FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 7, 2020
Boyds, Md. – Robin Martin, a long-time volunteer for Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), has received the 2020 Volunteer Service Award from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper for her dedication and service to the Buncombe County community.
“We are delighted to see Robin receive this most-deserved honor,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “Robin’s unwavering commitment, dedication and support of our programs and the Veterans involved has been nothing short of amazing. She is a tremendous asset not only to our organization but also the wider Buncombe County community. She’s a wonderful human being, and we are all better for knowing her.”
Robin began volunteering with WCC in 2012. Last year alone, she volunteered a staggering 1,727 hours with WCC. She spends a great deal of her time at the Buncombe County Veterans Treatment Court (VTC), where WCC runs its Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) service dog training program for Service Members and Veterans involved in the court system.
No stranger to the military, Robin is a Veteran herself; she spent many years as an Army nurse at the old Walter Reed. And her father was a Veteran who served three tours in Vietnam. She says her support of WCC is all about the Veteran mission.
“It has been such a pleasure to work with the Veterans here in Buncombe County,” said Robin Martin, WCC volunteer. “I love seeing them coming in to meet the dogs for the first time and being grumpy and just not into it. By the end of their first session, they are hooked, and many continue to show up even though they have completed the program and are no longer required to come. The smiles just make my day.”
As a VTC Training Assistant, Robin instructs Veterans on how to work with service dogs in training which helps not only to meet their legal community service obligations but also fulfills a time-honored military tradition of Warriors helping Warriors. In doing so, the Veteran can also benefit from skills development in communication, confidence building, accountability, emotional regulation and patience to promote an act of service while receiving a therapeutic benefit.
In addition to assisting with the VTC, Robin helps provide MBTR to Veterans referred to WCC’s program from the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and FIRST at Blue Ridge, a residential therapeutic community for individuals and Veterans with substance abuse disorders.
Robin also helps organize and teach puppy parent classes, providing the opportunity for WCC to expand its Asheville and Buncombe County programming.
As if that weren’t enough, it’s also worth noting that, to-date, Robin has helped socialize, raise, train, puppy sit and care for a total of 22 WCC dogs. Currently, Robin is puppy parent to WCC service dog in training Danny, who works closely with the Veterans in the program at the Buncombe County VTC.
The Governor’s Volunteer Service Award honors the true spirit of volunteerism by recognizing individuals, groups and businesses that make a significant contribution to their community through volunteer service. Any person, group, or entity from the public, non-profit and private sector may be nominated for an award to their county award coordinator. County award coordinators submit their top 10 volunteer nominations per county. There are categories for the type of nominee (senior, youth, faith-based, family, group, business, etc.). Additional categories are based upon the area of service (animal, environmental, disaster, youth, preservation, etc.). County recommendations are reviewed by the Commission and awards are given out in the counties.
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.
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/
New Faces at WCC
Please join us in welcoming Lauren, as she has come to WCC’s Healing Quarters in Boyds, Maryland all the way from Rohnert Park, California. Lauren joins the team in a brand-new role: Canine Health and Puppy Development Specialist.
An avid dog-lover, Lauren started her work in the service dog industry 15 years ago when she began volunteering for a local organization in the kennel. The work inspired her to earn her bachelor’s degree in animal science from Oregon State University.
Following graduation, she spent the next 10+ years at Bergin University of Canine Studies. There, she touched all parts of its service dog program — from training and placing dogs, canine health care, puppy raising, kennel management to teaching students at the University.
“I’ve always been passionate about breeding, whelping and raising litters of service dogs, and I am thrilled be part of the process with the team at WCC,” said Lauren. “It’s definitely been a process of learning for me from the first match I was involved in 10 years ago. I am so excited to be part of this team where we’ll be placing dogs with people who really need them.”
Lauren has two dogs of her own; black Lab, Jaffee, who is WCC Rain’s granddaughter, and a Golden Retriever, Phoebe.
When not working, Lauren enjoys hiking, spending time with family, and with being from “wine country,” says she enjoys wine tasting.
Danny and Eli: Soldiering on Together
Besides a businessman and exercise aficionado, Danny is also an Army Veteran; he enlisted in the Army and served eight years before separating from service. During that time, he worked as an infantry paratrooper in Fort Bragg; he then commanded drill cannons at the Arlington Cemetery; then he deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, where he spent seven-plus months performing more than 800 convoy missions.
Danny will tell you his life post-military wasn’t what he had anticipated.
“I ended up going into the private sector and got fired from my first job out of the Army which, ironically, was selling gym memberships,” says Danny. “I ended up evicted, was homeless, went through a divorce, attempted suicide, spent three days in the psych ward and decided it was time to turn my life around.”
And turn it around did he ever. First stop: The Fire Academy, where Danny graduated at the top of his class. Loving the physical challenge that it brought, he soon after became a certified personal trainer and began slowly building his own clientele. It took some time but that’s how SOLDIERFIT came about.
It was at a class one day that Susan, a WCC puppy parent, brought one of the service dogs in training into the gym. Danny, who had previously had a pit bull named Courage, chatted with Susan and then got serious about getting his own service dog.
“At the initial training, I was first drawn to Manion because I had so much overlap in my life with his namesake Travis, but Eli and I really clicked,” said Danny. “It’s kind of nutty how well the team at WCC know what they’re doing and can read which dog pairs perfectly with each Veteran. Eli is a funny cat who has his own personality, and at the house it’s a running debate over whether he’s my dog or the girls’.”
Danny is happily married to wife Jen. Together, they have two beautiful daughters, River Lynne, 4, and Willow Wynn, 1.
“I have managed to be successful but there are still things I still don’t really like, like going out… crowds… and Eli really helps me with that,” said Danny. “I didn’t want to get trapped in those situations, I wanted to be there for my family, and we’ve worked together to accomplish that. The beautiful thing is, I don’t even realize I’m using him sometimes when I am. He can detect that I’m getting riled up before I am… it’s kind of like four-legged medicine.”
In his line of work, Danny’s used to providing his clients advice and tough love. His advice for fellow Veterans who may be able to benefit from a service dog but are reluctant to explore it?
“At the end of the day, there’s no such thing as who needs it [service dog] more or who needs it less,” says Danny. “A need is a need. I think a lot of Veterans are bad with this and tough on themselves — they push off getting themselves help because they think someone else had it worse than them. There’s no justification for letting yourself struggle when help is available.”
While Danny and Eli were paired in January of this year, they will officially graduate as part of WCC’s 2020 graduation class.
Warrior Canine Connection Receives $90,000 Grant from Wounded Warrior Project to Bring Canine-Assisted Therapy to More Veterans
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 21, 2020
BOYDS, Md. – Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) has received a $90,000 grant from Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) in support of its innovative Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program and to expand its program reach to additional Service Members and Veterans who are registered with WWP.
“We are honored to have the support of Wounded Warrior Project — one of the foremost Veteran service organizations dedicated to supporting post-9/11 Service Members and Veterans,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “Our partnership and this funding for programs will help us to bring canine-assisted therapy to those who will benefit from it most.”
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.
“The long-term resiliency and well-being of the military community requires ever-changing and innovative care solutions,” said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington. “Service dogs meaningfully improve quality of life and mental health for wounded veterans, and we’re proud to support the amazing work of Warrior Canine Connection.”
WCC will also host WWP warriors at its Healing Quarters in Boyds, Md. on a monthly basis to engage in MBTR programming, early socialization activities with puppies, recreational therapy and volunteer activities.
In the past two years, WCC has expanded its services to communities where Veterans are falling through the cracks and at high risk due to their avoidance of, or lack of, access to DoD or VA care. Specifically, WCC has recently enhanced its efforts to provide MBTR services for Veterans at community-based intervention sites serving Veterans and some of the many VA-administered Veterans Treatment Courts that have emerged throughout the country. Diversification of WCC’s MBTR delivery sites is allowing WCC to not only work with critically-ill Veteran populations in hospital settings, but also the vast population of Veterans who may remain undiagnosed and instead opt to seek help through VA community centers, resource centers, and other non-profit organizations, like Wounded Warrior Project.
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 Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.
Robin Martin, WCC Volunteer, Receives 2020 Volunteer Service Award from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper
July 7, 2020
Boyds, Md. – Robin Martin, a long-time volunteer for Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), has received the 2020 Volunteer Service Award from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper for her dedication and service to the Buncombe County community.
“We are delighted to see Robin receive this most-deserved honor,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “Robin’s unwavering commitment, dedication and support of our programs and the Veterans involved has been nothing short of amazing. She is a tremendous asset not only to our organization but also the wider Buncombe County community. She’s a wonderful human being, and we are all better for knowing her.”
Robin began volunteering with WCC in 2012. Last year alone, she volunteered a staggering 1,727 hours with WCC. She spends a great deal of her time at the Buncombe County Veterans Treatment Court (VTC), where WCC runs its Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) service dog training program for Service Members and Veterans involved in the court system.
No stranger to the military, Robin is a Veteran herself; she spent many years as an Army nurse at the old Walter Reed. And her father was a Veteran who served three tours in Vietnam. She says her support of WCC is all about the Veteran mission.
“It has been such a pleasure to work with the Veterans here in Buncombe County,” said Robin Martin, WCC volunteer. “I love seeing them coming in to meet the dogs for the first time and being grumpy and just not into it. By the end of their first session, they are hooked, and many continue to show up even though they have completed the program and are no longer required to come. The smiles just make my day.”
As a VTC Training Assistant, Robin instructs Veterans on how to work with service dogs in training which helps not only to meet their legal community service obligations but also fulfills a time-honored military tradition of Warriors helping Warriors. In doing so, the Veteran can also benefit from skills development in communication, confidence building, accountability, emotional regulation and patience to promote an act of service while receiving a therapeutic benefit.
In addition to assisting with the VTC, Robin helps provide MBTR to Veterans referred to WCC’s program from the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and FIRST at Blue Ridge, a residential therapeutic community for individuals and Veterans with substance abuse disorders.
Robin also helps organize and teach puppy parent classes, providing the opportunity for WCC to expand its Asheville and Buncombe County programming.
As if that weren’t enough, it’s also worth noting that, to-date, Robin has helped socialize, raise, train, puppy sit and care for a total of 22 WCC dogs. Currently, Robin is puppy parent to WCC service dog in training Danny, who works closely with the Veterans in the program at the Buncombe County VTC.
The Governor’s Volunteer Service Award honors the true spirit of volunteerism by recognizing individuals, groups and businesses that make a significant contribution to their community through volunteer service. Any person, group, or entity from the public, non-profit and private sector may be nominated for an award to their county award coordinator. County award coordinators submit their top 10 volunteer nominations per county. There are categories for the type of nominee (senior, youth, faith-based, family, group, business, etc.). Additional categories are based upon the area of service (animal, environmental, disaster, youth, preservation, etc.). County recommendations are reviewed by the Commission and awards are given out in the counties.
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.