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!
###
Ongoing Health Initiative Foundation grant supports Warrior Canine Connection’s MBTR Program
“We are grateful to the Healthcare Initiative Foundation for its steadfast support of our MBTR program,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director of Warrior Canine Connection. “This partnership has helped us bring meaningful, evidence-informed support to Montgomery County’s Veterans. With HIF’s continued investment, we’re able to bring the healing power of the human-animal bond to even more Warriors—and help them rediscover a sense of purpose through service to others.”
With support from HIF, WCC launched its Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic in Silver Spring in 2020. The goal was to complement traditional counseling services with a unique, hands-on approach to healing. MBTR taps into the power of the human-animal bond by having Veterans train service dogs for fellow Warriors. Along the way, those participating in the program often experience their own therapeutic benefits, building connection and a renewed sense of purpose, while also improving sleep, emotional regulation and impulse control, and reducing stress, depression and hypervigilance.
“HIF is honored to be able to continue our partnership with Warrior Canine Connection,” said Kathy Stevens, president & chief executive officer, HIF. “Since 2015, HIF has invested $168,000 into this work, ensuring that our nation’s military veterans and their families have access to innovative therapeutic programming here in Montgomery County. This most recent grant to Warrior Canine Connection will continue to allow the Mission Based Trauma Recovery program to flourish, for people and puppies.”
Building on the success of its programming at the Cohen Clinic, with the help of HIF WCC is now expanding the MBTR model to the Silver Spring Vet Center (SSVC), which serves 400 to 500 Veterans and family members each month—many of whom seek support for post-traumatic stress. The addition of MBTR to SSVC’s suite of therapeutic offerings—which already includes yoga, meditation and equine therapy—will further enhance the center’s ability to support Veterans’ behavioral and mental health needs.
###
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 Healthcare Initiative Foundation
The Foundation’s mission is to support organizations that offer solutions to improve the quality and delivery of health and wellness services for residents of Montgomery County, Maryland. Within our geographic and focus area, HIF considers efforts to improve the quality and delivery of healthcare, expand the availability of comprehensive healthcare, build appropriate capacity in the healthcare network, and grow the healthcare workforce. To learn more, please visit: http://www.hifmc.org.
World War II veteran meets his service dog namesake
By Julia LeDoux
World War II Battle of the Bulge and Army veteran Wilbur “Jack” Myers recently met his namesake, “Wilbur,” a Warrior Canine Connection service dog in training. Read the full story in Connecting Vets.
Veterans could get service dogs for free under proposed legislation
By LINDA F. HERSEY
WASHINGTON — Army veteran Bob Ouellette and Cooper, a 9-year-old golden retriever, were outside the Capitol on Wednesday to support a bill that would fund $10 million annually for grants to provide service dogs to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries. Read the full Stars and Stripes article here.
Sit, Stay, Say Goodbye
Volunteer “puppy raisers” are chipping away at a shortage of service dogs, one short-term adoption at a time.
In the year since Pat and Jane Hipsley brought home Pogo, they’ve spent hours teaching the Labrador puppy how to walk by their side and ignore cooing strangers; how to roll, retrieve her leash and ride an escalator. Read the full story in The New York Times.
Heroes with Heart: Honoring WCC Volunteers
In 2024 alone, 885 volunteers generously gave 142,803 hours of their time—an estimated value of $4,782,472.47. Their dedication directly impacts every aspect of WCC’s mission, from raising and training future service dogs to supporting events, administrative efforts, and community outreach. Their time, talents, and passion ensure that Veterans and their families receive the life-changing support of expertly trained service dogs, making a lasting difference in countless lives.
But what truly drives them to give so much of themselves? We asked, “What is your WHY?” and here’s what our amazing volunteers had to say.
“The change that happens after just a few visits in every Veteran we encounter. The smiles, conversations, hugs. I work with two very open and fun trainers, who don’t take themselves too seriously but always put the Veterans we serve first.”
– Robin Martin, WCC Asheville
“It brings me so much joy to see these dogs grow and learn, and to know how much they will help their veteran one day. The men and women of our Armed Forces give so much to all of us and deserve more given back to them than we provide. WCC helps bridge this gap but helps give people their lives back while creating an amazing community for all who volunteer in any capacity. These dogs touch every life they are a part of, and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this fantastic organization.”
– Hailey Swisher, WCC UMD/College Park
“Working with dogs is my dream job. Working with dogs that help other people is my dream fantasy. I’ve always wanted to help people, but I’m not much of a people person. Working with dogs that will eventually make the difference in someone’s life is the best way I can think of to contribute and to help repay those veterans who have sacrificed so much for us.”
– Anne Pickle, WCC NoVA
“I do because I can. This is how I give back to those who served our country. And puppies. Whose why isn’t puppies, right?”
– Jessica Rabin, WCC Baltimore
“I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact WCC dogs have—not only on the Veterans who are matched with and receive a service dog, but also on those who participate in their training through the Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program. These dogs possess a special ability to connect with humans in ways that often transcend human-to-human interaction.”
– Karen Chiu, WCC Menlo Park
“Each of my todays = snuggles and puppy kisses for me. Each of my tomorrows = snuggles and puppy kisses for a Veteran.”
– Karen O’Malley, WCC NoVA
“I love the fact that the abundance of love I have in my heart for the dogs is translated to major impact on an individual’s quality of life or an organization’s quality of work.”
– Renee French, WCC Healing Quarters
“We come from a family of Veterans and have close friends who are Veterans. We joined WCC to give back to the community of heroes who have helped our country.”
– Stephanie and Fred Short, WCC Philadelphia
“I just love being a part of an organization that gives back. The WCC volunteers and staff have been so welcoming. I love going there and seeing the dogs and people. The setting is so peaceful.”
– Diane Fox, WCC Healing Quarters
At WCC, our volunteers aren’t just helping out—they’re making a real, lasting impact every single day. Their dedication brings comfort, healing, and hope to the Veterans we serve, and we simply couldn’t do this work without them. While National Volunteer Month is a great time to say thank you, we’re grateful for their commitment all year long. To every volunteer who plays a role in our mission—thank you for your time, passion, and unwavering support!
###
New Faces at WCC: Sue Watson
Sue is WCC’s new Area Program Manager & Service Dog Training Instructor at our Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania location, where she supports Veterans and Puppy Parents at Duquesne University. As the daughter of WWII Marine Sergeant Jack Watson, Sue has always been deeply connected to the Veteran community. She practices what she calls “upstream, compassion-first” advocacy—listening to the needs of Veterans and their families, connecting them to resources, and creating pathways for growth and resilience.
“This brings together two of my greatest passions,” says Sue. “Dogs and Veterans just go together. Being part of WCC allows me to support both in a meaningful way, and I couldn’t be more excited.”
Many in the WCC family already know Sue as a dedicated Puppy Raiser, having started with WCC’s Retzer and now raising WCC’s Jimmy Stewart. A lifelong dog lover, Sue found her passion for service dogs after losing her beloved Golden Retriever, Eli, a trained therapy dog. Wanting to continue making a difference, she became Pittsburgh’s first Puppy Raiser, embracing WCC’s mission to support Veterans through the healing power of dogs. And now, we’re proud to have her as a member of our team.
Outside of work, Sue enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors, catching up with friends over coffee, and helping others in any way she can. A retired teacher, she also has a love for antiques, upcycling and fitness—especially kettlebell workouts. Please join us in welcoming Sue to the WCC team!
###
Fur-Ever a Part of WCC: Ann Iwancio’s Next Adventure
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!
###
Heath, a yellow Labrador, has inextricably bound two UMSON employees at the Universities at Shady Grove.
Warrior Canine Connection’s (WCC) Heath, a yellow Labrador, was named after a World War II sailor, U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Charles Thomas Heath. WCC’s Heath, a service dog in training (SDIT), was born April 10, 2023, as one of a litter of six and bounded into Brigitte Bard’s life when he was 9 weeks old; she had volunteered to serve as a Puppy Parent, raising and training Heath for 18 to 24 months, preparing him for an eventual life with a veteran. WCC is a nonprofit organization that trains service dogs for wounded veterans. Read the full story in The Elm.
Dealer eProcess Teams Up with Warrior Canine Connection by Sponsoring a Service Dog for a Veteran in Need
We’re excited to announce our partnership with Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) as we sponsor the two-year training journey of a veteran’s future service dog! This sponsorship plays a pivotal role in the dog’s development, covering essential costs such as obedience and service training, pet supplies, and veterinary care.
What is Warrior Canine Connection?
WCC is a proud, accredited member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI), a global organization promoting excellence in assistance dog acquisition, training, and partnership. At WCC, service dogs are more than just assistance dogs—they’re partners for American veteran Warriors on a path to healing. Through its Mission Based Trauma Recovery model, WCC helps wounded Warriors reconnect with life, families, communities, and each other.
Every day, WCC commits to its service dog training program carefully designed to ensure each dog is fully equipped to assist a veteran in need. There are three main stages:
Additionally, we’ll be honoring another veteran by naming the sponsored puppy after them. This tribute will be featured in the WCC’s Hall of Heroes, where names and stories of veterans and service heroes are memorialized.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
At Dealer eProcess, supporting our community and honoring our veterans isn’t just something we do—it’s part of who we are. Our commitment to giving back has led us to participate in initiatives like the Honor and Educate Golf Tournament, and now, we’re taking that dedication even further.
“When we learned about Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), it felt like a perfect fit for us,” remarked our CEO, Joe Gillespie. “Sponsoring a puppy in training means we’re helping forge a life-changing bond between a veteran and their service dog.”
This sponsorship isn’t just about financial support—it’s about recognizing the profound impact of animal-human connections. Together, we can make a real impact on those who’ve served our country.
We invite you to learn more about Warrior Canine Connection by visiting their website.
Mae Philanthropies awards grant to Warrior Canine Connection to expand service dog training program for Veterans
BOYDS, Maryland – Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) is expanding its impact thanks to a major, multi-year grant from Mae Philanthropies. Committed to sparking sustainable change, funds from Mae Philanthropies will be used to enhance WCC’s PAWS and MBTR programing, bringing more animal-assisted therapy to Veterans and increasing the number of highly trained service dogs placed with those who need them most. Together, Mae Philanthropies and WCC are ensuring more Veterans experience the life-changing support of a service dog.
“This incredible support from Mae Philanthropies means more Veterans will experience the impact of a service dog,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director of Warrior Canine Connection. “Their generosity helps us grow our PAWS programming at VA hospitals, train more service dogs and connect more Veterans with the healing power of these remarkable animals.”
This generous grant from Mae Philanthropies will help WCC expand its impact in several ways:
Mae Philanthropies’ investment in WCC underscores a shared commitment to supporting Veterans through evidence-based therapeutic programs and service dog placement. By addressing both immediate needs and long-term sustainability, this partnership will create lasting change in the lives of those who have served.
For more information about Warrior Canine Connection and its programs, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.
###
About Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat Veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat Veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities. For more information, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.
About Mae Philanthropies
Mae Philanthropies is dedicated to addressing critical societal challenges by partnering with organizations to provide resources, expertise, and support that drive impactful and measurable change. Guided by its mission to foster collaboration and continuous learning, Mae Philanthropies envisions a world where enduring solutions are created through collective efforts. For more information, visit www.maephilanthropies.org.