This May, the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School will honor 29 new members into its Hall of Fame. Colonel Ken Nance is among the list of those who will be inducted for this prestigious honor.
Annual inductions are based on accomplishments that include superior valorous combat leadership, superior meritorious service, as well as public- and life-long service to their community and nation. National notable members included in the OCS Hall of Fame are Bob Dole, former Senator from Kansas and presidential candidate; Winthrop Rockefeller, politician; Casper Weinberger, Secretary of Defense; General Tommy Franks, Central Command Commander; and Major Dick Winters from “Band of Brothers”.
Ken grew up in Tippah County, Mississippi, graduated from Falkner High School, then studied at both Mississippi State University and Western Illinois University. He went on to serve in both the Reserve and Active Components with almost 29 years of combined service, including five enlisted as a tank crewman and 24 as a commissioned Engineer Officer. Within that career, he had five combat deployments with almost four cumulative years in combat theaters.
Colonel Nance’s most recent military service with the Transatlantic Division (TAD), headquartered in Winchester, Virginia, with USACE theater engineering responsibility for the Central Command Area of Responsibility, from 2016–2019. The positions served were Deputy Commander (Forward), Transatlantic Afghanistan District – Deputy Commander and TAD -Deputy Chief of Staff (G3).
“It’s an incredible honor and a culmination of this career that has helped shape me into who I am today,” said Ken Nance. “I didn’t want to retire, I honestly fought as hard as I could to stay in but due to my injury, I simply couldn’t perform any longer, so I retired five years early.”
During his most recent deployment to Afghanistan in 2017, Ken’s heart stopped causing him to lose consciousness. He fell a distance, broke his jaw, sustained a traumatic brain injury, and lost most of the use of his left foot. He spent more than eight months at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center undergoing four facial reconstruction surgeries, implanted prosthetic jaw and facial bones, lower leg nerve surgery, and receiving an implanted cardiac defibrillator (ICD). Ken then spent three months at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) trying to retrain his brain and body.
While at NICoE, the idea of a service dog was presented to him. Ken says it was an idea he had not even considered. “At that time, I was focused on full recovery and really did not even explore the idea. Little did I know at the time, what a valuable source of recovery a service dog could provide.”
Ken was later transferred to Fort Benning to continue therapy and medically retired from the Army in September 2019.
“I am still going through recovery,” said Ken. “It’s tough going from functioning at a senior level in the military accustomed to a high operational tempo to being dependent on my wife and my family in what seemed like the blink of an eye. It has been a difficult road; however, I am thankful for life. I know everyone’s life journey has difficulties, so it’s not to say mine is any more challenging.”
Ken’s name may be familiar to those in Warrior Canine Connection’s circle, as Ken has WCC’s Sully, a service dog who serves as a vital part of his continued recovery. The duo was paired in July 2020 and has been inseparable since.
“Sully makes a huge, huge difference,” said Ken. “He is with me all the time. I need stabilization assistance quite a bit, and of course, he’s a pretty big dog, so that’s one of his strong suits. Sully very quickly learned my routines, so he knows both my normal routine and my mannerisms. He senses if I’m even needing assistance and before I even make the command, ‘brace’ he’s in position ready to brace; it’s like he’s reading my mind.”
Sully has made himself quite comfortable at the Nance household and has brought a lot of joy to Ken and his family’s lives. Their home is on 20 acres outside Olive Branch, Miss., so Sully gets plenty of time to romp in the yard and the pond.
Even though time has passed, Ken says retired military life is still an ongoing adjustment. He recalls fondly the teamwork, mission focus, and ultimately serving this nation in a capacity that is bigger than oneself.
“It’s almost comical, the first three years of my enlistment, I was determined I would get out at the end of my initial term,” said Ken. “Ironically, twenty-nine years later, I was pushing with determination to stay in!”
It was the Army that provided the structure, education and challenges that Ken craved—and it’s where he excelled.
“The Army assisted me with completing both a bachelor’s and master’s degrees,” said Ken. “It gave me leadership opportunities and surrounded me with the best of the best from American society— those willing to serve our great nation.”
Despite his detoured career and daily challenges, Ken is thankful for all the Army gave him, and he’s honored for his upcoming OCS Hall of Fame induction.
This year’s induction ceremony will take place at Fort Benning on May 17.
Please join us in congratulating Ken on this tremendous honor!
Colonel Ken Nance to be Inducted into the U.S. Army OCS Hall of Fame
Annual inductions are based on accomplishments that include superior valorous combat leadership, superior meritorious service, as well as public- and life-long service to their community and nation. National notable members included in the OCS Hall of Fame are Bob Dole, former Senator from Kansas and presidential candidate; Winthrop Rockefeller, politician; Casper Weinberger, Secretary of Defense; General Tommy Franks, Central Command Commander; and Major Dick Winters from “Band of Brothers”.
Ken grew up in Tippah County, Mississippi, graduated from Falkner High School, then studied at both Mississippi State University and Western Illinois University. He went on to serve in both the Reserve and Active Components with almost 29 years of combined service, including five enlisted as a tank crewman and 24 as a commissioned Engineer Officer. Within that career, he had five combat deployments with almost four cumulative years in combat theaters.
Colonel Nance’s most recent military service with the Transatlantic Division (TAD), headquartered in Winchester, Virginia, with USACE theater engineering responsibility for the Central Command Area of Responsibility, from 2016–2019. The positions served were Deputy Commander (Forward), Transatlantic Afghanistan District – Deputy Commander and TAD -Deputy Chief of Staff (G3).
“It’s an incredible honor and a culmination of this career that has helped shape me into who I am today,” said Ken Nance. “I didn’t want to retire, I honestly fought as hard as I could to stay in but due to my injury, I simply couldn’t perform any longer, so I retired five years early.”
During his most recent deployment to Afghanistan in 2017, Ken’s heart stopped causing him to lose consciousness. He fell a distance, broke his jaw, sustained a traumatic brain injury, and lost most of the use of his left foot. He spent more than eight months at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center undergoing four facial reconstruction surgeries, implanted prosthetic jaw and facial bones, lower leg nerve surgery, and receiving an implanted cardiac defibrillator (ICD). Ken then spent three months at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) trying to retrain his brain and body.
While at NICoE, the idea of a service dog was presented to him. Ken says it was an idea he had not even considered. “At that time, I was focused on full recovery and really did not even explore the idea. Little did I know at the time, what a valuable source of recovery a service dog could provide.”
Ken was later transferred to Fort Benning to continue therapy and medically retired from the Army in September 2019.
“I am still going through recovery,” said Ken. “It’s tough going from functioning at a senior level in the military accustomed to a high operational tempo to being dependent on my wife and my family in what seemed like the blink of an eye. It has been a difficult road; however, I am thankful for life. I know everyone’s life journey has difficulties, so it’s not to say mine is any more challenging.”
Ken’s name may be familiar to those in Warrior Canine Connection’s circle, as Ken has WCC’s Sully, a service dog who serves as a vital part of his continued recovery. The duo was paired in July 2020 and has been inseparable since.
“Sully makes a huge, huge difference,” said Ken. “He is with me all the time. I need stabilization assistance quite a bit, and of course, he’s a pretty big dog, so that’s one of his strong suits. Sully very quickly learned my routines, so he knows both my normal routine and my mannerisms. He senses if I’m even needing assistance and before I even make the command, ‘brace’ he’s in position ready to brace; it’s like he’s reading my mind.”
Sully has made himself quite comfortable at the Nance household and has brought a lot of joy to Ken and his family’s lives. Their home is on 20 acres outside Olive Branch, Miss., so Sully gets plenty of time to romp in the yard and the pond.
Even though time has passed, Ken says retired military life is still an ongoing adjustment. He recalls fondly the teamwork, mission focus, and ultimately serving this nation in a capacity that is bigger than oneself.
“It’s almost comical, the first three years of my enlistment, I was determined I would get out at the end of my initial term,” said Ken. “Ironically, twenty-nine years later, I was pushing with determination to stay in!”
It was the Army that provided the structure, education and challenges that Ken craved—and it’s where he excelled.
“The Army assisted me with completing both a bachelor’s and master’s degrees,” said Ken. “It gave me leadership opportunities and surrounded me with the best of the best from American society— those willing to serve our great nation.”
Despite his detoured career and daily challenges, Ken is thankful for all the Army gave him, and he’s honored for his upcoming OCS Hall of Fame induction.
This year’s induction ceremony will take place at Fort Benning on May 17.
Please join us in congratulating Ken on this tremendous honor!
Fate, Freedom and the Future: Veteran Service Dog Team Ryan & Tommy II
“I felt like it was meant to be, and then they brought him in, and I fell in love with him immediately,” said Ryan.
The duo graduated as part of WCC’s class of 2019, and since that time, the two have been inseparable.
“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.”
Ryan enlisted in the Air Force in 2006 out of a passion to serve and tradition: both of his grandfathers served in World War II, his uncle was also in the service, and Ryan says he felt a strong pull to serve as a result of 9/11.
Ryan served in the Air Force for nine years working in multiple roles, including support of combat search and rescue and contingency response missions, before being honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant (E5) in 2015.
During his service, he completed multiple deployments, including stations in Djibouti and Uganda, Africa. It was during those missions when Ryan was serving as a paying agent that he was put into situations that forever changed him. As a result of his service, Ryan sustained various knee, hip and back injuries, and he also suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression.
“I used to have really bad nightmares to the point where I would wake up yelling, screaming and punching,” said Ryan. “As soon as I got Tommy—literally the day I got him—my nightmares subsided. I rarely ever get them now. He doesn’t have to be in our bed. His presence in our room next to our bed just helps me sleep.”
Tommy hasn’t just helped with Ryan’s peace of mind, he’s brought so much joy to his family, especially his sons, Lincoln, 11, and Greyson, 8.
“When the vest comes off, Tommy’s their best bud; the boys enjoy playing with his toys and taking him for walks. It took a little while for them to understand he was my service animal. They understand it and respect it, but they definitely enjoy their playtime with him.”
Perhaps most importantly, Tommy has also instilled Ryan’s hope for the future; he is able to continue traveling with his family and feeling the sense of freedom that Tommy affords him. He’s also looking forward to many more joint birthday celebrations with Tommy.
You can follow Ryan and Tommy’s adventures on Instagram here.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Dog Treats
Prepared by Emily Fritz, one of WCC’s amazing service dog training instructors, this recipe for homemade dog treats is not only easy to make, but it’s also healthy and “Lab-approved!”
The benefit of making homemade treats is that you know every single ingredient you’re feeding your dog. To make them for your furry friend, simply follow the instructions below.
Ingredients
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 300F.
2. Combine all ingredients except the cinnamon in a bowl.
3. Dust a clean surface with flour and knead the dough into a ball for a minute or two until all ingredients are evenly combined. Place the dough ball back in the bowl and let it rest with a damp towel covering the top of the bowl for about 30 minutes.
4. Dust a rolling pin (or wine bottle) with flour and roll out the ball of dough to about1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutter to cut out shapes, rerolling the dough until gone.
5. Sprinkle cinnamon on each cookie and place them on a cookie sheet, baking for about 20-30 minutes.
6. Allow treats to cool completely on a cooling rack and store in the fridge to keep fresh.
We do recommend that you give treats to your dog in moderation, so he maintains a healthy weight. And it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian if you have concerns about introducing new food or treats to your dog, particular ingredients, or even allergic reactions.
Have a homemade dog treat recipe you’d like to share? Send it our way for a chance to have it featured in one of our upcoming stories! Feel free to share by dropping us a line at communications@warriorcanineconnection.org
We Honor Our Volunteers
“Volunteers are the backbone of our organization,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “We simply couldn’t do all that we do without the support of our extraordinary volunteers. They are helping to change lives for the better.”
Somehow, despite restrictions due to COVID-19 and operating at 60% of volunteer capacity from one year earlier, our amazing volunteers posted a record number of 78,707 service hours in 2020, valued at $2,140,830 ($27.20/hour) in cost savings to WCC.
Also, remarkably, 50% of WCC’s 2020 volunteers were comprised of Military Family Members and Veterans—reinforcing the adage of ‘Veterans helping Veterans.’
Why are WCC volunteers so engaged? Each volunteer has their own reason.
“From the first time I saw Holly’s Half Dozen on the explore web cam and tuned-in to the live chats about the organization, I connected to the WCC mission of using the healing power of dogs to help veterans who were struggling. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to see the difference one dog can have in the life of a veteran and his/her family. My life path did not include military service but volunteering with WCC has now given me the opportunity to support our nation’s veterans. The unexpected part of volunteering with WCC are the many connections and dear friendships I’ve made with other volunteers and supporters all across the country.”
Terrie Bates, WCC Volunteer since 2013
“I learn so much from the animals and the trainers and love the mission!”
Amy Griffith, WCC Volunteer since 2020
“I love the feeling of community at WCC. We are there for each other, you are never alone when raising a future service puppy. We all support each other when we are feeling stuck or disheartened when maybe our puppy isn’t as far along in training as others. We remind each other our puppies have their own path and it’s not about keeping up with each other it’s about taking it at your puppy’s pace. We also support each other during the transition from when our puppies go to their path whether that be a family support dog, advanced training and working service dog. Our hearts ante poured into these fur love bugs and we know the day will come to transition from our heart to another but it’s never easy even though it’s beautiful.”
Ashley Poindexter-Tarmy, WCC Volunteer since 2019
“I have always volunteered for some organization in every phase of my life but WCC is by far the most rewarding volunteer job I’ve ever had. My father and brother are both disabled Veterans and I couldn’t be more honored to be able to give back to our veterans in such a healing and holistic way.”
Michele Burkhammer, WCC Volunteer since 2019
“Volunteering at WCC allows me to connect to the military community. While I work with dogs, I feel great satisfaction knowing that I am helping veterans and their families caring for the dogs that will one day serve them. I believe in WCC’s mission and feel good in knowing that the dogs we raise will help those in need.”
Nancy Deprey, WCC Volunteer since 2020
“WCC gives me a purpose and working with all Veterans allows me to give back to my brothers and sisters in arms who have given so much. Being able to watch the changes take place and the Veterans opening up. To see them laugh and smile and make eye contact. It is everything and worth the 2.5 hours I spend in a car to watch this miracle happen.”
Robin Martin, WCC Volunteer since 2012
“We want to give back to Veterans and their families. It is a huge honor to be a WCC volunteer and share the mission with everyone
we can.”
Bill and Tammy Crozier, WCC Volunteer since 2019
“Volunteering for WCC combined love of dogs with a mission I support; I am a part of something bigger than me, and my support continues WCC’s mission.”
Kimberly Harrington, WCC Volunteer since 2016
Thank you to all of you, our amazing volunteers, who give your time and talents to WCC; we are very appreciative of all you do.
We will be featuring several of our amazing volunteers with their thoughts on why they choose to help WCC on our Facebook page, so keep an eye out for them!
Interested in volunteering for WCC? You can check out our current opportunities here.
It’s National Puppy Day! Warrior Canine Connection Celebrates New Litter of Future Service Dogs
March 23, 2021 – Tuesday marked National Puppy Day, and Warrior Canine Connection in Boyds is celebrating since they recently welcomed a litter of future service dogs for Veterans in need.
WCC has placed 75 canines to date and has helped thousands of Veterans nationwide through its Mission Based Trauma Recovery Model, where Warriors help train service dogs for their fellow Veterans. Watch the story on Montgomery County Media here.
Nine-day-old Montgomery County puppies preparing to become service dogs
March 23, 2021
BOYDS, Md. (WDVM) — Tuesday is National Puppy Day, and while many of us devoted dog owners have trained our precious pups to sit, roll over and shake paws, a new litter of puppies in Boyds, Maryland is training to take on a really important job.
Eight golden retriever puppies were born just nine days ago at Warrior Canine Connection’s facility in Boyds. Those five good boys and three good girls will train to become some of WCC’s next service dogs for veterans. Watch the story on WDVM here.
Warrior Canine Connection: How Reputable Breeders Give Back
February 25, 2021 – Civic-minded breeders of Labradors and Golden Retrievers are an integral part of the success of Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), a nonprofit organization that helps deserving disabled veterans.
WCC has always bred its own litters thanks to Molly Morelli, director of its dog program. She insists that canines that are bred for excellent conformation, temperament, and health, have a much better chance of turning into phenomenal service dogs than shelter canines that often bring many unforeseen issues with them. Read Cary Unkelback’s full story here.
Service animal expert informs students on the benefits of veteran service dogs
February 22, 2021 – Talk therapy and companion dogs could help veterans as an alternative to medicine, an expert on service animals told a group of about 60 students last week.
Sarah DelCore, veteran and military service manager for a Boyds, Maryland, organization called Warrior Canine Connections, encouraged the students to volunteer to train service dogs for military veterans. Jones was a speaker at a Psychology Club Event that featured her organization. Read the full story in the Campus Current here.
WCC Veteran Spotlight: Thalia L.
Shortly after graduation, she enlisted in the Navy to become a Logistics Specialist. In a nutshell, Thalia started out helping with supplies needed for ship maintenance, later moving to the air supply side of the house. Need new boots or a new rotor blade for the helicopter? Thalia was your person.
“I learned a trade that made me think outside the box in regard to the jobs I perform,” said Thalia. “It gave me an experience where sometimes I am the most knowledgeable person in the room.”
There were three deployments to the Middle East and lots of travel, including to Dubai, Djibouti as well as England, Hawaii and Australia.
Thalia remained on active duty until 2011, at which time she entered the Reserves until she separated in 2014. She openly shares that she battles daily with post-traumatic stress due to related events and Fibromyalgia. Separated from the service, again, Thalia found herself needing a new plan. She reached out to the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) and got involved.
“I mainly attended some of their physical and mental wellness events, sports camps, job trainings, resume-building trainings, and other fun events both in-person and virtual,” said Thalia. “I mean, I hike now, and I enjoy it, which is something I definitely didn’t do before.”
But it was the service dog training program that WWP offered in partnership with Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) that really caught her attention.
“I am an absolute dog lover, and I have Leyti, a 9-year-old service dog of my own (she received Leyti from a different organization, not WCC),” said Thalia. “Going through Warrior Canine Connection’s program helped me become a better owner for my pretty but spoiled princess. It didn’t just make me think about how I continually work with and care for her, it also made me realize a lot about myself and how I approach things.”
Thalia says some days are worse than others but knowing she has the support of WWP, as well as Leyti, helps get her through. Despite her ongoing battle, Thalia says she has a lot to be thankful for. Case in point—a new job; she recently started a new position that she’s extremely excited about.
Her advice to other Veterans fighting their own personal battles?
“I would tell them to sit in a room full of puppies [laughs],” said Thalia. “I think that experience would give them so much perspective. Working with these dogs and allowing yourself to focus on them and their needs versus everything else you have going on really helps.”
Hollywood Celebrities, War Veterans and Super-Star Dogs Go Online to Benefit Warrior Canine Connection
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 10, 2021
WHAT DO MILITARY BRATS, HOLLYWOOD CELEBRITIES, WAR VETERANS AND SUPER-STAR DOGS HAVE IN COMMON? They’ve all come together to bring awareness to a truly wonderful cause: providing specially trained
service dogs to Veterans.
Join them on Monday, February 15, 2021 at 7 p.m. EST to learn more about Operation Warrior Shield’s upcoming Virtual Fundraising Gala to benefit Warrior Canine Connection! (Click on link to reserve your FREE TICKET to this virtual press announcement on February 15. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/healing-their-hidden-wounds-tickets-138779482167)
The Virtual Fundraising Gala details:
Operation Warrior Shield (OWS) will be sponsoring a Virtual Fundraising Gala on Monday, March 29, 2021 at 7 p.m. EST (Vietnam Veterans Day), with all proceeds directly benefiting Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) and its placement of service dogs with Veterans.
The Gala will feature an impressive line-up of VIP celebrities and speakers, including Lainie Kazan, actress and singer; Greta Blackburn, actress, singer and daughter of an Air Force Veteran; TONY Lo BIANCO, actor and narrator of “Just A Common Soldier”; Dabney Coleman, American actor; Andre Rush, former White House Chef and combat Veteran; Daniel Rodriguez “The Singing Policeman” and Army Veteran; Dr. Robert Koffman, CAPT (Ret.), decorated Navy combat Veteran and military psychiatrist; Errol Rappaport, Air Force Veteran and OWS Goodwill Ambassador; Edward Schloeman, CMSgt (Ret.) and founder of Operation Warrior Shield; Brigadier General Loree Sutton, New York’s veterans-affairs commissioner and formerly the Army’s highest-ranking psychiatrist; and Rick Yount, founder and executive director of Warrior Canine Connection.
Also featured at the event will be U.S. Air Force Veteran Ryan Garrison and his WCC service dog Luke, who was recently named 2020 Service Dog of the Year by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Ryan and Luke were paired up in 2016 by WCC. Garrison, who enlisted in the Air Force after the 9/11 attacks, was severely injured while deployed in Iraq in 2006. His injuries included fractured and torn disks in his back, which have resulted in numerous surgeries, chronic pain and anxiety.
Luke not only helps Garrison with his mobility and everyday tasks but since being paired with him, Garrison has been able to better control his anxiety and PTSD.
“I feel beyond blessed to be able to share what Luke, and other WCC service dogs, can do,” said Ryan Garrison. “My hope is to encourage other veterans to take a step forward to seek help.”
“This event is to raise awareness and critical funds to place more service dogs with our nation’s wounded Veterans. Period,” said Edward Schloeman, CMSgt (Ret.) and founder of Operation Warrior Shield. “This is a no-fail mission.”
“Warrior Canine Connection is privileged to work with Operation Warrior Shield, a fellow nonprofit that is making a real difference in the lives of our Veterans,” explained Rick Yount, founder and executive director of Warrior Canine Connection. “Operation Warrior Shield knows the sacrifices our Service Members and Veterans have made, as well as the value of canine therapy, and we are so thankful to have their support,” he adds.
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 or contact Beth Bourgeois at beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org.
About Operation Warrior Shield:
Operation Warrior Shield, Inc. provides comprehensive support programs for service members, veterans, first responders and their families that are focused on transition, health and wellness, employment, prevention of homelessness, peer engagement, and connections to community resources. The emphasis is to help heal their hidden wounds through: Helping veterans find jobs; Eliminating veteran homelessness; Teaching Transcendental Meditation; and VETWELL, the organization’s “Community Based Holistic Wellness” program. For more information visit www.operationwarriorshield.com or contact Edward Schloeman, CMSgt (Ret.) at eschloeman@aol.com.
Errol Rappaport
Good Will Ambassador
Operation Warrior Shield
Fidelis Services Group
Vietnam Veteran, Medic United States Air Force
errolink@gmail.com – 310-780-1170
Visit Warrior Canine Connection’s 24-hour Puppy Cam:
https://explore.org/livecams/warrior-canine-connection/puppy-whelping-room