“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!
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!
Paw-some Holiday Gift Ideas
2024 WCC Calendars
Get ready for a tail-wagging year with our 2024 calendars featuring adorable WCC dogs—a perfect holiday treat for dog lovers! Each month is packed with paw-sitively delightful photos that’ll fetch you joy.
WCC Merch
Deck yourself out in our stylish WCC swag! From accessories and apparel to sweatshirts and hats, our merch is not only fashionable but also a paw-erful way to show your support for WCC.
Fleecy Fetch Dog Toy
Looking for a paw-some dog toy? Check out the WCC HuggleFleece® Camo ball, a collaboration between WCC and HuggleHounds! Every purchase supports Warrior Canine Connection.
You can find all these items and more on WCC’s online shop.
Donate
Consider making a donation to WCC as a fur-bulous gift—whether in remembrance of a loved one, human or canine. It’s a gesture that’ll warm hearts and wag tails alike!
Happy holidays from the entire WCC pack!
New Faces at WCC
We are excited to introduce our newest members of the WCC pack, who bring a wealth of experience and passion to our mission. Join us in extending a warm welcome to these dedicated individuals as they help us serve our Veterans.
Jennifer Ashley, Events Coordinator
We welcomed Jennifer Ashley to the WCC team at the end of August as our new Events Coordinator. In her role, she will be the mastermind behind the planning and logistics of all the events WCC hosts and participates in throughout the year. With our involvement in hundreds of events each year, Jennifer is primed to stay very busy.
Before joining WCC, Jennifer supported both the International Services and Service to the Armed Forces lines of service at the American Red Cross. Inspired by the monthly visits from the therapy dogs at Walter Reed, she was drawn to work with an organization that included service dogs in its mission to aid recovering Service Members and Veterans. When Jennifer saw a job opening at WCC, she said it felt like serendipity; she instantly knew she had to apply.
Jennifer shared, “I know how strong the animal-human connection is, and this position married my previous role of providing military support with my love of animals, so it was a total win-win.”
Jennifer earned her bachelor’s in business management and a minor in human development & family studies from the Pennsylvania State University. She has more than 10 years of experience working and volunteering for non-profits where she developed her skills in event planning, stakeholder engagement, development, volunteer management, and communication strategies.
Outside of work, Jennifer, a huge animal lover, enjoys spending time with her best buddies, rescue dogs Duke and Moby, 6 and 8, playing tennis, and getting creative with all kinds of arts & crafts projects.
Lisa Kilmer, Service Dog Training Instructor
Lisa Kilmer joined the WCC team as a Service Dog Training Instructor in September at its University of Pennsylvania program location in Philadelphia. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience working with animals with her, as she previously worked as a zookeeper. In her role, she had the opportunity to really dive into the training world by working with creatures big and small.
Several years ago, Lisa turned her attention to dog training and has had the opportunity to work with dogs of all ages, breeds, temperaments, and behaviors through private lessons, as well as group settings. She realized her passion for working with dogs and loved helping others form a long and lasting bond with their dogs. She’s excited to be taking that experience to help train service dogs while working side by side with Veterans.
“Dogs just don’t have a judgmental bone in their body,” said Lisa Kilmer. “They’re patient and understanding and in tune with human emotions. And they’re funny, too.”
Lisa is a graduate of Rider University, where she received her bachelor’s in environmental science.
Outside of WCC, Lisa and Bindi, her trusty Golden Retriever, who is a certified therapy dog, can be found volunteering with Angel Readers, a local volunteer group that offers a program called Angel on a Leash, where kids read to dogs and in the process, can overcome anxiety and nervousness while reading, as well as their fear of dogs. In addition to Bindi, Lisa also has a second dog, Spike, a Lab/Pit mix. When not working, she enjoys hiking and spending time at the beach.
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Service dogs give veterans a ‘purpose’ to get up every day: Buddy Niner
FOX News’ Shannon Bream sits down with Warrior Canine Connection executive director Rick Yount and veteran Buddy Niner to discuss the organization’s ongoing efforts to provide veterans with service dogs. Watch the full story on Fox News Sunday.
Warrior Canine Connection trains dogs for veterans
As we celebrate Veterans Day this weekend, one organization is working to help train service dogs for veterans who need them. It’s all through the organization Warrior Canine Connection. Watch the full story on Fox 5 Atlanta.