Fur-Ever a Part of WCC: Ann Iwancio’s Next Adventure

Warrior Canine Connection is saying farewell to one of its finest—or at least, we’re pretending to. Ann Iwancio may be retiring from her official role, but if you think that means she’ll disappear, think again. Whether it’s training sessions with WCC’s Ami, a special event or just finding an excuse to swing by the Healing Quarters, Ann will still be a part of WCC’s heartbeat. Because for Ann, working at WCC isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. And some callings don’t come with an off switch.

Ann’s journey with WCC started in 2017 when she volunteered before officially joining the team in a fulltime capacity in 2021. Her passion for WCC’s mission was immediate and unwavering, fueled by both her lifelong love of dogs and her own experience in the U.S. Army.

Ann’s story starts in Buffalo, New York, where she enlisted in the Army in 1985. Her career took her from basic training in South Carolina to Panama during the Noriega build-up, just prior to the U.S. invasion, followed by years of intelligence work at Fort Meade and Fort Belvoir. She spent 13 years on active duty, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant before transitioning to the Reserves, where she continued serving at the Defense Intelligence Agency. Oh, and she also did summer stints at the American Embassy in Paris, because Ann never does anything halfway.

While at Fort Meade, she met John, her husband of 30 years, a fellow Army Veteran and intelligence officer. Together, they’ve built a life full of adventure, a wonderful son, John, and, of course, their love of dogs.

John jokes that WCC stole Ann’s heart in much the same way that fur stole her furniture. For someone who always had small, non-shedding dogs, jumping into the world of Labrador Retrievers was, quite literally, a hairy situation. As John puts it, “She’s come a long way from having loose hair in the house. We just buy a new vacuum every year—it’s on a revolving gift list.”

Ann quickly became an integral part of WCC, helping to train service dogs for Veterans and working closely with both the dogs and their future handlers. She also did a lot of work establishing WCC’s Northern Virginia (NOVA) office at the VFW in Occoquan, Va., which has since moved to Fort Belvoir.

“I started working with Ann as part of the Big Dog Study while we were all in the throes of Covid,” said Sarah Olson, NOVA program manager & service dog training instructor. “Even from those first days when we were working behind our masks and face shields, Ann’s dedication to Veterans and to WCC was evident. She takes WCC’s mission to heart and her passion and commitment to helping our nation’s Veterans shows in every session she leads and every dog she trains. That dedication to Veterans and the MBTR program was the foundation on which the NOVA program was built and on which it will continue to thrive because of her efforts. It has been a privilege working with Ann and she will be missed!”

According to WCC Veteran Liaison Sarah DelCore, Ann was a secret weapon for the Client Services Team.

“If she worked with a Veteran who was on the waitlist in Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR), she’d share insights on their handling style and which dogs they connected with best,” said Sarah. “She even recruited several MBTR Veterans to the client list, spending time making sure they knew they deserved a WCC dog.”

At WCC’s Graduate Retreat, Ann was known for tackling back-to-back public access recertification tests, ensuring that teams were set up for success.

“She’s not just a dog lover, or a Veteran herself, but a true believer in WCC’s No-Fail Mission,” Sarah added. “She will be missed as an employee, but I know we’ll see her around as a volunteer. She can’t resist puppies for too long.”

Beyond her official duties, Ann has been a rock to her colleagues and friends. Cheryl Bingham, WCC’s volunteer program assistant and Ann’s best friend, recalls how their bond grew through long car rides to training classes.

“She’s just always been there for me for anything and everything,” Cheryl shared. “When I was in the hospital for a month, she showed up every single day. That’s who she is.”

Ann’s ability to connect extends to both people and dogs. “She always tries to understand them,” Cheryl says. “She’s never harsh in tone and is always forgiving—of both humans and dogs—and that makes her an incredible trainer.”

When asked to describe Ann in three words, Cheryl didn’t hesitate: “Loyal, humble, authentic. What a friend is supposed to be.”

Ann and John are ready for their next chapter—one that includes more time together, a few home projects and maybe (if John gets his way) a new (smaller) boat. Ann’s green thumb will get its full due, as she continues tending to her spectacular flower beds and window boxes—works of art that stop passersby in their tracks.

John, who recently retired after 55 years of service (26 in an Army uniform and 29 as a civilian), knows his wife isn’t going to slow down entirely.

“Even though she’s retired, her calling is still there,” said John. “She truly loves it. Any time she’s out in public with WCC’s Amy, she’s talking to people about the mission, sharing stories and educating them about the incredible work WCC does. She’s the best ambassador we could ask for, and she’s still volunteering anytime anybody needs her.”

Ann, WCC won’t be the same without you on staff—but we also know we won’t have to miss you for long. We know you’ll be at training, at events and of course, sneaking in some puppy kisses. Enjoy this next chapter with John, knowing that your impact will be felt for years to come. You may be off the payroll, but you’ll never be off our radar.

Cheers to your next adventure!

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