Wednesdays are Fran Frazier’s favorite day of the week. Before the pandemic, that’s the day she would make the 45-minute drive from her home in Northern Virginia to the Warrior Canine Connection Healing Quarters in Boyds, Maryland to take photographs of the puppies on-site.
You know the ones — the adorable pics that chronicle the growth and development of the puppies each week, sometimes they even include sunglasses or some other holiday-related décor… they’re the photos that result in countless oohs and ahhs from WCC’s followers on Facebook and all of us, really.
“It fills the heart — you can’t help but be happy while you’re there, especially knowing they have such important jobs ahead, it’s thrilling to be part of their early stages,” said Fran.
Fran says she feels like an “imposter” photographing the puppies. That’s because she spent two years assisting Lori Marshall, the previous WCC volunteer photographer, with the weekly photos. Fran says she learned a lot from Lori, including setting up lights, the backdrop stand and advanced puppy cuddling techniques (Fran refers to Lori as “the puppy whisperer”). When Lori left, Fran and a couple other volunteers stepped in to give photography and puppy-wrangling a shot. That was more than a year ago now.
In fact, Fran’s been so inspired by the process that she upgraded her iPhone camera to a real one, although she confesses, shooting and editing photos is a process she’s still finetuning.
Fran won’t take all the photo credit, though; she’s quick to tell you that there are two-to-three volunteers who show up each week to take photos — notably, Paula McCorry, Kristen Durning and Sally Katz, and she says that the photos wouldn’t happen without them.
When you ask Fran about herself, take note not to use the word “retired” — that’s not a term in her vocabulary. As she will tell you, she “opened a new chapter” in her life several years ago, after decades of working in the nonprofit sector and with government and trade associations. She’ll tell you through a smile, this next chapter includes puppy photography and the pursuit of the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe — something that is also synonymous with Fran around WCC’s headquarters.
“She’s going to need to find a new hobby, because if you ask me, she’s ALREADY perfected her chocolate chip recipe,” Allison Pitcher, digital communications specialist, WCC. “We love her cookies but hate them at the same time — for those of us trying to watch our sugar intake.”
Not long after one new chapter began for Fran, another ended — this one, the unexpected, heartbreaking, life-changing kind: Fran’s husband, Tim Henline, who was also very involved in volunteering for WCC, passed away in November 2019.
Both Fran and Tim got involved with WCC in 2013 after seeing how important a friend’s service dog was to her. They knew they wanted to somehow get involved and discovered WCC. By sheer fluke, Fran says she found the WCC puppy cam on Explore.org and knew they had to get involved. The duo began puppy petting early on, which evolved into helping with the whelping box and other duties.
“Tim and I were/are so proud to help support the organization and its mission and grateful for the opportunity to do so,” said Fran. “WCC was so very supportive during Tim’s illness and passing…. it sure is an amazing group of people. And it continues to be a very important and supportive chapter for me. What began as puppy petting became such a special part of our lives, and having Mackie and Ann fill our hearts and home is a truly special gift,” said Fran.
Fran and Tim also became caretakers to breeder dog Ann, who has had three beautiful litters of pups. They were also delighted to welcome Mackie, a wonderful career-change Golden Retriever, into their home.
Fran says she can’t help but continue using the word “we” when sharing stories and information about her life. Since losing Tim, she says life has been an adjustment. But having Ann and Mackie is slowly but surely helping her round out her days.
“The opportunity, in any way possible, to support WCC’s mission to help recovering Warriors reconnect with life, their families, their communities, and each other is truly an honor and a privilege,” said Fran. “We are so very grateful to those who serve this Nation.”
WCC’s on-site volunteer program has been halted since March, except for only mission-critical needs. Warrior Canine Connection is excited and hopeful about having our volunteers back on-site when it’s safe and responsible to do so.
WCC’s Virtual Graduation Gets Rave Reviews
The EPWs are a group of WCC supporters that number in the thousands and is made up of volunteers from all over the country. The group’s moniker grew out of their collective love for WCC’s puppies and the Veterans they grow up to support.
In a “normal” graduation year, the EPWs help with the annual event, including its organization and execution, even hosting a pre-graduation happy hour. But they do much more for WCC than just assist with its graduation ceremony; they also help to raise awareness, fundraise and provide support to the organization in numerous other ways throughout the entire year.
Although there was some disappointment about not being able to see each other in-person at this year’s graduation, the EPWs also had many praises for this year’s event.
“It was a beautiful graduation and weekend. There were moments of tears and joy that touched my soul… it really was well done… next best thing to being together.”
– Sandi Rosenberg
“I watched it from beginning to end. I thought it was fantastic!”
– Robin Baus Artura
“My first attendance at a WCC graduation! Being in Australia, I would not have been able to attend in person. I love this virtual format. It was very touching. Great to have the veterans speak. As many have said, it was probably less stressful for them, which is good. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to put this all together. Very well done. Truly grateful.”
– Ming Ng
“It was a beautiful graduation. So many joyful moments, and so many moments where I needed a lot of Kleenex! The graduation touched my heart. I wish that we all could have been together, but I really enjoyed the whole event!”
– Leslie Shear
Typically, Veterans graduating with their service dogs participate in the ceremony during the ritual “leash passing” with their dog’s puppy parent who helped raise their dog. This year, due to the virtual format, we were able to hear from the Veterans up close and personal about their relationships with their newfound best friends. And judging by some of the EPW’s input, that was a welcome change.
“I especially loved hearing the veterans speak. They’re usually so overwhelmed by all the people at the in-person ceremony.”
– Julie Hansen
“I missed seeing everyone in person, but I enjoyed the virtual graduation ceremony. The national anthem was wonderful and brought me to tears. I really enjoyed hearing from the veterans and seeing the service dogs interacting with them and their families.”
– Taffy Zoab
“It was much better than I had anticipated! Kudos to all who helped put it together. I too think the veterans seemed more relaxed. Loved seeing Spencer, he did an awesome job hosting and hearing his story. I didn’t want it to end. I’ve re-watched it three times already!”
– Cheryl Cannone
“It was very well done. I LOVED seeing video of the veterans with their dogs and hearing them speak about the impact these dogs have on them. Keynote speaker was awesome as well. It was all great!
– Anna Middeke
“I found myself feeling depressed most of the weekend, just because I was missing all of my friends and our in-person visit. That being said, graduation was awesome. Thank goodness for the technology and the opportunity to still visit with friends and see our beloved WCC dogs graduate. The videos were an added plus as we got to know more about the puppy parents and about the veterans receiving the dogs. To have each veteran say a little something on video was an added bonus. I believe the veteran was comfortable addressing us in this manner and it added a real human component to our “WCC Family.”
– Sandy Goga
“I really LOVED graduation is this format. I thought hearing from the Veterans was so meaningful and really brings all the work preparing the dogs for their future full circle. It really put the focus on the Veterans.”
– Ericka Johanek
“I loved the pre-graduation posts about the dogs, veteran partners and Puppy Parents….it was fun to learn about them in advance. I missed being there, but I think this was a huge success for our very first virtual event. Fun Virtual Happy Hour! It was great getting to see folks and celebrate. Loved the concert by Josh Gallagher! I loved the playing of the National Anthem…made me put my hand on my heart. I really loved hearing all the veterans videos…I felt like I learned so much about each of them and the Puppy Parents. It was so nice to get to know them. The video that Alice made was stellar and such a great capture of the entire event! A treasured memory.”
– Cindy Meyers
“This was my 1st WCC graduation. It was wonderful. The keynote speaker, stories and phtoos about vets and parents were so moving. Thank you for making this happen.”
– Leila Collins
Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s WCC graduation possible!
Warrior Canine Connection Hosts 2002 Graduation Virtually
September 30, 2020 – Although this year marked Warrior Canine Connection’s eighth annual graduation, it was their first virtual ceremony. The special presentation showcased successful service dog placements that will help veterans in need nationwide. Watch the full story on MyMCMedia.com here.
Fran Frazier: Puppy Photographer, Chocolate Chip-Cookie Maker and Standout Volunteer
You know the ones — the adorable pics that chronicle the growth and development of the puppies each week, sometimes they even include sunglasses or some other holiday-related décor… they’re the photos that result in countless oohs and ahhs from WCC’s followers on Facebook and all of us, really.
“It fills the heart — you can’t help but be happy while you’re there, especially knowing they have such important jobs ahead, it’s thrilling to be part of their early stages,” said Fran.
Fran says she feels like an “imposter” photographing the puppies. That’s because she spent two years assisting Lori Marshall, the previous WCC volunteer photographer, with the weekly photos. Fran says she learned a lot from Lori, including setting up lights, the backdrop stand and advanced puppy cuddling techniques (Fran refers to Lori as “the puppy whisperer”). When Lori left, Fran and a couple other volunteers stepped in to give photography and puppy-wrangling a shot. That was more than a year ago now.
In fact, Fran’s been so inspired by the process that she upgraded her iPhone camera to a real one, although she confesses, shooting and editing photos is a process she’s still finetuning.
Fran won’t take all the photo credit, though; she’s quick to tell you that there are two-to-three volunteers who show up each week to take photos — notably, Paula McCorry, Kristen Durning and Sally Katz, and she says that the photos wouldn’t happen without them.
When you ask Fran about herself, take note not to use the word “retired” — that’s not a term in her vocabulary. As she will tell you, she “opened a new chapter” in her life several years ago, after decades of working in the nonprofit sector and with government and trade associations. She’ll tell you through a smile, this next chapter includes puppy photography and the pursuit of the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe — something that is also synonymous with Fran around WCC’s headquarters.
“She’s going to need to find a new hobby, because if you ask me, she’s ALREADY perfected her chocolate chip recipe,” Allison Pitcher, digital communications specialist, WCC. “We love her cookies but hate them at the same time — for those of us trying to watch our sugar intake.”
Not long after one new chapter began for Fran, another ended — this one, the unexpected, heartbreaking, life-changing kind: Fran’s husband, Tim Henline, who was also very involved in volunteering for WCC, passed away in November 2019.
Both Fran and Tim got involved with WCC in 2013 after seeing how important a friend’s service dog was to her. They knew they wanted to somehow get involved and discovered WCC. By sheer fluke, Fran says she found the WCC puppy cam on Explore.org and knew they had to get involved. The duo began puppy petting early on, which evolved into helping with the whelping box and other duties.
“Tim and I were/are so proud to help support the organization and its mission and grateful for the opportunity to do so,” said Fran. “WCC was so very supportive during Tim’s illness and passing…. it sure is an amazing group of people. And it continues to be a very important and supportive chapter for me. What began as puppy petting became such a special part of our lives, and having Mackie and Ann fill our hearts and home is a truly special gift,” said Fran.
Fran and Tim also became caretakers to breeder dog Ann, who has had three beautiful litters of pups. They were also delighted to welcome Mackie, a wonderful career-change Golden Retriever, into their home.
Fran says she can’t help but continue using the word “we” when sharing stories and information about her life. Since losing Tim, she says life has been an adjustment. But having Ann and Mackie is slowly but surely helping her round out her days.
“The opportunity, in any way possible, to support WCC’s mission to help recovering Warriors reconnect with life, their families, their communities, and each other is truly an honor and a privilege,” said Fran. “We are so very grateful to those who serve this Nation.”
WCC’s on-site volunteer program has been halted since March, except for only mission-critical needs. Warrior Canine Connection is excited and hopeful about having our volunteers back on-site when it’s safe and responsible to do so.
New Faces at WCC
Sarah joined WCC’s team in July as the Veterans and Military Family Service Manager. As a licensed mental health professional, in this role she will interview Veteran applicants to help determine their needs and how a service dog can help improve their daily living, provide support to Veterans throughout the service dog application and training process, and on-going follow-up support to graduates of the program.
Having served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, Sarah is a Veteran herself and brings her experience and unique perspective to WCC’s team.
“I was working in cybersecurity — a completely unrelated field while in the Marine Corps but it was during that time that I became interested in social work and helping Veterans,” said Sarah. “It was there through the people I met and their experiences with trauma and PTSD that I knew I wanted to work in a capacity to help Veterans.”
Prior to coming to WCC, Sarah worked at a skilled nursing home facility and previously interned at the Veterans Health Administration. Sarah graduated from the Simmons School of Social Work in Boston, Mass. with her master’s degree in 2018, and she completed her undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of Maryland, University College.
An avid animal lover since childhood, Sarah says she believes strongly that service animals can play a key role in the rehabilitation of service members and Veterans and is excited to be a part of the WCC community.
“Everyone is very open and friendly, you can tell that they all want what’s best for the Veterans and the dogs and that they’re really rooting for the best for all of them,” said Sarah. “It’s been such a positive experience to watch the Veterans work with the dogs and how they interact”
Sarah has a cat named Kit-Kat the Kitty Cat. When not working, she enjoys gardening and being outdoors.
Join us on Saturday, September 26th for Warrior Canine Connection’s 2020 Virtual Graduation
This year’s ceremony will mark WCC’s first virtual ceremony, and despite the format change, the event still promises to be one not-to-miss!
Simply log-on to WCC’s Facebook page here on Saturday at 11 a.m. E.T. to join the celebration! You can follow along with our WCC 2020 Graduation Program here.
We look forward to seeing you then!
Warrior Canine Connection Receives $30,000 Grant from Mead Family Foundation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2020
Boyds, Md. – Warrior Canine Connection has received a $30,000 grant from the Mead Family Foundation in support of its Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) service dog training program for Service Members and Veterans with visible and invisible wounds.
“Especially in this difficult time, we are so grateful to have the partnership of outstanding foundations, like the Mead Family Foundation,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection “Veterans with pre-existing mental health conditions are particularly vulnerable given our current global situation since the economic impact and the need for social distancing can increase feelings of loneliness. Public health experts anticipate a surge in demand for mental health care services due to the pandemic, underscoring how critical it is for WCC’s mission with wounded Veterans to continue.”
WCC’s 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 benefits from skills development in communication, confidence building, accountability, emotional regulation and patience to promote an act of service.
Beginning in March, WCC quickly moved all of its MBTR programming to virtual formats such as training videos and online instructional tools to help Veterans stay engaged and facilitate their continued rehabilitation. In-person programming will resume at most WCC program locations in July, in accordance with state and local guidelines.
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.
Mark Your Calendar – WCC’s 2020 Graduation
In its eighth year of taking place, this year’s Warrior Canine Connection graduation will mark its first *virtual* ceremony. Despite the format change, the event, set to take place on Saturday, September 26th, still promises to be a not-to-miss celebration!
Be sure to tune-in to WCC’s Facebook page at 11 a.m. Eastern Time for the festivities! The ceremony will include this year’s graduating Veteran Service Dog Teams, as well as inspiring stories, special awards, shout-outs and more!
Besides tuning in from home, you can also be part of the planning process by voting for the final artwork design that will be selected to appear on a special, limited edition tshirt that will be sold online. WCC received more than 20 original artwork submissions as part of the design contest. Voting takes place today through August 9; you can make your vote count here.
In addition, WCC will also be selling a limited number of Class of 2020 “Pawty Packs” to enhance your at-home graduation watch party experience. These specially created kits will be available for sale after August 31 in the WCC store — more details to follow!
Don’t forget to mark your calendar for September 26 at 11 a.m. to join us in the celebration!
WCC’s Dogfather
Tom Callinan (pictured in the photo on the righthand side), President of Pacific Union Development Company, served in Vietnam as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps. He championed this No-Fail mission from the beginning and has played a significant role in our success.
In fact, Tom helped secure the seed money to initially launch Rick’s idea with a pilot program at the Palo Alto VA’s Trauma Recovery Program in 2008. He serves on WCC’s Board of Advisors and has inspired many of his friends and colleagues to support WCC’s mission. From putting WCC staff up in his beautiful San Francisco hotel to arranging an incredible retreat for its Veterans at his camp near Lake Tahoe, Tom steps up in front to support the mission time and time again.
“Ever since I met Tom nearly 15 years ago, it’s been evident that he has his fellow Veterans at heart,” said Rick. “He’s been quite the advocate for WCC from the beginning; I really credit him for launching our program. Helping Veterans is personal to him and that comes through in everything he does. He’s such a good-hearted guy, and I am proud to call him a friend and mentor.”
With roots in San Francisco, Tom has been influential in establishing programs such as WCC’s site at the Menlo Park VA and the organization’s new partnership with Swords to Plowshares at the Presidio.
In fact, the America’s Heroes Charity Golf Tournament, hosted by the Naval Postgraduate School Foundation, one of the key annual fundraising events WCC has participated in for the past five years, has raised close to $1M for the nonprofit. And with Tom’s role… he made that happen. The tournament, coupled with other fundraisers in California, play a significant role in supporting WCC’s California operations.
Tom traces his connection to the organization back to meeting Rick and Molly at the Assistance Dog Institute before WCC was formed — well over a decade ago.
“I am such an advocate of WCC’s program because it really works,” said Tom. “The service dogs are a drug-free alternative to therapy. They teach the Veterans patience through the training and help with so many facets of their reintegration into society. They work well.”
You may be familiar with WCC’s Calli, who is Tom’s namesake. He and his wife, Marj, are proud to have WCC’s Howard under their roof as well.
“I have got to hand it to Rick and Molly, they’ve done a fabulous job,” said Tom.
New Trees Take Root at WCC
Built in 1938, the barn is under renovation and soon will be a haven for Warriors involved in WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery Program. As with any renovation plans, many man-hours have been spent on the design plans to accommodate training areas, kennels, office space, storage and more.
Julie Walters, WCC board member and supporter, says, landscaping is often the last item on a long list of “to-dos” on a project like this. That’s why she donated eight new trees and had them installed on the grounds in the spring.
“Well, I’m a bit impatient with this process, so I decided to jump ahead of the construction schedule,” said Julie. “We need shade trees now so the dogs and trainers can use all the beautiful areas our Healing Quarters offer. And trees are an item which you wish you had planted five years ago; with that in mind, I have only started with the planting of these eight native varieties on the property. I’m not done yet!”
The eight-foot, field-raised trees have taken root around the property and along the large outdoor corral. The generous donation includes several varieties comprised of three Tulip Poplars, White Swamp Oak, Princeton Elm, Red Sunset Maple, Black Gum Wildfire and a Willow Oak.
“Julie’s support of our organization runs so deep; from being our largest, private donor to everything in between, including helping to deliver furniture —her level of support knows no bounds,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, WCC. “She’s not afraid to roll up her sleeves, and is just so supportive and so attentive to detail, it is just amazing to me how humble, kind and caring of a person she is to our Veterans and this organization.”
Julie, who serves as president of WCC’s board of directors, got involved with the organization 10 years ago. A self-proclaimed animal lover, Julie says she has always had cats and dogs in her life and knows full well the benefits they have given her throughout both her childhood and adult life. That’s how she knew WCC was the perfect “fit” for her involvement.
“The greatest advantage to our location at Schaeffer Farm [WCC Healing Quarters] is the peace and quiet and beauty of the natural setting,” said Julie. “It’s not a hospital or a clinic or a government installation — it’s the Maryland countryside and a very peaceful backdrop for healing and bonding and recovery for the veterans who come into our programs. With a big barn and our wide-open spaces, WCC will expand further and continue to offer the best supportive environment for our mission.”
You can learn more about the history of WCC’s property, as well as check out the “construction cam” to track the renovation process here.
Warrior Canine Connection Receives $10,000 Grant from TD Charitable Foundation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 28, 2020
BOYDS, Md. – Warrior Canine Connection has received a $10,000 grant 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.
“TD Charitable Foundation has supported WCC in the past and we are grateful to have their continued support,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “This generous grant is most welcome, as it gives us a leg up during this uncertain time. The Foundation is first-rate; it is deeply committed to providing support to other nonprofits that are making a difference in the community. We are privileged to have their generous assistance to help us realize our mission of serving our Veterans.”
WCC’s 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.
“We are honored to support the trauma recovery services of Warrior Canine Connection,” said Dave Hargadon, Regional VP and Co-Chair of the Veteran Diversity Council, TD Bank. “TD recognizes the unique advantage in leveraging the time and talents of Veterans to help train future service dogs. Together, we will build a more inclusive, sustainable tomorrow for our Veteran community.”
TD Charitable Foundation carries a legacy of supporting not-for-profit institutions and their important work throughout the region. Since its inception in 2002, the Foundation has contributed over $243 million in grant funding to not-for-profit organizations in the communities where we work, live, and do business.
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 $243 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/
This contribution supports TD’s longstanding commitment to community enrichment through the bank’s corporate citizenship platform, the TD Ready Commitment. The TD Ready Commitment actively promotes inclusivity, economic vitality, environmental wellbeing and health, enabling people of all backgrounds to succeed in a rapidly changing world. As part of the TD Ready Commitment, TD targets US $750 million in total by 2030 towards community giving in four critical areas: Financial Security, a more Vibrant Planet, Connected Communities and Better Health. Through this platform, TD aspires to create a more inclusive tomorrow — helping people of all backgrounds feel more confident, not just about their finances, but about their ability to achieve their goals. Visit: https://www.tdbank.com/corporate-responsibility/the-ready-commitment/