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Warrior Canine Connection enlists recovering Warriors in a therapeutic mission of learning to train service dogs for their fellow Veterans.
Warrior Canine Connection
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Warrior Spotlight: Air Force Veteran Amber Adams Finds Solace in Training Service Dogs

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

Air Force Veteran Amber Adams has always loved animals. Growing up, her family raised beagles, and now she has two cats of her own. So, when she saw an opportunity through Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) to be involved with Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) and help train future service dogs, she signed up. 

After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force, Adams sought out WWP as a way to connect with other Veterans and to find resources to help with her mental and physical health. She’s participated in fishing, kayaking, beekeeping, and a myriad of other activities, but when it came to WCC’s program and working with its puppies and dogs, she was hooked. 

“When I learned about the mission, I got really excited about volunteering there,” said Adams. “I like the companionship of the dogs; I bonded really quickly with WCC’s Dana and WCC’s Ember, and I like knowing that the training and enrichment of the puppies will benefit future Veterans.”

Adams started volunteering her time at WCC to help with the whelping and socialization of WCC puppies a few times a month. Then, she learned about its Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program and participated in the 8-week program learning how to train future service dogs for fellow Warriors. The program teaches Veterans in their own recovery to train service dog for fellow Warriors. In doing so, they receive their own therapeutic benefit from skills development in communication, confidence building, accountability, emotional regulation, patience and more by promoting an act of service.

While completing the MBTR program, Adams also participated in a University of Maryland research study that was funded by National Institutes of Health (NIH), which spanned 2018 to 2022, with a pause for COVID. Veteran participants with PTSD, like Adams, wore heartrate monitors and had saliva swabs taken before and after their interaction with the dogs to measure changes in their heart rate variability, cortisol and physiological stress indicators. Researchers are studying the correlation between the presence of service dogs, quality of life, and level of reported PTSD symptoms. The study will end in January 2023 and the results will be available later in 2023. 

“It’s great training for me with my anxiety and PTSD; it’s easier to connect with a dog than a human sometimes,” said Adams. “The mindfulness is great … I’ve become so aware of the tone of my voice, become more patient, and focusing on communicating effectively with the dogs.”

Adams’ father and two sisters both served in the Army and her mother was a teacher. She went to college to be a teacher as well, but after landing only long-term subbing positions, she decided the Air Force would be a great way to go — enabling her to learn a new language and serve her country at the same time. 

She spent a year and a half learning the Pashto language spoken by the Taliban at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language School after basic training. Adams served seven years in the Air Force as a cryptologic language analyst, providing force protection for members of the U.S. military in Afghanistan.

She now works for one of Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Urban Search & Rescue Task Force as a grants manager. When a natural disaster or terror event happens, she helps to manage the funding and finances for deployments to those areas.

Adams encourages any Veterans who are looking for new hobbies, things to do, and a connection to other like-minded people, to check out WWP.

“It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, there’s a lot of different activities, and a variety of offerings — everyone can find something to do,” said Adams. “It will definitely open your world up to so many other opportunities!”

To learn more about WWP and its programs, click here.

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2022-12-05 14:45:202022-12-05 14:45:20Warrior Spotlight: Air Force Veteran Amber Adams Finds Solace in Training Service Dogs

Suzanne & Holli Ann Take on the 2022 Warrior Games

September 29, 2022/0 Comments/in Stories of Impact, Warrior Stories /by WCC Comms

This year, Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) had one of its own participate in the Department of Defense’s annual “Warrior Games,” an athletic competition for Service Members and Veterans with visible and invisible wounds that is televised on ESPN. CAPT (Ret.) Suzanne Brown, who served in the United States Coast Guard for over 25 years and is now a Service Dog Training Instructor for WCC, had the opportunity to travel to Orlando for two weeks in August to compete. Suzanne was accompanied by her service dog, WCC’s Holli Ann, and came home with 10 medals and some wonderful stories to share.  

“The overall experience was pretty amazing. It was amazing being around all the other wounded Warriors and seeing each other overcoming challenges whether they are physical or emotional,” said Suzanne. “I definitely made some new friends and even people who we were competing against, you become friends. Everyone is supporting each other. You want to win but it’s about supporting each other.” 

While Suzanne participated in cycling, rowing, track, and swimming, she had a clear favorite. 

“Swimming was my favorite by far. That’s my happy place. I’m very comfortable in the pool. It’s so great to be able to get back to swimming.” Suzanne credits Holli Ann for helping her feel comfortable in a pool again after her service. “It had been a number of years. Some of the struggles were just getting to a pool and being comfortable in that loud and crowded environment again. Holli Ann helped me because I had to focus on her instead of focusing on my fears. I had to focus on getting her used to the environment,” said Suzanne. 

When Suzanne took Holli Ann with her to cheer on teammates in the rowing competition, it was Holli Ann who grabbed ESPN’s attention. “We were going to go cheer everyone else on. I had Holli Ann by my side and we went and stood right in the middle of the cheering section with all the people I knew in front of the rowers. Holli Ann was on ESPN because while we were cheering Holli Ann was licking everyone’s faces.” 

Despite Holli Ann’s attempt to steal the spotlight, Suzanne was the star of the show, winning 10 total medals including three gold medals in swimming (50-meter freestyle, 100-meter freestyle and 50-meter backstroke) and four silver medals in track (200-meter sprint, 400-meter sprint, 800-meter race and 1500-meter race). Suzanne was also named the winner of the “Heart of the Team” Award. 

Another aspect of the Warrior Games that Suzanne enjoyed was getting to know the other athletes. “I enjoyed the opportunities to hang out with the athletes in smaller groups.” It was a positive experience for Suzanne to interact with other Warriors who might have had similar or shared experiences. “It’s people that kind of get it. We are all there for our own reasons. Maybe different reasons but similar. That was probably the best experience.” 

Holli Ann was able to enjoy the social scene, too, as she got to enjoy daily “puppacinos” from the coffee stand. “Holli Ann for sure ate better than I did. She got her treats and her pup cup every single day.” 

The Warrior Games were an experience that Suzanne says she couldn’t have done without having Holli Ann by her side. “I don’t think I could have done it without her. I joked with someone that it is almost like you have this little safety bubble around you. It made me comfortable being around these new people. It was two weeks and some of the things we went to I would have never done by myself. Holli Ann was a trooper.” 

Would Suzanne consider participating in future Warrior Games? “Only if I have Holli Ann with me.” 

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2022-09-29 18:22:512022-10-10 15:14:15Suzanne & Holli Ann Take on the 2022 Warrior Games

Warrior Spotlight: Mike Milton

August 29, 2022/0 Comments/in Warrior Stories /by WCC Comms

Military service is a family tradition for Retired U.S. Army Sergeant Mike Milton; his brother, sister-in-law, cousin, and uncles, all served in the Armed Forces. 

“I joined to be of service to country,” says Milton. “I had amazing experiences that included people, travel, and lots of different situations—both good and bad—they were instrumental in getting me where I am today.” 

He enlisted in 2008 and served as an infantryman through 2016. During a physical fitness training event, a muscle breakdown led to a debilitating kidney injury. Milton spent four-plus months at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center undergoing dialysis treatment. He would spend 18 additional months undergoing outpatient treatment there before medically retiring in 2018. 

“While at Walter Reed, I attended a few events and enjoyed socializing with other Warriors through the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP),” said Milton. “I didn’t anticipate retiring so early and wasn’t sure what was next for me, and they really helped me through some difficult times.” 

After medically retiring from the Army, Milton enrolled in the Operation Warfighter Program, the Department of Defense’s internship, which helped position him for his current role as a Safety and Occupation Health Specialist with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory Safety Office. 

He also continued attending WWP events. It was at one of those later events that Milton encountered a service dog in training who was part of Warrior Canine Connection’s (WCC) Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training program. A dog lover, he volunteered for WCC’s 8-week MBTR program, where he helped train a service dog for a fellow Warrior. 

During the program, Service Members and Veterans in their own recovery help train service dogs for their fellow Warriors. By doing so, they receive their own therapeutic benefit from skills development in communication, self-esteem building, accountability, and emotional regulation. They also learn patience when they perform acts of service for others.  

“It was great to give my own time to part of the program,” said Milton. “Dogs are very smart, and they appreciate the interaction, and the instructors were a joy to work with.”

Just happy to volunteer his time, what Milton didn’t expect was that he would benefit from the sessions himself.

“I went through a whole bout of sciatica with a lot of pain,” said Milton. “It took me an hour to drive to get to the training location but working with the dogs was relaxing to me and calmed me down. I didn’t think about world events or work or my sciatica … I was so focused, yet peaceful.” 

His advice to other Veterans who are struggling or just want to connect with other Warriors?

Milton said, “Reach out to WWP or WCC. They’re good people. They’ve been there, done that and aren’t going to leave you hanging.” 

If you would like to learn more about how you can get involved in WCC’s MBTR program, click here.

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2022-08-29 15:36:392022-08-29 15:37:28Warrior Spotlight: Mike Milton

Canines and Autonomous Vehicles Know: It Pays to Behave!

July 22, 2022/0 Comments/in Stories of Impact, Warrior Stories /by WCC Comms

What do developing autonomous vehicles and training service dogs have in common? More than you might think! Before we dive into this unlikely comparison, let’s provide some context.

Enter John Alsterda, Systems Engineer at Waymo LLC, Ph.D. candidate at Stanford University, U.S. Navy Reservist, and Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) volunteer. John develops autonomous driving technology in his professional capacities, and is Puppy Parent to service dog in training, Nathan.

John’s work at Waymo allowed him to combine both interests, as he and fellow Veterans at the company recently gathered to host a community clean-up day – WCC’s Nathan and other WCC service dogs in training participated. The Veterans at Waymo employee resource group supports and builds community among veterans working at Waymo, including with volunteer opportunities like this one.

“There’s something about how dogs give you their undivided attention and love that is so powerful,” said John. “During my day, so many things pull on my attention and I feel like I’m always multitasking. But Nathan treats me like I’m the only other person in the world—I feel like no other animal or person has that capacity.”

John studied physics at University of Illinois for undergrad, after which he commissioned into the U.S. Navy. He spent four years at the Naval Nuclear Power School, teaching the principles of nuclear power plant operation on submarines and aircraft carriers to Navy sailors. Next, John transitioned to the Navy Reserve to pursue his Ph.D. at Stanford.

It was there he learned about Stanford’s partnership with WCC and got involved in its Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program for Veterans. Essentially, those involved help train service dogs for their fellow Service Members and Veterans, which fulfills a time-honored military tradition of Warriors helping Warriors. In doing so, the Veteran can also benefit from social and emotional skill development, improved communication, confidence building, reduced isolation, improved emotional regulation, and reduced stress, which many of the Stanford student Veterans greatly benefit from.

From September 2019 through July 2021, John volunteered in a total of 53 MBTR sessions while working on his doctorate. Not only that, he and his wife, Ashley Fabrizio, also helped with puppy sitting needs, followed by becoming Puppy Parents to WCC’s Nathan, who recently graduated to advanced training at WCC’s Healing Quarters in Boyds, Maryland.

Onto comparing autonomously driven vehicles and service dogs: As John can tell you, the fundamentals involve training the dogs to do the things we want them to do through rewards, like attention and treats. They don’t receive rewards for behaviors we don’t want, and they quickly learn to optimize for these incentives.

“That is fundamentally similar to the way autonomous vehicles can be encouraged to do what we want them to,” said John. “We don’t need to give them treats; they’re even easier to please! By defining a mathematical reward function, we can assign points to behaviors we want or don’t want – positive rewards for good things like staying in-lane, and negative rewards (penalties) for things to avoid like lingering too long on a crosswalk. The algorithm solves this math problem over and over again to figure out how to get the most rewards and avoid the most penalties.”

This is where things get complicated … John added, “because we need to describe complex things both to our dogs and our autonomous driver, not just put your paw on the ground or stay between the lane lines. Dogs don’t understand math, but they can be taught some human language and they understand feelings like good, bad, happy, or lonely. Our cars are better at math, but it’s challenging to describe all the things they need to know with hand-tuned rewards. These less tangible things can be encoded with neural networks, which are a mathematical way to describe things like other drivers’ behavior or how to recognize street signs.”

John explains, “Nathan’s learning process may be similar to training a neural network. We can’t describe to him exactly what behaviors we want. We use commands; he kind of speaks our language that way, but we can’t use full sentences to say precisely what it means to heel or sit close to his handler. Rather, we teach Nathan complex tasks slowly and iteratively, adding one component or adjustment at a time until he learns the whole sequence. I feel like there’s a real similarity there, for things that are impossible to explicitly communicate to both Nathan and a car.”

Simply put, for service dogs and autonomous drivers, it pays to make the right decisions! We get more of the behaviors we reward with both cars and dogs. It’s pretty remarkable to realize how certain aspects of learning theory are not only similar across species, but even in the development of artificial intelligence. That said, an autonomous driver is never going to be as good at snuggling as your dog.

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2022-07-22 13:54:362022-07-22 16:01:42Canines and Autonomous Vehicles Know: It Pays to Behave!

Service Puppies in Training Help Army Veteran with Patience and Peace of Mind

February 4, 2022/0 Comments/in Warrior Stories /by WCC Comms
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https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2022-02-04 16:09:492022-03-08 03:03:14Service Puppies in Training Help Army Veteran with Patience and Peace of Mind

Veteran Service Dog Team Dian Smith & Chuck: Life BC and AC

January 31, 2022/0 Comments/in Warrior Stories /by WCC Comms

That’s life “before Chuck” and “after Chuck” for Dian Smith. Dian served nine years in the Air Force; she spent half of those years as a bioenvironmental engineering technician and the other half as a Ceremonial Guardsman with the Air Force Honor Guard in Washington, D.C. Her station assignments included March Air Reserve Base, Riverside County, California; Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C.; and the Bentwaters Royal Air Force Base (now known as Bentwaters Park), near Woodbridge, Suffolk in England.  

It was during her last tour of duty in the UK that she met, Mark, a DoD firefighter, the love of her life and husband of 31 years now. That was also about the time Desert Storm started. She and Mark both volunteered to travel to support U.S. military efforts, but both were held at their respective duty stations to help support staff.

In 1991, Dian felt it was time to get out and move on to something different; she left the Air Force and moved stateside. She became a veterinary technician, where she worked for a while, then she went back to bioenvironmental engineering as a DoD employee for several years.

In 1994, she and Mark had their son, Shannon Mark, who is now a DoD firefighter on the same crew her husband used to run all those years ago.

Life was moving on, but Dian wasn’t. She found herself experiencing severe anxiety and depression that prevented her from doing a lot of things. She sought help from medical experts. 

“I was dealing with PTSD for many years and didn’t know it until I finally got diagnosed by the VA,” said Dian. “The diagnosis was a shock … I was floored. I had internalized a lot of things I had gone through in the military and didn’t even realize it.” 

A doctor recommended she get a service dog. Not being a post 9/11 Veteran, she said she didn’t realize a service dog was an option for her. Her research yielded Warrior Canine Connection (WCC). It took a while but after applying, Dian was matched with Chuck, or rather, as she says, ‘Chuck picked her’ in February 2020.

After Chuck
“He’s been such a blessing, I can’t even begin to tell you how much he’s changed my life,” said Dian. “I wouldn’t go anywhere without a safety, which would mean a friend, so I didn’t leave my house unless I was with one of those 2-3 people, and one of them was my husband, and he’s a firefighter and he works 48 on, 48 off, and he teaches around the country, so I am alone a lot. Then I got Chuck, and I can go anywhere now. I can go to Costco … I can go anywhere, do anything because I have him. Being able to focus on him, helps me deal with my issues.” 

Dian still participates in therapy and says Chuck is the perfect complement to all of them. 

“Because I have Chuck, using the tools I’ve learned from my doctors, coupled together is much more effective,” said Dian. “When I’m stressed, he recognizes that and alerts me by nudging my hand with his nose. If I don’t react to that, he’ll jump up and let me know. We’re just so in-tune with each other.” 

Flying? That wasn’t an option without medication before Chuck. Now, it’s a safe space with him by her side. 

When he’s not working, Dian says Chuck’s a regular dog who enjoys playing with her other two pet dogs, Sawyer and Tallulah. But no matter what, Chuck’s always somewhere nearby. The two can regularly be found at church together, where the duo manages guest services and they also volunteer with another local program that helps others through equine therapy. 

Dian says life is a beautiful journey and that she wouldn’t trade her earlier experiences for the world but that she’s happy to be in a good place — with Chuck right by her side every step of the way. 

You can follow Chuck and Dian’s adventures together on Facebook. Next month marks Chuck’s fourth birthday, so be sure to follow along, as Dian promises there will be a celebration complete with homemade doggie cookies and plenty of birthday photos. 

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2022-01-31 16:31:172022-01-31 16:31:17Veteran Service Dog Team Dian Smith & Chuck: Life BC and AC

Veterans Helping Veterans

November 15, 2021/0 Comments/in Warrior Stories /by WCC Comms

Tyreece Jacks spent four years in the Marine Corps. He enlisted as part of his master plan — get in, get out, and get an education. He completed his education, earning a B.S. in management, and several other credentials poising him for professional success. But he realized he missed his mission and connection to his fellow Marines, so he sought out a new way to support his fellow Veterans — by working with service dogs in training.

For two years now, Tyreece has been volunteering with Warrior Canine Connection by helping to train service dogs for his fellow Warriors. At first, he didn’t realize how impactful the role would be.

“I didn’t understand it initially … how these dogs were helping,” said Jacks. “But soon, just hanging out with the dogs, teaching them new things, and watching them grow, it’s a great experience. When you have things on your mind and hanging out with them, it’s a relief. You learn a lot about dogs and yourself in the process.”

Dogs he worked with whose names might be recognizable include WCC’s Arthur (pictured on the right), Walter, and Nathan. Tyreece built strong bonds with the dogs, especially Arthur, who he helped train since he was just a puppy, and who graduated as part of WCC’s Class of 2021.

“It’s amazing to see them grow, progress and learn, but it’s tough when they’re trained and it’s time for them to move on from the program,” said Jacks. “It’s emotional but it makes it better because you know they’re going on to do good. There are a lot of Veterans out there who need them. I work with a Veteran who has a service dog, and I see every day what he does for him and their relationship and know how powerful it is. And I feel good about that.”

Besides the “canine connection,” Tyreece’s volunteer role also led to a career connection. Alexis Baker, program director and service dog training instructor, WCC, shared a flyer about an open position supporting local community partner, San Mateo County. It piqued Tyreece’s interest, so he applied.

Tyreece is now three months into his new role as a Veterans Outreach Coordinator, where he’s busy building a new website and helping other Veterans get involved in San Mateo County’s programs and get connected to local resources.

“Tyreece has been a pleasure to work with these past two years,” said Alexis Baker, program director and service dog training instructor for WCC’s California programs. “He’s observant, learns quickly, and is great with the dogs. He displays clear body language, is consistent, and good at training the dog in front of him, which is dog trainer speak for being empathetic and tailoring his style to the needs of the dog. All the dogs he’s worked with seem to enjoy him, too! He’s also been a good coach to newer Veterans who have joined our groups.”

When Alexis heard that Ed Kiryczun at the San Mateo County Veterans Services Office (CVSO), a valued WCC community partner, was looking for an Outreach Coordinator, she immediately thought of Tyreece.

Tyreece applied, interviewed, and got the job, where he’s already made his impact known.

“His desire to want to help veterans along with his firsthand experience in the Warrior Canine Program, makes him an ideal fit,” said Ed Kiryczun, CVSO. “He has an innate way of helping veterans feel at ease and connect with the Services and programs available to them,” said Ed Kiryczun.

We wish Tyreece continued success — professionally, personally, and as an outstanding WCC volunteer.

If you would like to learn more about WCC’s Bay Area California programs, email Alexis Baker, California Program manager at abaker@warriorcanineconnection.org. If you would like to help sponsor a dog in California, please consider making a donation today!

If you’re a Veteran and you need help with claims, using funds for college, or you want to find out what resources are available to you, contact the San Mateo CVSO at (650) 802-6598; they can help you at no cost to you.

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2021-11-15 04:47:032021-12-15 21:14:49Veterans Helping Veterans

WCC Veteran Spotlight: Arodi Grullon Fernandez

August 3, 2021/0 Comments/in Warrior Stories /by WCC Comms

Wounded Warrior Project & Warrior Canine Connection Instilling Sense of Community Among Veterans

Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) had the pleasure of meeting and working with Arodi Grullon Fernandez, a 12-year Veteran of the Marine Corps. He connected with WCC through a Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) event and continues to seek out WWP events and programs and encourages other Veterans to get involved. 

Arodi Grullon Fernandez’s family immigrated from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico when he was just 5. The youngest of three brothers, after graduating from high school in 2002, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. His 12 years of service included one deployment to Iraq, two to Afghanistan, and several other duty stations, including Okinawa, Camp Pendleton, 29 Palms and Camp Lejeune. 

During his service, Arodi trained as a refrigeration mechanic. As a junior Marine, he worked in maintenance and operations of the equipment, but after he became a non-commissioned officer, he performed duties of Platoon Sergeant and maintenance/operations. Due to service limitations, Arodi was honorably discharged on 2014.  

“I was sad to leave the service,” said Arodi. “I credit the Marine Corps with giving me my leadership values, skills and camaraderie with my fellow Marines, but I am happy with how life worked out.” 

And “worked out” it did. After leaving the Marine Corps, Arodi attended Craven Community College for two years for cyber security and network administration. 

Still longing a connection with other Veterans, he got involved with Wounded Warrior Project. He got involved, attended several events, and learned about the Cisco Veteran Training Program, which led to his current job as a system administrator, where he’s been employed for three-plus years. 

It was through WWP’s program that Arodi also learned about Warrior Canine Connection’s service dog training program, where Service Members and Veterans help train future service dogs for their fellow Warriors with visible and invisible wounds.  

A dog lover and with allotted volunteer hours through Cisco, Arodi signed up. 

“I thought it would be great a way to stay engaged with the Veteran community, and I never had any kind of training on how to work with my own dog, so it was interesting to me,” said Arodi. 

He traveled to WCC once a week for 12 weeks. There, he assisted the service dog training instructors, and in the process learned training techniques, as well as other tasks such as proper grooming.

“It’s so rewarding to see small, incremental changes with the dogs,” said Arodi. “For me, I had no idea how much goes into training a service dog. It really opened my mind to how service dogs are used to help Veterans with PTSD and learn the triggers.”  

He says the training helped him with his own communication with his dog, Lexi, a 4-year-old Australian Shepherd. 

“It helped me put a lot of things in perspective with how I work with my own dog,” said Arodi. “I used to think I was the alpha male and yell/raise my voice to train mine. But I learned that, no, you just have to make it more interesting to them.” 

Arodi only has one regret about his involvement in the programs. 

“I wish I would have gotten involved with Wounded Warrior Project a little bit earlier,” said Arodi. “My connection to the military and the Marine Corps is very important, and Wounded Warrior Project and programs like Warrior Canine Connection’s service dog training program go a long way in helping me and others feel connected.” 

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2021-08-03 19:56:092021-08-03 19:56:09WCC Veteran Spotlight: Arodi Grullon Fernandez

Veteran Service Dog Team Spotlight: David Rabb & WCC’s Gunny Quail

July 29, 2021/0 Comments/in Warrior Stories /by WCC Comms

Col. (Ret.) David Rabb spent his 41-year military career helping others.  As a retired VA Social Worker and U.S. Army Reserve Colonel, Rabb spent decades in positions of leadership and mental health—specifically treating those affected by operational and combat stress, battle fatigue, traumatic experiences, grief and loss, and moral injuries. 

Rabb enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of 17 and served four years active duty before being discharged from the service as an O311 Infantryman (E-5). From there, he went on to earn his bachelor’s (Illinois State University) and master’s degrees (University of Chicago).  

After a 10-year break in service, in 1985 Rabb returned to the military as a licensed clinical social worker for the VA and the U.S. Army and Army Reserves.  

Rabb’s assignments included serving as Commander of two Combat Stress Control units: The 785th Medical Company from Fort Snelling, Minnesota, that deployed (2004-2005) to Iraq; and the 113th Medical Detachment from Garden Grove, California, that deployed (2011-2012) to Afghanistan.  

Other highlights in Rabb’s career included serving as Director of Psychologist Health for the 63rd Regional Support Command in Mountain View, Calif.; U.S. Army Western Regional Medical Command Transition and Care Coordinator; and National Director, Veterans Health Administration Diversity and Inclusion Office, Washington, D.C. 

Achievement after achievement.  And then in 2015, life changed: Rabb had a massive stroke and was unconscious in the ICU for a week. The doctors told his wife, Kim, he had a seven-percent survival rate. But Rabb didn’t get the memo. 

One week later, Rabb opened his eyes. He had lost partial vision in one, he couldn’t walk, he couldn’t talk, he couldn’t do much of anything, but he was alive. 

“I, essentially, had to learn everything all over again. I spent a ton of time in rehab. That was tough for me—a huge role reversal for me—there I was, relying solely on others,” said Rabb. 

Rabb says he wouldn’t be where he is today without the love and care from all those who helped him—from the hospital and rehabilitation staff to his wife, Kim, and his caring family. And as of 2017, WCC’s Gunny Quail, Rabb’s service dog—a doting yellow Lab. 

“Our relationship has evolved—it’s dynamic, it’s beautiful, it’s centering, it’s fun, it’s sharing, it’s a lot of love, and it’s a lot of learning about each other,” says Rabb. “We explore the world together … it’s nice to have a partner; he helps me, he centers, and he helps ground me.” 

Rabb and Quail, who he nicknamed “Gunny,” as a nod to his service in the Marine Corps, graduated as part of Warrior Canine Connection’s class of 2019.    

Rabb had met Rick Yount, WCC founder and executive director, many years earlier at the Palo Alto VA, and he reached out all those years later to get involved in WCC’s service dog training program. 

The two can be found together just about everywhere. In April, Rabb and Gunny Quail joined other Minnesotans outside in a memorial gathering during George Floyd’s memorial.  Many others assembled around them, drawn in at the site of an adorable yellow Lab, who Rabb says brought calm and joy during a dark and tense time. 

“He [Gunny] engages … a lot of people who want to pet him—people just want to touch him and connect,” said Rabb. “He creates safe spaces. It offers an opportunity to reach out and really connect with the world.” 

Rabb and Gunny Quail can be found together during their daily walks or side-by-side while the Colonel works on his poetry, a hobby for which he’s won several awards. Together, they tackle whatever comes their way. 

 “Well, with Gunny, what makes things better is that there are no worries,” said Rabb. “We’re in sync. We’re on a mission together.” 

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2021-07-29 20:27:582021-08-02 20:36:50Veteran Service Dog Team Spotlight: David Rabb & WCC’s Gunny Quail

The Art of Dog Training

May 12, 2021/0 Comments/in Stories of Impact, Warrior Stories /by WCC Comms

Since he was a kid, Nick has always loved art—painting, drawing, and he even did some professional tattoo work for a period. He loves finding beauty in unexpected places. And dog training is one of them.

In fact, Nick, a Marine Corps Veteran, just hit a huge milestone—he’s completed 250 Mission Based Trauma Recovery hours! Nick has been participating in Warrior Canine Connection’s service dog training program at its Asheville, N.C. location since March 2020. 

“It’s one of the best therapeutic methods I’ve ever encountered, and I’ve tried a lot of different things,” said Nick. “I’ve tried horticulture, sitting with therapists and psychiatrists, which I still do, but I really prefer going to see the dogs.” 

Nick enlisted in the Marine Corps and went to boot camp at age 17. Originally, he wanted to be an aircraft mechanic but soon found out he was color blind. He was drawn to journalism and photography and ended up attending the Defense Information School. 

“I wouldn’t trade the experience for the world,” says Nick. “I got to see parts of every other job, covered amazing stories, saw a lot of interesting things, and learned a lot from a lot of people through the Marine Corps. I also really valued the camaraderie.” 

Three and a half years into his service, his diagnosis restricted him from being able to re-enlist and he sought treatment.

“I don’t know what I’d do without the VA, honestly,” said Nick. “They help me with medication and really everything … they’ve been a huge help to me.” 

It was through the VA’s programs that Nick learned about WCC’s service dog training program. Once he got started, he was hooked.

“I set a goal to complete 100 sessions, then 150, and then 200,” said Nick. “Truth is, I don’t see myself stopping, I enjoy the sessions so much, and it’s helped me immensely with my anxiety and with learning about myself. I have also learned a lot about how to talk to the dogs, handle them, and training in general. Both you and the dog benefit so much when you know how to communicate with each other.” 

Nick balances the training sessions with his schoolwork; he’s studying business management at Asheville-Buncombe Community College, where he says he hopes to learn to one day combine his business skills with his passion for art.  

Amy Guidash, who runs WCC’s program in Asheville, says “Nick has come a long way since he started the program. He’s been so committed to it, that not only has he learned a lot about training and formed amazing relationships with the dogs, he’s also become a great resource and help to his fellow Veterans who are new to the program.” 

“When I first started, I was uncomfortable and wanted to stop,” said Nick. “My advice to others is to dip your toe in the pool … get outside of your comfort zone a bit, keep fighting to stay and it will get more comfortable. Talk to people, make friends, and bond with people in the program who have close to or some of the same experiences as you, so you are never alone.” 

Nick, who works a lot with WCC’s service dog in training, Danny, says he hopes to one day get his own service dog.  

“Dogs are powerful—knowing you have something living and breathing next to you, it’s true companionship,” said Nick. “They don’t judge you for anything at all. And they just have playful and compassionate souls … they look to you to help with a lot of things, too.” 

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2021-05-12 17:30:492021-05-14 16:52:19The Art of Dog Training
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