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
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
Ryan and Luke: A Veteran and His ACE Service Companion
January 31, 2021 — “It brings tears to my eyes how Luke has changed Ryan’s life,” says puppy raiser Laurie Higuera of Napa, CA.
In December 2020, the American Kennel Club bestowed its prestigious Award for Canine Excellence (ACE) on seven-year-old Luke for his work as a service dog for veteran U.S. Staff Sergeant E5 Ryan Garrison.
Read the AKC article for the “ACE Award for Service Dog” here.
Read another great story written by Cary Unkelbach here.
Veterans Get Surprise Funding
It all took place, thanks to the American Warrior Initiative (AWI). A nonprofit dedicated https://operationwarriorshield.com to supporting military families and Veterans, AWI was established by Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. based in Ellicott City, Maryland. This year, AWI generously donated $30,000 in grant funding to WCC in support of its service dog placement program. That’s in addition to a generous $20,000 grant they gave WCC last year.
So where does the surprise come into play? During the video call, AWI surprised two of WCC’s Veteran Service Dog Team recipients with a $5,000 family grant each. The family grants were created to help with any needs either Veteran might have—from dog care expenses to home repairs. And as you might imagine, the reactions were priceless.
“Thank you so much, this means the world to me,” said Brent McKeag, who has WCC service dog Tallman. “I would like to say thank you so much to AWI and Fairway not only for what you’re doing but also to Warrior Canine Connection for pairing me with my beautiful wonderful dog, Tallman.”
Brent, an Army Specialist E-4 who lives in Stafford, Virginia, went on to share just how much Tallman has changed his life, as well as his son’s.
“He’s not just helping me, it’s been amazing to see how he reacts when my son has an epileptic seizure,” said Brent. “Tallman wasn’t taught to do it, but he won’t leave his side and gets my attention to let me know. I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
WCC Veteran Service Dog Team Cornelius Twohig and service dog Dana also received one of the $5,000 grants.
“I’m actually speechless, which doesn’t happen to me very often,” said Cornelius. “Thank you so much for your generosity, it’s mind-boggling. This takes my breath away; I can’t voice my appreciation enough. And thank you to WCC; getting this dog and working with a dog sort of allows me to look at a future I didn’t see before.”
Exactly the intention of AWI’s generous grant funds.
“We are so honored to have such amazing partners in the American Warrior Initiative,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “AWI talks the talk and walks the walk; they are 100% dedicated to helping our country’s Veterans and their families. This grant funding is really appreciated, and even more so, is the personalized touch and impact they have on each of the Veterans and their family members they support.”
Louise Thaxton, director and co-founder of AWI, hosted the call and shared the surprise. “Weezie,” as her friends call her, shared her personal mantra, “None of us can do everything, but all of us can do one thing.”
And that’s exactly what AWI is doing—one Veteran at a time.
Puppy Yoga: Time to Paws, Reflect and Smile
Yoga class has gone to the dogs. Literally. Warrior Canine Connection is hosting virtual puppy yoga classes, pairing the practice of yoga with adorable puppies, all who are service dogs in training.
Thanks to a grant from the Healthcare Initiative Foundation (HIF), WCC has been holding Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) sessions for Veterans in Montgomery County, Maryland, at The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals in Silver Spring. Last March, programming moved to a virtual format due to the pandemic, and virtual puppy yoga is an extension to that programming, offering participants a more informal way to connect the mind and body.
The instructor, Mary Zambri, along with one of Cohen’s team members and a long-time WCC volunteer, has led both classes to-date. Mary, who owns Posezen Yoga in Bethesda, Md., hosts a half-hour class designed for all skill levels. The only difference between a traditional class and this one? Puppies roaming around the classroom.
The class is designed to help those tuned in to “paws” and reflect, reduce anxiety and pain and improve overall mindset and mood. And let’s face it, is not only relaxing, but it’s also downright entertaining. Here’s what some of the virtual attendees shared about their experience.
User Sria Kelly said, “This is seriously the best idea, and therapy ever. I know this is involved, but please, please, please do this more often. ”
From Saffron Rose Burrows, “I’m from England and currently in a lockdown. So glad I found this page! The puppies are so cute.”
Adrienne L. Stark added, “OMG! Doing yoga with SDiT (service dogs in training) is a dream!”
There is, of course, lots of laughter along the way, as well as the occasional toe nibble from a puppy.
Kristin Hughes said, “The instructor is doing such a great job of not getting distracted by these cute little clowns!”
Kate Berggren Lasher said, “This just makes your heart and soul feel so good! The girls are stretching and moving around and in comes the puppies!! Too sweet.”
Ginger Smith added, “I could totally do the lay down with puppies pose.”
And Patti Walker Rush said, “THE best video of the week! We needed this. ”
Interesting in joining a future class? You’re in luck, the next WCC virtual puppy yoga class will take place on Friday, February 12 at 12-12:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Visit WCC’s Facebook page for complete details.
To the Ruff and Back: WCC’s Captain Visits with Jack Nicklaus
Mr. Nicklaus recently welcomed Captain to his office and talked with puppy parent Terrie Bates about some of Captain’s experiences on his journey towards becoming a service dog—from grocery shopping, riding the metro-rail, taking escalators and elevators, going to medical appointments, dining outdoors, and standing in socially distanced lines at the post office. Having the chance to (safely) visit an office building and work the environment for the first time was a great new experience for Captain. He was happy to show off some of his skills, such as opening and closing desk drawers and cabinets, and retrieving dropped items like a TV remote.
Like everyone, WCC has had to adapt its programs and do things in a new way. For example, much of Captain’s training has taken place via weekly virtual video sessions with the professional Warrior Canine Connection trainers.
“Despite these very challenging times,” Mr. Nicklaus said, “I was happy to learn that Warrior Canine Connection has remained focused on the delivery of program services to our veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries and is assisting them in reintegrating back into their families and communities.”
Mr. Nicklaus has long been a supporter of Veterans’ charities, including PGA HOPE, Folds of Honor, and donating his design services to various golf courses that benefit our military men and women. One of these is the American Lake Veterans Golf Course in Tacoma, Washington, a course designed solely for the rehabilitation of wounded Veterans. And most recently, the American Dunes Golf Club in Grand Haven, Michigan, where, once opened officially in May, will steer proceeds to the Folds of Honor, a foundation in place to provide educational scholarships to spouses and children of fallen and disabled Service Members. His support of Veterans and love of dogs made him a natural fit for his long-time role on the Warrior Canine Connection Board of Advisors.
Recognizing the rehabilitative and recreational benefits that golf might bring to Captain’s future Veteran, one of the Nicklaus Design team members, Tommy Hearden, introduced Captain to the sights and sounds of the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses at Bear Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. In this environment, everything was new—golf balls (which are for looking, not touching!); a big, clanky bag of clubs; the loud thwack and whoosh of a driver hitting a ball off the tee; the tractor-driven ball collector on the driving range; riding in a golf cart; the sound of a chip shot with a 9-iron; and learning to sit quietly nearby, as a golfer steps up to the ball. It was a great day for Captain and he’s looking forward to his next tee time!
Thank you, Jack, and thank you, Nicklaus Design!
WCC’s Captain is a 14-month-old Golden Retriever named in honor and remembrance of United States Army Captain Michael D. Scotton from Laytonsville, Maryland.