“I grew up with a lot of helicopters overhead, and I always wanted to fly or have something to do with aviation,” said Kayla Foliente. “When I’m up there, I just feel free—my physical limitations don’t matter as much.”
Kayla, 21, has always wanted to become a pilot. She is an active member of Civil Air Patrol – the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, and works with radios along with being a UAS technician, meaning she helps assist with search and rescue missions using drones. She joined Civil Air Patrol with hopes of eventually flying but was grounded due to a physical disability that impacts her mobility.
Kayla has been a regular fixture at Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) since she was 12. You may recognize her last name—her dad, Rod, had beloved WCC service dog Cadence, who passed away in 2022. This year, Rod graduated with his second WCC service dog, Hixon. Kayla has attended several graduations, programs, and events at WCC, getting to know WCC’s staff all along the way.
“They [Cadence and Hixon] completely changed our lives, and they kept our family together,” said Kayla. “Cadence saved my dad’s life, and I will always be grateful. And Hixon has done a great job carrying on her legacy.”
During a recent visit to WCC, Kayla mentioned her love of planes to Kim Vaughan, WCC’s director of facilities, who lives in an air park. And it wasn’t long after a plan was set into motion.
“Knowing how passionate Kayla is about flying, I asked some neighbors who own a Cessna if they would be willing to take her up, and I think they were just as excited about it as Kayla was,” said Kim Vaughn, WCC director of facilities. “Linda and Randy Burdette, both who are Army Veterans, graciously flew not only Kayla, but also her dad Rod and Kayla’s mom, Christina, for an afternoon cruise. It was a great day.”
Kayla added, “It was incredible … Randy let me help fly and help land, and it just felt so natural, I just loved it. Basically, anything aviation, I want in on it … my head is always in the clouds.”
As a thank you to Linda and Randy, Kayla, who is also a talented artist, drew a photo of their plane for them.
Shortly thereafter, Kayla was invited to the Flying Circus Aerodrome and Air Show in Bealeton, Va. While there, pilot Chuck Tippett flew her in his Waco, and another pilot flew Kayla in his Grasshopper.
As a thank you, Kayla broke out her brushes and painted a remarkable picture for Chuck of his Waco.
“It was just incredible, I am so thankful for these amazing opportunities,” said Kayla.
Asked about any turbulence on the flights, Kayla replied, “The more bumps, the better!”
Special thanks to Linda and Randy Burdette, Chuck Tippett, WCC’s Kim Vaughan and all the folks at the Flying Circus, and everyone else who made these special flights possible!
Raising the Woof: WCC’s Barn Renovation for Enhanced Veteran Support
WCC felt strongly about renovating the 1938 barn on the property instead of demolishing it and rebuilding due to the rich history it had in serving Veterans. The barn was initially designed by the University of Maryland and built as a dairy barn to provide milk for the troops in the National Capitol Region. Nearly 100 years later—the barn will be poised to serve a different, but equally important role in supporting our Nation’s Veterans.
First things first: Phase one is a wrap! We had to do some serious structural TLC to keep the integrity of our beloved barn intact. That came with a price tag of more than $750k and included shoring up beams, installing new posts and installing a new well.
Now, it’s all about phase two — converting the barn into a space that’s not just pretty but practical, too. Currently underway, the floor is being torn up where the elevator will be installed, followed by masonry work inside the elevator shaft walls.
But that’s not all … the new barn will also feature a brand-new addition, which will be a 28’ x 115’ kennel area. That’s 14 new indoor kennels with all the creature comforts, from heating to air conditioning. Grooming area? Check. Canine care staff workstation? Double-check.
None of this would have been possible without countless generous donors and Davis Construction, which has helped with every phase of this project from planning to execution.
“I am over the moon about finally getting the construction started,” said WCC Director of Facilities Kim Vaughan, who is overseeing the project. “Davis Construction has been an incredible partner, supporting us through the ups and downs, offering ideas, and generously contributing by doing the job at their cost.”
When completed, the first floor of the barn will house office space for trainers, restrooms, large service dog training area, food prep area, laundry nook, and veterinary office. The upper floor will have administrative offices and meeting space. Despite snow on the ground, the old metal roof is currently being replaced with new plywood and roof paper, topped with a fresh, green sheet metal roof to make it cohesive with the rest of the property.
The project was able to move from the drawing board to construction thanks to hundreds of gifts from individuals and generous leadership gifts from Dan and Gayle D’Aniello, the State of Maryland, Julie Walters, a private family foundation, Montgomery County, Associated General Contractors of America, and John and Marcia Shooshan, among many others.
Timeline for completion? September 2024. This massive project is our way of stepping up to ensure WCC can provide the support Veterans deserve and meet the growing demand for its programs and services. And hey, if you want to be part of this epic transformation, check out how you can pitch in here.
To watch the progress in action, check out the WCC construction page here.
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Warrior Spotlight: Andrew Miller
A horrific car accident in February 2021 prompted U.S. Air Force Captain (ret.) Andrew Miller to medically retire. Andrew has no recollection of the 4-5 months spent in the hospital immediately following the wreck. He underwent multiple surgeries, requiring 19 screws in his leg and treatment for a traumatic brain injury (TBI). As a pilot with a strong passion for flying, Andrew was grounded and felt disconnected and without purpose.
But Andrew says there are two things that have helped him on his continued healing journey: group workouts with WWP and working with WCC’s service dogs in training.
While at Walter Reed recovering, Andrew attended workouts at the Under Armour Headquarters offered through WWP. The group workouts not only helped him feel connected but went a long way in his physical rehabilitation.
“It was really nice being able to have discussions with other people who speak the same language [military] as you,” said Andrew. “I went from those early days of not being able to walk at all to being able to run again.”
In fact, a few months back, Andrew completed the Army Ten-Miler. He openly shares, “It wasn’t through lack of effort. I took it slowly and steadily, one day at a time.”
He also learned about WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training program through WWP. Andrew started by taking a class at its headquarters in Boyds, Maryland. He really enjoyed it, so he took more classes, and completed the eight-week MBTR training program. Soon after, he committed to classes to become an independent handler, meaning he helped care for the service dogs in training and assisted WCC service dog training instructors where needed.
“When I see dogs, it just brings a huge smile to my face. When I learned about WCC’s program, I had just medically retired and was looking forward to an opportunity and something to do. It was super beneficial for me in reattaching and realizing I could still have a purpose, even if it was connecting with a dog—I still have a purpose and I found that to be very, very inspiring,” shared Andrew.
Growing up, Andrew aspired to become an astronaut. He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he learned to fly. While there, he flew gliders and taught survival school. Following graduation, he attended pilot training and completed six deployments —five flying and one on the ground.
“I wanted to learn to fly, but once I got there, I got to see a lot more purpose in being in the military,” said Andrew. “It really inspired me to find a deeper purpose for serving.”
Although Andrew is currently unable to fly, he’s found another way to serve—by teaching others. Andrew is now working for a regional subsidiary of American Airlines using his experience to teach new pilots how to fly. He’s not only found purpose but has set two new goals for 2024: working with his next WCC dog and completing a half-marathon.
To learn more about WWP’s program, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
Media Advisory: Warrior Canine Connection, DPSCS Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs, MDVA Secretary Anthony Woods and More Launch Service Dog Program
(JESSUP, MD) – Tuesday, January 30th at 11 a.m. at Jessup Correctional Institution, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs hosts Warrior Canine Connection and Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony Woods for the launch of the Warrior Canine Connection service dog program, the newest restorative justice program in State prisons.
Warrior Canine Connection has placed three service dogs-in-training behind the walls of the maximum-security Jessup Correctional Institution, where incarcerated men will train them throughout their journey to eventually becoming service dogs for wounded American heroes. The Department is proud to partner with Warrior Canine Connection. The partnership has even named a dog in honor of Governor Wes Moore.
“This program facilitated by Warrior Canine Connection and the Department is the epitome of restorative justice,” said Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs. “I’ve witnessed the powerful connection and bond between the dogs and our incarcerated men and women who participate in similar restorative justice programs, and the impact programs like this have on the lives of our incarcerated population is life changing.”
Warrior Canine Connection is a nonprofit organization that breeds, trains and places highly skilled service dogs with Service Members and Veterans with visible and invisible wounds. The nonprofit utilizes its Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training model to help recovering Warriors train dogs for their fellow Veterans. In doing so, the participant can also benefit from skills development in communication, confidence building, accountability, emotional regulation and patience to promote an act of service while receiving a therapeutic benefit.
Demonstration of the dogs’ skills will be displayed, and Governor Moore’s namesake service dog, Wes, will be present for media and photographs.
WHO:
MD DPSCS Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs
MDVA Secretary Anthony Woods
Warrior Canine Connection Founder and Executive Director Rick Yount
WHEN:
Tuesday, Jan. 30th, 11 AM
WHERE:
Jessup Correctional Institution
7805 House of Correction Rd
Jessup, MD
Media interested in attending should RSVP to Mark Vernarelli by Friday, January 26th at 3 pm: Mark.Vernarelli@maryland.gov
Warrior Canine Connection: ‘Puppy parents’ sought for veteran service dogs program
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Puppy parents to help puppies grow into veteran service dogs are in demand in Asheville, and it’s for a worthy cause.
Warrior Canine Connection, which invites veterans into the therapeutic mission and process of training service dogs that will be paired with fellow wounded warriors, is looking for puppy parents. Check out the full story on WLOS News 13.
Soaring Dreams: WCC Helping to Make Connections in the Sky
Kayla, 21, has always wanted to become a pilot. She is an active member of Civil Air Patrol – the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, and works with radios along with being a UAS technician, meaning she helps assist with search and rescue missions using drones. She joined Civil Air Patrol with hopes of eventually flying but was grounded due to a physical disability that impacts her mobility.
Kayla has been a regular fixture at Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) since she was 12. You may recognize her last name—her dad, Rod, had beloved WCC service dog Cadence, who passed away in 2022. This year, Rod graduated with his second WCC service dog, Hixon. Kayla has attended several graduations, programs, and events at WCC, getting to know WCC’s staff all along the way.
“They [Cadence and Hixon] completely changed our lives, and they kept our family together,” said Kayla. “Cadence saved my dad’s life, and I will always be grateful. And Hixon has done a great job carrying on her legacy.”
During a recent visit to WCC, Kayla mentioned her love of planes to Kim Vaughan, WCC’s director of facilities, who lives in an air park. And it wasn’t long after a plan was set into motion.
“Knowing how passionate Kayla is about flying, I asked some neighbors who own a Cessna if they would be willing to take her up, and I think they were just as excited about it as Kayla was,” said Kim Vaughn, WCC director of facilities. “Linda and Randy Burdette, both who are Army Veterans, graciously flew not only Kayla, but also her dad Rod and Kayla’s mom, Christina, for an afternoon cruise. It was a great day.”
Kayla added, “It was incredible … Randy let me help fly and help land, and it just felt so natural, I just loved it. Basically, anything aviation, I want in on it … my head is always in the clouds.”
As a thank you to Linda and Randy, Kayla, who is also a talented artist, drew a photo of their plane for them.
Shortly thereafter, Kayla was invited to the Flying Circus Aerodrome and Air Show in Bealeton, Va. While there, pilot Chuck Tippett flew her in his Waco, and another pilot flew Kayla in his Grasshopper.
As a thank you, Kayla broke out her brushes and painted a remarkable picture for Chuck of his Waco.
“It was just incredible, I am so thankful for these amazing opportunities,” said Kayla.
Asked about any turbulence on the flights, Kayla replied, “The more bumps, the better!”
Special thanks to Linda and Randy Burdette, Chuck Tippett, WCC’s Kim Vaughan and all the folks at the Flying Circus, and everyone else who made these special flights possible!
SERVICE DOG NAMED FOR JIMMY STEWART PAYS VISIT TO NAMESAKE’S MUSEUM
The Jimmy Stewart Museum received a four-footed visitor today that will help soldiers in need later on.
A labrador puppy named “Jimmy” paid a visit to the museum today with Rick Yount, the Executive Director of Warrior Canine Connection. Check out the full story on WCCS FM 101.1 and 1160 AM, The Voice of Indiana County.
Jimmy Stewart Museum in Indiana County working to provide veteran with service dog
INDIANA, Pa. — The Jimmy Stewart Museum is working with The Warrior Canine Connection to provide a veteran in need with a service dog.
The museum is sponsoring their service dog, “Jimmy,” who was named in honor of Jimmy Stewart’s service in World War II. Check out the full story on WPXI 11 News.
Service dog named for Indiana County native Jimmy Stewart
He may now be the most well-known service dog in Indiana County.
The Warrior Canine Companion is now named after the legendary actor and Indiana County native Jimmy Stewart. Check out the full story on WTAE 4 News.
Furry Yuletide Tribute: Warrior Canine Connection Honors Hollywood Legend and Military Veteran Jimmy Stewart with Service Dog Naming
Service Dog “Jimmy” Named in Honor of Iconic Actor Jimmy Stewart
Jimmy Stewart, renowned for his roles in classic holiday films such as “It’s a Wonderful Life,” is often remembered for his cinematic legacy. However, many may not be aware of his heroic military service. Stewart served from 1941-1947 during World War II. During that time, he was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses and four Air Medals, as well as the French Croix de Guerre. The newly named service dog in training aims to pay homage to Stewart’s patriotic and impactful life.
“During this holiday season, so many watch the iconic Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” starring Jimmy Stewart,” said Rick Yount. “While they recognize his Hollywood achievements, our hope is to build awareness of his incredible patriotic service and sacrifice throughout his military career.”
The WCC namesake nomination was put forth by the Jimmy Stewart Museum. The museum, which was founded in 1995, is based in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Stewart’s hometown.
Stewart’s daughter, Kelly Stewart Harcourt, who granted WCC permission to use her father’s name, shared, “I assure you that NOTHING would have made my father or mother prouder than to have one of these marvelous animals bearing Dad’s name. They would have considered it a high honor as does our family.”
WCC’s namesake program not only reflects the organization’s commitment to providing service dogs for Service Members and Veterans but also to recognizing the remarkable individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation. All WCC’s dogs are named after Veterans both past and present.
For more information about WCC and its namesake program, visit warriorcanineconnection.org.
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About Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat Veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat Veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities. For more information, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.
Thanks to Progressive, WCC Gets a New Set of Wheels
WCC team members transport puppies and dogs to hundreds of events each year, so the vehicle is a huge help to the organization.
“This new minivan isn’t just a vehicle, it’s a symbol of the invaluable support that Progressive is extending to Warrior Canine Connection,” said Rick Yount, executive director and founder, WCC. “With this addition, our team can enhance its reach, ensuring that we can safely and efficiently bring the comfort and companionship of man’s best friends to support Veterans in need.”
Progressive has been hosting its one-day vehicle giveaway events since 2013 at locations across the country. Employees across the U.S. volunteer to select vehicles to donate, organize fundraising activities to collect month or goods to provide recipient families, and plan memorable vehicle giveaway events for them.
WCC Veteran Service Dog Team Ashley Frantz and service dog Patty were Viriginia recipients of a vehicle from Progressive this year.
Please join us in saying a heartfelt thanks to Progressive for its amazing generosity!