October 18, 2022 – HANOVER, Md (WMAR) — A Maryland training center is preparing dogs to help wounded warriors combat PTSD.
“It’s so profound. It’s such a gift,” said Army veteran Maja Reuss. Watch the full story on WMAR here.
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.”
Warrior Canine Connection was honored to introduce its 2022 graduating class of Veteran Service Dog Teams, Facility, Military Family Support and Breeder Dogs—19 in total and its largest class to date—during its tenth annual graduation on Saturday, September 24th.
This year’s ceremony took place virtually, with hundreds of supporters tuning from all over the globe via Facebook live to watch. The ceremony was capped by a story about each graduating Veteran Service Dog Team, along with keynote remarks from Maryland Governor Larry Hogan. There was an outpouring of comments posted live on the page about the dogs, this year’s placements, namesakes, and more. (And although we couldn’t see them, we heard there were a few tears, too).
For those of you who missed the ceremony or perhaps would like to watch all the amazing Veteran Service Dog Team stories again, you can watch it online here.
Again, congratulations and best wishes to WCC’s Class of 2022!
Okay, so how cute are these guys? Did you know these two adorable pups are named after real-life Warrior Canine Connection service dogs? Yep, that’s right, you’re looking at WCC’s Luke (black Lab) and WCC’s Tommy II (yellow Lab), and yes, they’re both wearing WCC camo service vests!
This year, Hugglehounds’ Huggle Cause™ initiative is supporting WCC by donating a portion of proceeds from the sale of every Limited-Edition Luke and Tommy II Knottie® to WCC’s No-Fail Mission.
When Ryan Garrison, Air Force Veteran, learned his service dog Luke had a toy named after him, he immediately jumped online and placed an order.
“With PTSD, I have flashbacks to negative times but seeing this gave me a flashback and a flood of memories — Luke winning the AKC Award and getting paired with him,” said Garrison. “It’s always a good day when you get those kinds of flashbacks. We ended up buying a little more than one; Luke got one, both boys got one, and I got one to put away for safe keeping. Luke is a very special dog with an amazing talent and dedication to his mission. I am very honored and humbled that Hugglehounds made a toy to represent Warrior Canine Connection.”
Air Force Veteran Ryan Boyles, who is paired with WCC’s Tommy II, was also surprised by the very special designation.
“When we found out we were so excited we rushed to the site to buy one,” said Boyles. “We were completely caught off guard and had no idea that they were naming the new stuffy after our Tommy. When we got our Hugglehound in we showed Tommy, who instantly turned back into a puppy. He ran all over playing. He loves his new Hugglehound.”
You, too, can purchase your very own Limited-Edition Luke and Tommy II Knottie® from Hugglehounds here. Better act quickly, as once they’re gone, they’re gone. Thankfully, their service dog namesakes live on and continue to bring smiles and support to their Veterans and their families.
We are pleased to introduce you to two new members of WCC’s pack! Join us in welcoming both Cyrus Fenwick, social media coordinator, and Samantha Johnson, development officer, to our team. Learn more about our new team members below.
Cyrus Fenwick
Cyrus “Cy” Fenwick joins Warrior Canine Connection after having spent several years working as a member of the media—both at ESPN and NBC Sports Washington. When the pandemic hit, Cy took time to re-evaluate his professional path and decided to switch to the nonprofit world.
“I love dogs and feel strongly about the need for mental health support, and Veterans, so when I saw the job posting at WCC, it immediately spoke to me,” said Cy. “Seeing how much these dogs help people moves me to my core; it makes me excited to come to work every day knowing that I’m contributing to a beautiful cause that I believe in.”
Cy grew up in The Plains, Virginia, with two older sisters and four dogs. And he comes from a proud military family; his grandfather served as a decorated Air Force Lieutenant Colonel in Vietnam.
Cy studied broadcast and digital journalism at Syracuse University. He is married to Sarah, his wife of almost one year, and they have two dogs (a Jack Russell Terrier named Rus and a rescue Chihuahua named Starfox). Outside of work, Cy has enjoyed fostering 12 dogs—all of whom have been adopted, and he loves making bread, going hiking and kayaking and spending time with family and friends.
Samantha Johnson joins WCC after spending 10 years as a veterinary technician. She brings her amazing experience, along with her love of all animals, to WCC in an entirely new role—development officer!
Samantha says having a dad who served in Army Airborne definitely shaped the way grew up and fostered her appreciation for Veterans.
“I fell in love with WCC when I saw the job posting,” said Samantha. “This role combines my love of dogs and support for Veterans. Coming from a military background, our mentality was always ‘we help our own,’ and I knew I wanted in. Everything’s amazing … everyone is so awesome, they welcomed me with open arms.”
After working as a vet tech, Samantha used her bachelor’s degree in biology as a genetic counselor assistant for a genetic testing company.
When she’s not still volunteering with her former veterinary clinic, Samantha enjoys rock climbing, checking out local events, including the “Live at 5” concerts in Frederick, and hanging out with friends. A devout animal-lover, Samantha has a cherished yellow Lab named Rudy.
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.”
Ceremony Highlighted during National Service Dog Month Observance
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2022
BOYDS, Maryland – Saturday, September 24th promises a paw-sitively exciting event, as Veterans and their newly paired service dogs will graduate as part of Warrior Canine Connection’s class of 2022—its largest class to date. While the commencement ceremony will take place virtually at 11 am on WCC’s Facebook page, the nonprofit will host an in-person celebration at its Healing Quarters in Boyds, Md. immediately following the online event.
The virtual ceremony will be marked by powerful Veteran journey video vignettes, namesake stories, and keynote remarks from Governor Larry Hogan, who has a strong record of providing support for Veterans resources and benefits.
Members of this year’s graduating class, including Veteran Service Dog Teams, will attend the celebration, as well as those from previous graduations. In addition, puppy parents, who have helped train the dogs, as well as several namesake families who have a personal connection to dogs named after them or a loved one, will also be in attendance.
Graduating service dogs will have completed WCC’s intensive, Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training conducted by Warriors in recovery who learn to train mobility service dogs for fellow Warriors as a means of addressing their own symptoms of combat stress.
Media is invited to attend this event. The graduation celebration promises plenty of great b-roll opportunities, as well as interviews with Veterans and their new service dogs, past graduates and WCC staff.
Media interested in attending are asked to RSVP to Beth Bourgeois, WCC, at 719-216-3206 or beth.bourgeois@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.
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.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BOYDS, Md. – Warrior Canine Connection was recently awarded $10,000 in grant funding from TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, in support of its Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program.
“We are extremely fortunate to have continued support from the TD Charitable Foundation,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “This grant funding will go directly toward WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training program, which helps Veterans in recovery train service dogs for their fellow Warriors. We appreciate the TD Charitable Foundation’s generous assistance and commitment to expanding this innovative intervention to more Veterans in our communities.”
MBTR programming is unique from other service dog organizations in that the organization enlists Service Members and Veterans who are in recovery to help train the dogs for their fellow Warriors. Anchored in performing a military support mission, the participants in WCC’s MBTR program concurrently benefit from the program while serving others. Program participants receive therapeutic benefit from skills development in communication, confidence building, accountability, emotional regulation and patience to promote an act of service.
“The Mission Based Trauma Recovery program gives participating Service Members the opportunity to build critical life skills while also ensuring their fellow Veterans have the service companions they need. The support from the TD Charitable Foundation demonstrates our commitment to helping build a better future by creating opportunities, increasing resources and assisting to meet the critical needs of our Veteran and Service Member Community,” said Dave Hargadon, Regional Vice President for the Mid-South Metro (Calverton, Md.).
For more information, please contact Beth Bourgeois, Warrior Canine Connection, at beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org or 719-216-3206.
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 TD Charitable Foundation
The TD Charitable Foundation is the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, one of the 10 largest commercial banking organizations in the United States. Since its inception in 2002, the Foundation has distributed over $282 million through donations to local nonprofits from Maine to Florida. More information on the TD Charitable Foundation is available at https://www.tdbank.com/corporate-responsibility/the-ready-commitment/funding-opportunities/.
Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) is proud to support International Assistance Dog Week, an upcoming observance created to celebrate assistance dog trainers, volunteers, puppy raisers and handlers all over the world during the week of August 7-13.
“Everyone loves an assistance dog, and quite rightly the dogs tend to take center stage,” says Chris Diefenthaler, Executive Director of Assistance Dogs International (ADI). “International Assistance Dog Week is a chance for us to recognize and celebrate the people at the other end of the leash — those who devote their time and expertise to ensuring ADI certified assistance dogs are trained and work to the highest standards.”
ADI is the world’s leading standards-setter and accreditation body for training assistance dogs. In 2021, ADI’s 144 member programs had more than 11,000 puppies in training and over 27,000 active teams, including guide dogs, hearing dogs, medical alert dogs, mobility service dogs, autism dogs, dementia dogs and PTSD dogs. Nearly 9,000 potential clients are on a waiting list for an ADI certified assistance dog.
“Assistance Dogs International (ADI) members play a key role promoting disability rights and access to health and social care, employment, education, transport, hospitality and public spaces. Many are at the cutting edge of research and innovation in specialist fields such as behavioral science or genetics. None of that would be possible without the people at the other end of the leash,” says Diefenthaler.
WCC is proud to be an accredited member of ADI. The nonprofit’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training program enlists Service Members and Veterans who are in recovery to help train the dogs for their fellow Warriors. Anchored in performing a military support mission, the participants in WCC’s MBTR program concurrently benefit from the program while serving others. Program participants receive therapeutic benefits from skills development in communication, confidence building, accountability, emotional regulation, and patience to promote an act of service.
To date, WCC has placed 114 assistance dogs with Service Members and Veterans, and Warriors have completed more than 6,000 MBTR hours. Besides pairing highly trained dogs with Veterans, it has helped create relationships that have positively impacted the lives of many Veterans, like Dian Smith, and many others.
An Air Force Veteran, Smith was paired with WCC service dog Chuck after post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prevented her from living the life she wanted. She shared, “Because I have Chuck, using the tools I’ve learned from my doctors, coupled together is much more effective. 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.”
Air Force Veteran Ryan Garrison who has assistance dog Luke, says having an assistance dog significantly changed his life for the better.
“I really can’t say enough about what Warrior Canine Connection and my service dog Luke have done for me,” said U.S. Staff Sergeant E5 Ryan Garrison. “Thanks to Luke, my anxiety is under control, I’ve significantly decreased the medication I take, and he’s really helped me with my mobility. It’s not just that though — since being matched with Luke, I have a whole different outlook on life — a positive one.”
Garrison and Luke were bestowed the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) prestigious Award for Canine Excellence (ACE) for Luke’s support and their special relationship in 2020.
Class of WCC 2019 graduates, Air Force Veteran Ryan Boyles and Tommy II, also benefit from a very special animal-canine bond. Boyles speaks openly about the many benefits his assistance dog, Tommy, has provided him.
“Tommy has given me my freedom back to go and do stuff outside of my home and with my family,” said Ryan. “I really struggle with crowds and feeling trapped, and Tommy really helps me out with that. Thanks to him, I’ve been able to travel with my wife and boys and I feel more comfortable in many different situations. I used to not be a pleasant person to be around. He helps to calm me and bring balance to my life. My wife has told me she noticed an immediate difference in my temperament once I got Tommy.”
We hope you will share your support for assistance dogs and those who help make these special relationships possible for those in need the world over. Be on the lookout for hashtag #IADW2022 from August 7-13 on social channels to support this important observance!
Warrior Canine Connection
is a 501(c)(3)
Nonprofit Organization
# 45-2981579