe County VTC, has watched the program since it took shape five years ago and continues to be inspired by its impact on the Veterans involved.

“I am amazed by the work of WCC with our VTC veterans,” said Rumley. “Michele, Amy, Robin (WCC staff and volunteers) and the WCC dogs have supported our veterans through every step of the VTC journey. From Phase-1 veterans who are navigating a new life without substances/drugs and all the requirements of the court, to our graduating veterans who are setting future focused goals and working towards careers, WCC is providing the veterans with the skills of self/emotion regulation, behavior modification, and trauma resiliency. I am honored to celebrate five years of our partnership and look forward to another five years of advancing healing for our veterans. WCC saves lives!”

Thank You, Volunteers!

April 18, 2023/0 Comments/in Stories of Impact /by WCC Comms

April marks the observance of National Volunteer Month, a time to celebrate our tireless, dedicated volunteers for all they do to give back to the Veteran community. Volunteers are more than just helpers—they’re the backbone of Warrior Canine Connection (WCC).

We simply couldn’t do all that we do without our volunteers. I’d like to reinforce that statement by providing some concrete examples of the impact volunteers have on our organization.

Last year alone, a total of 536 volunteers assisted WCC for a record-breaking total of 102,939 hours (about 11 and a half years!) across our 15 program sites. That massive volunteer manpower accounted for a major cost savings to WCC, valued at $3,083,024.00 (based on $29.95 per hour)—all while serving 1,152 Veterans through 4,667 hours of Canine-Assisted Therapy. That’s a significant impact that allows WCC to designate its resources and funds to its No-Fail Mission of providing highly trained service dogs to Veterans with visible and invisible wounds.

We are also proud to share that, also in fiscal year 2022, WCC’s volunteers received 148 Maryland Governor Citations and 101 Presidential Service Awards for their efforts.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that in addition to the gift of time, talents and treasures, we have built so many meaningful relationships with our volunteers, many who we consider not just friends, but family.

We’re already more than a quarter into 2023, and our amazing volunteers are on-track to top these amazing numbers this year. Are you looking for an opportunity to engage with WCC? Check out our individual and group volunteer opportunities here.

Last but not least, I’d like to say a heartfelt “thank you” to all our volunteers who have not only made a significant impact on our organization, but on the Veterans’ lives they’ve worked so tirelessly to benefit. Dog Bless!

Rick Yount
Founder & Executive Director, Warrior Canine Connection

Thank You, Volunteers!

March 30, 2023/0 Comments/in Stories of Impact /by WCC Comms

This April, National Volunteer Month, we celebrate our tireless, dedicated volunteers for all they do to give back to the Veteran community. Volunteers are more than just helpers—they’re the backbone of Warrior Canine Connection. We simply couldn’t do all that we do without volunteers.

Here’s how WCC volunteers made a difference in 2022.

A total of 536 volunteers assisted WCC for a record-breaking total of 102,939 hours across our 15 program sites. That massive volunteer manpower accounts for a major cost savings to WCC, valued at $3,083,024.00 (based on $29.95 per hour)—all while serving 1,152 Veterans through 4,667 hours of animal-assisted therapy.

WCC is also proud to share that its volunteers received 148 Maryland Governor Citations and 101 Presidential Service Awards for their efforts.

Thanks to these remarkable volunteers, we accomplished all this work (and more) in 2022. Already more than a quarter into 2023, our amazing volunteers are on-track to top these amazing numbers this year.

Are you interested in volunteering for WCC? Check out our current opportunities here.

Asheville Veteran Finds Peace in Helping Fellow Warriors

March 30, 2023/0 Comments/in Stories of Impact, Warrior Stories /by WCC Comms

It’s not uncommon for Johnny Martinez to wake up fatigued, sore, and a bit out of sorts—chemotherapy pills take their toll. Yet, no matter how he’s feeling, every Tuesday morning he gets up, gets dressed and drives 15 minutes to Asheville to volunteer for Warrior Canine Connection’s (WCC) Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training program.

“I’m not the type to sit at home and feel sorry for myself,” says Johnny. “I go there with a good attitude. And on the days I don’t go there with a good attitude, when I leave there, it’s a different story … it keeps me going.”

Johnny, an Army Veteran who served as a combat engineer during the Vietnam War, was diagnosed with cancer in 2005 from exposure to Agent Orange. He underwent radiation, which helped shrink his tumors. That is, until 2018, when he was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer. At the time, doctors estimated he had a year to a year and a half to live.

“I was always into muscle cars, and I never had a Porsche, so I thought I’d do that,” said Johnny. As Johnny explains it, the Porsche was a “bucket list” item. Right after the purchase, he drove it to Florida to visit his kids. Upon his return, his doctor informed him his tumors were shrinking, to which Johnny says he replied, “Oh no, now I have to pay that thing off!” He added, “God’s probably just not ready for me yet.”

It wasn’t long after his road trip that Johnny applied for a service dog through a different organization. After waiting more than two years without word, in 2022, he reached out to WCC. He spoke to Rick Yount, WCC’s executive director and founder, to inquire how he could get involved with WCC at its Asheville location. After their phone conversation, Johnny hung up, filled out a volunteer application and has since volunteered close to 100 hours.

“I like doing things that benefit Veterans—volunteering at WCC is the best thing I’ve ever done,” said Johnny. “I can’t even express it fully in words … it makes me so happy and satisfied; the dogs are marvelous and it’s amazing how they make you feel.”

Amy Guidash, WCC program director and service dog training instructor at WCC’s program in Asheville, says Johnny is the kind of volunteer that nonprofits like WCC dream of having on board.

“He’s a great guy, and we love working with him,” said Amy. “There are countless nice things to say about him … he’s kind, warm-hearted, thoughtful and has really taken to what we’re doing here, and he just wants to help us with the program. Johnny comes to one of our open groups where a lot of people come on a regular basis. He’s there to support the dogs and socialize with fellow Veterans, he’s just an open, inviting person all around.”

Johnny is no stranger to helping others, especially fellow Veterans. Years prior to getting involved with WCC, he helped start a Veterans ministry at the VA. Every month and on holidays, he and fellow volunteers would visit Veterans in area nursing homes.

He also previously volunteered his time doing ministry work with Veterans in VA Hospice. He says it was incredibly meaningful work being there for other Veterans and to help them go out on their own terms by being able to talk about anything. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic halted those visits in 2020.

From 2018-2021, Johnny stayed on his chemotherapy pills, which slowed the growth of his cancer. It wasn’t until late last year that he learned the tumors had reappeared in his lungs, liver and back.

Johnny’s since started a new course of chemotherapy. He’s also got a new bucket list item: Freedom, a German Shepherd puppy.

“I am taking life the way it’s been handed to me,” says Johnny. “Knowing I’m fatigued, I get up in the morning, train him, walk him, and that’s what keeps me going. Having the support of family and friends also helps. It’s the same thing with WCC. I stay positive because I’m deep in my faith, and I am also deep in helping out my fellow brothers and sisters in the military. This is my way of helping out and giving back, I am here for them.”

The Blue Angels Foundation Gifts $50,000 to Warrior Canine Connection

February 2, 2023/0 Comments/in Stories of Impact /by WCC Comms

Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) team members, along with WCC Veteran Service Dog Teams Ryan Boyles and Tommy II, and Jim Hancock and Izzy, were guests at a recent Blue Angels Foundation’s (BAF) reception. During the event, Dr. Mark Mykityshyn, Vice President of the BAF Board of Directors, introduced WCC as one of its operational partners and the recipient of a $50,000 gift to help expand the nonprofit’s programming.

“I know I speak for our entire team at the Blue Angels Foundation when I say we are proud to support Warrior Canine Connection because it provides life-changing programming for Veterans and their families,” said Dr. Mykityshyn. “We know service dogs are a crucial tool to combating PTSD, and the unique Mission Based Trauma Recovery training that Warrior Canine Connection provides offers a real therapeutic benefit and is a valuable resource to helping Veterans in their recovery.”

The Blue Angels Foundation is the charitable arm of the Blue Angels Association and is led by former members of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron. The BAF’s mission is to have a positive impact on resolving post-traumatic stress among wounded Veterans by saving lives and promoting positive transitions for wounded Veterans and their families. With research and evidence pointing to the positive impact service dogs have on Service Members and Veterans, the BAF chose to support WCC.

Each year, the BAF aims to expand its footprint and impact in critical areas facing wounded Veterans and their families. Key areas of support include transitional housing, counseling, PTSD resolution, life skills, and providing employment opportunities for transitioning wounded Veterans.

WCC’s Mosko — Service Dog in Training and Living Legacy

December 5, 2022/0 Comments/in Stories of Impact /by WCC Comms

Gold Star Dad John Mosko has an online blog now used to memorialize his son, Navy Lieutenant Christopher “Chris” Mosko, who was killed in Afghanistan. The process was therapeutic, albeit very emotional for him. The practice allowed him to openly share his thoughts, feelings, and grief, but perhaps even more purposeful, was a way to keep Chris’ memory alive.

Chris was an explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) technician. He was killed on a road in Afghanistan by an improvised explosive device (IED) on April 26, 2012. John says not a day goes by that he, his wife, Gayle, and daughter, Meredith, don’t think about Chris.

So, when John and Gayle were approached by the University of Pennsylvania NROTC unit about having a Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) service dog in training named after Chris, it was an automatic yes.

John shared a story about their family’s first pet — a black Lab named Topper. The kids, Chris and his younger sister, Meredith, were young — in the single digits at the time. John says Topper and Chris were fast friends, pretty much inseparable — they grew up together. So, when John learned WCC’s Mosko, named for Chris, was a black Lab, it just felt right.

“We are excited that Mosko’s been named after Chris, it’s one more way to keep his memory alive and share stories about him,” said John. “And to know this dog will go on to help other Veterans, it’s very much in line with how Chris lived his life — reaching out to others, helping them, and being appreciative of what he had and of others.”

Military service was a calling for Chris. John recalls an early moment he traces back to his first inclination Chris would go on to serve his country.

“When he was about 5 years old, we were watching the Army vs. Navy game, and Chris said, ‘one day I want to be one of them and he pointed to the Midshipmen,’” shared John. “And sure enough, years later, he ended up going into the ROTC program.”

Chris attended Drexel University, where he studied commerce and engineering. A soccer player in high school, Chris tried out for Drexel’s soccer team while simultaneously attending ROTC orientation. Afterward, he was offered a redshirt position on the soccer team, much to his and his family’s surprise, and a spot on the ROTC squad. John said his choice was immediately clear.

“Chris said ‘that ROTC orientation week was the best week of my life,’” said John. “It wasn’t an easy week, either. They put those kids through the ringer to make sure they knew what they’re getting themselves into and that they would honor their commitment.” John added, “He loved it, loved his teammates, and just loved the whole ROTC community.”

Although Chris attended Drexel, he participated in the ROTC program through the University of Pennsylvania — which still serves as the host ROTC program for all Philadelphia area colleges and universities. It’s where Chris met his wife, Amanda, who was also in the ROTC program.

The ROTC program at Penn is also a new training site for WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) service dog training program, where WCC’s Mosko trains with area Veteran students and faculty. WCC’s MBTR program teaches Veterans 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.

John says Chris’s affinity to serve likely started with his own father, Milton Mosko, who served in the U.S. Army and fought in Korea.

“When Chris hit ROTC, he and my dad talked about stuff my dad never talked to me about, so there was a bond between them,” said John. “What Chris was doing really opened up my dad to talk about it a little bit more. One really special moment for us all was when Chris was commissioned at the Union League in Philadelphia and my dad was there to put his bars on.”

John says losing his son has been the one great tragedy in his family’s lives.

“We still try to laugh and do find joy in things, but there are no guarantees in life or for tomorrow,” said John. “So, we try to do things to keep his name alive, honor him, and introduce him through stories to those who never had the chance to meet him.”

Chris lives on in dinner table conversations, family gatherings, holidays, anniversaries, through Veterans’ events the Moskos attend, and now, through a little black Lab named in his honor.

WCC Programs Expand Reach

December 5, 2022/0 Comments/in Stories of Impact /by WCC Comms

Warrior Canine Connection’s programs continue to see growth, both locally in nearby Frederick, Maryland, as well as at two new sites — one in Pennsylvania and another in Virginia.

November marked the official start of WCC’s new program at the University of Pennsylvania in collaboration with its Perelman School of Medicine and Veterans Care Excellence Program (VCEP). The program provides WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training program on campus for area Veteran students, staff and community members, and has five service dogs in training on site.

Funding for the WCC program at Penn was provided by Team Foster, a local Philadelphia-based Veteran support organization dedicated to serving disabled Veterans through community support, Veteran peers and highly trained service dogs.

Also in November, roughly 20 miles from WCC’s Healing Quarters in Boyds, Platoon 22, a non-profit organization who mission is to end Veteran suicide opened the doors to its new Platoon Veteran Services Center at Goodwill in Frederick, Md. The space provides much-needed resources and support for Veterans transitioning from service to civilian life. WCC is offering its Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) programming on-site several days a week as one of its ongoing support programs.

In Virginia, WCC has begun working with the Rappahannock Regional Veterans Treatment Docket which is being held at the Spotsylvania Circuit Court in Northern Virginia. In support of this Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) programming, WCC is engaging Veterans in MBTR classes to satisfy community service hours—often a requirement for graduation from the court. The dog training — offered through WCC — is one of the options on the docket. Training takes place on a weekly basis at the courthouse and Veterans can participate within the WCC program for the duration of their VTC commitment. The program is in addition to WCC VTC programming taking place at locations in California, Maryland and North Carolina.

Military Family Appreciation Month: WCC’s Hullett — the Piece the Bell Family Didn’t Know They Were Missing

November 18, 2022/0 Comments/in Stories of Impact /by WCC Comms

Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) is proud to observe National Military Family Appreciation Month — a time to recognize and honor the sacrifices military family members make while supporting their servicemen and women. Our programs, which serve Service Members and Veterans, all directly benefit from the contributions of military family members as staff, Puppy Parents and volunteers.

WCC’s No-Fail Mission not only pairs service dogs with Veterans, but it also provides support to Veterans and military family members through the placement of its Military Family Support Dogs (MFSD). The Bell family is one of many who has received a WCC MFSD earlier this year. And as they told us, they can’t imagine their lives without Hullett, a lovable yellow Labrador Retriever.

A family of five, the Bell family is always bustling; kids are seemingly always running to sports, extracurricular events and friend’s houses. There’s Myla, 14; Macie, 12; Branson, 10; Amy, also known as “mom;” and Michael, aka “dad,” U.S. Marine Corps Major in his 22^nd year of active-duty service. So as Amy told us, they were curious how Hullett joining their family might impact their routines.

“He [Hullett] is the missing piece we never knew … he’s a just the best, we can’t imagine life without him now, he’s involved in our everyday decisions of what we do, where we go, and if he’s coming with us,” said Amy Bell. “Our family dynamic has changed for the better. With such a busy household, he has actually helped bind us, taught the kids responsibility through their chores and, of course, he provides tons of fun and is always giving us something to talk about.”

Hullett initially went through advanced training but based on his strengths and skills, WCC trainers found him to be a better fit as a MFSD. Trainers describe him as a smart, driven boy who loves to cuddle and be surrounded by people.

When it came to being paired with a dog from WCC, neither coat color nor gender mattered to the Bells, Amy said their only pre-requisite, which was her specific request, was “my dog must love the water,” (said with a laugh). Mission complete: Hullett spent his first summer with the Bell family enjoying the backyard pool.

Hullett is named after Army Sergeant First Class David W. Hullett, Retired, who dedicated his life to serving his country and others in need. During his military career of 21 years, he was deployed to Asia, Europe and Africa, including a very challenging humanitarian mission to Somalia in support of Operation Restore Hope. Upon his return from Somalia, Sergeant First Class Hullett and his family moved to Panama where he provided support to Operations Safe Haven and Safe Passage while assigned to the Jungle Operations Training Center.

Amy says being a member of a military family, the namesake is super special and loves when people ask about his name and sharing information about David and his service. Learn more about the Bell family here.

If you would like to learn more about WCC’s MFSD program, click here.

Every Name Has a Story

September 30, 2022/0 Comments/in Stories of Impact /by WCC Comms

One of the unique ways Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) honors Veterans is through its namesake program. All future service dogs are named after Service Members and Veterans who have made significant contributions to our nation.

The namesake program has a profound impact on those being honored as well as their family and friends. United States Army Chief Warrant Officer Erik Kesterson was nominated by his mother, Dolores Kesterson. Erik was killed in action in Iraq in 2003 while serving as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot for the 101st Airborne Division. Dolores had the opportunity to virtually meet the service dog named in honor of Erik.

“He looks like he has Erik’s spirit in him,” Dolores said while wiping her eyes with a tissue. “Just looking at him, he’s touched my life. He’s just beautiful. Erik would be so honored.”

Another distinctive aspect of WCC’s program is that it enlists Service Members and Veterans to help train the service dogs for others. This No-Fail Mission aligns with the warrior ethos of caring for your brother and sister in arms. The Veterans and Service Members doing the training know their hard work will contribute to helping a fellow Veteran or Service Member in need, while also receiving therapeutic benefits themselves.

United States Navy Lieutenant Commander Danielle “Purple” Thiriot is an active-duty Service Member who was also nominated for WCC’s namesake program. The service dog bearing her name was recently placed with a Veteran, and Danielle shared how much it means to her knowing a service dog named in her honor is helping other Veterans.

“It’s an honor to have ‘Purple’ named after me and to know that she will live a life dedicated to serving Veterans,” said Danielle. She was even able to meet the dog named in her honor. “I love dogs and have enjoyed watching her progress through training. I had the chance to meet ‘Purple’ in California last year and learned we share a love of food!”

The namesake program is a special part of WCC’s mission. Not only is the organization dedicated to helping and serving Veterans and Service Members suffering from visible and invisible wounds with its MBTR program, but it’s important to remember and celebrate Veterans with the namesake program.

“Our Service dogs have an important mission—to carry on the legacies of these heroes while helping recovering Veterans who have sacrificed so much for our nation,” says Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “We feel it’s important that those Veterans have their stories told and their lives honored through our namesake program. We believe when a Veteran’s name is spoken, they are always remembered.”

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