If you follow each of WCC’s namesake announcements, you know that each one has its own unique and remarkable story. All of us here on the WCC team are continually moved to learn about each Veteran and the way his or her family and friends recount the impact they have had on those they knew, as well as our great country.
This month, we’re sharing one of those remarkable stories: Navy Chief Petty Officer David Michael Collins, Ret. You likely know his namesake as service dog in training “Collins”; he was named in memory of Dave, who lost his life to his battle with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and yet to be diagnosed chronic traumatic encephalopathy in 2014.
Just recently, over Thanksgiving, Dave’s wife, Jennifer, and their two children, Grace, 14, and Sam, 11, had the opportunity to meet Collins. In fact, WCC puppy parent and volunteer extraordinaire Patrick Siemon and Collins drove to Pennsylvania to meet the family while they were in town for the holiday.
“Meeting Collins was so much fun because we’ve seen pictures and we’re such a dog family, so to be able to hug on him, play with him and give him kisses was fabulous,” said Jennifer. “And meeting Patrick was just as incredible because he’s doing all the hard work to turn this dog into someone who’s going to carry on my husband’s legacy — he’s just a very special human being.”
We agree — special indeed. Although Patrick insists the pleasure was all his.
“CPO Collins is a truly amazing hero who has done so much for our country,” said Patrick. “There were so many special moments during Collins’ meeting with his namesake’s family and being able to show CPO Collins’ son Sam how to train Collins was truly remarkable. I hope that Collins brings CPO Collins’ family, friends and fellow Warriors much comfort through his work helping Veterans and sharing his story,” Patrick shared.
In addition to Jennifer, Grace and Sam, their entire family and even Jennifer’s best friend from childhood and her children all came for the coveted Collins meet ‘n greet.
“I know I can speak for the kids when I say that, when you lose your husband or your dad like that, any physical embodiment of him is joyful,” said Jennifer. “And so, Collins might be furry and four-legged, but he still carries Dave’s spirit in him, so for us to be part of his story is really a special honor for us.”
Jennifer says dogs have always played a huge role in Dave’s life. In fact, her letter to WCC accepting the WCC namesake nomination recounts the role a very special dog named Brian played in getting Dave home from work in Afghanistan.
Alyssa,
I truly cannot thank you and your supporters enough for this honor! In addition to being an appropriate legacy for a man who lost his battle with TBI/PTS because the treatment and the answers just weren’t there for us, I want to tell you a story of why a dog is important.
Dave was retired and working as a contractor. In the summer of 2013, he was sent to Afghanistan, not technically his job but they needed him, for a 4-month rotation. He really, really didn’t want to go and these were some of the signs of his struggle. While there, we were able to FaceTime with him. Our dog Murphy had died about a year earlier, and Dave had started telling us about this stray dog there that reminded him of Murphy. It got to the point where he’d FaceTime with us to show us the dog, named Brian. Brian even slept in Dave’s room on his bed — definitely not something that Dave would typically allow.
Toward the end of the trip, Dave made plans for an organization called Nowzad to get Brian home to us. Dave returned in late September, and Brian arrived in early November. When Dave returned home, that is when I really noticed something was wrong. His spiral downward was quick and by March, he was dead, having found no doctor or program or facility that could provide him with any relief.
Alyssa, I truly believe that Brian got Dave home to us. Brian was a connection to us, a bit of humanity in an otherwise difficult place. I know Dave struggled for far longer than those last intense few months and I’m sure the trip to Afghanistan made things worse. We could have lost him to those demons over there. But a dog loved him, kept him company, reminded him of home and eventually got him home safely to our love.
So, a service dog for another veteran in need is so much more appropriate than you know.
Thank you again for giving us this opportunity and for honoring Dave in this manner.
Sincerely,
Jennifer
Of course, now that the family has met Collins, Jennifer said Sam has asked multiple times whether they can “adopt him.” Jennifer explained that Collins is training for a much more important purpose but did share that if he were to choose a different career path, they’d love to be at the top of the list for his placement.
Operation Overlord Litter names puppies after World War II vets
December 19, 2019 – Is there anything better than puppies? How about puppies named in honor of World War II veterans? That’s the idea behind Operation Overlord Litter courtesy of Warrior Canine Connection. Watch the complete story on Fox5 here.
2019 #GivingTuesday Update
If you’re not familiar with it, GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past seven years, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity.
Out of the thousands of nonprofit organizations participating in the GlobalGiving fundraising campaign, WCC placed third of all charities around the globe. Not only that, WCC was the most successful of all animal-related organizations that participated in the campaign and was the only organization that serves Veterans to finish in the top-200.
Our work is far from done. Today, more than 500,000 Veterans are suffering from the invisible wounds of war, and WCC’s unique form of animal-assisted therapy and placement of highly trained service dogs is proven to help Veterans in need. Help us assist our nation’s recovering Warriors by donating now.
Thank you to all of you for your support!
What’s in a Name? Everything.
This month, we’re sharing one of those remarkable stories: Navy Chief Petty Officer David Michael Collins, Ret. You likely know his namesake as service dog in training “Collins”; he was named in memory of Dave, who lost his life to his battle with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and yet to be diagnosed chronic traumatic encephalopathy in 2014.
Just recently, over Thanksgiving, Dave’s wife, Jennifer, and their two children, Grace, 14, and Sam, 11, had the opportunity to meet Collins. In fact, WCC puppy parent and volunteer extraordinaire Patrick Siemon and Collins drove to Pennsylvania to meet the family while they were in town for the holiday.
“Meeting Collins was so much fun because we’ve seen pictures and we’re such a dog family, so to be able to hug on him, play with him and give him kisses was fabulous,” said Jennifer. “And meeting Patrick was just as incredible because he’s doing all the hard work to turn this dog into someone who’s going to carry on my husband’s legacy — he’s just a very special human being.”
We agree — special indeed. Although Patrick insists the pleasure was all his.
“CPO Collins is a truly amazing hero who has done so much for our country,” said Patrick. “There were so many special moments during Collins’ meeting with his namesake’s family and being able to show CPO Collins’ son Sam how to train Collins was truly remarkable. I hope that Collins brings CPO Collins’ family, friends and fellow Warriors much comfort through his work helping Veterans and sharing his story,” Patrick shared.
In addition to Jennifer, Grace and Sam, their entire family and even Jennifer’s best friend from childhood and her children all came for the coveted Collins meet ‘n greet.
“I know I can speak for the kids when I say that, when you lose your husband or your dad like that, any physical embodiment of him is joyful,” said Jennifer. “And so, Collins might be furry and four-legged, but he still carries Dave’s spirit in him, so for us to be part of his story is really a special honor for us.”
Jennifer says dogs have always played a huge role in Dave’s life. In fact, her letter to WCC accepting the WCC namesake nomination recounts the role a very special dog named Brian played in getting Dave home from work in Afghanistan.
Alyssa,
I truly cannot thank you and your supporters enough for this honor! In addition to being an appropriate legacy for a man who lost his battle with TBI/PTS because the treatment and the answers just weren’t there for us, I want to tell you a story of why a dog is important.
Dave was retired and working as a contractor. In the summer of 2013, he was sent to Afghanistan, not technically his job but they needed him, for a 4-month rotation. He really, really didn’t want to go and these were some of the signs of his struggle. While there, we were able to FaceTime with him. Our dog Murphy had died about a year earlier, and Dave had started telling us about this stray dog there that reminded him of Murphy. It got to the point where he’d FaceTime with us to show us the dog, named Brian. Brian even slept in Dave’s room on his bed — definitely not something that Dave would typically allow.
Toward the end of the trip, Dave made plans for an organization called Nowzad to get Brian home to us. Dave returned in late September, and Brian arrived in early November. When Dave returned home, that is when I really noticed something was wrong. His spiral downward was quick and by March, he was dead, having found no doctor or program or facility that could provide him with any relief.
Alyssa, I truly believe that Brian got Dave home to us. Brian was a connection to us, a bit of humanity in an otherwise difficult place. I know Dave struggled for far longer than those last intense few months and I’m sure the trip to Afghanistan made things worse. We could have lost him to those demons over there. But a dog loved him, kept him company, reminded him of home and eventually got him home safely to our love.
So, a service dog for another veteran in need is so much more appropriate than you know.
Thank you again for giving us this opportunity and for honoring Dave in this manner.
Sincerely,
Jennifer
Of course, now that the family has met Collins, Jennifer said Sam has asked multiple times whether they can “adopt him.” Jennifer explained that Collins is training for a much more important purpose but did share that if he were to choose a different career path, they’d love to be at the top of the list for his placement.
Saving Grace: The Canine Connection in Uganda
The efficacy of MBTR in reducing the symptoms of combat trauma did not go unnoticed by medical and research leadership at Walter Reed and the Uniformed Services University (USU). Our research colleagues at USU received federal funding to conduct a pilot study of our MBTR program. I am now finalizing my contributions to the research paper on that pilot study that found a reduction in PTSD symptoms after just six one-hour MBTR sessions. Four other recently published studies showed a significant reduction of PTS after service dog training, supporting the concept of the “Trojan Dog Effect” and suggesting how it might be best engaged.
In 2017, I got a call from Sarah Schmidt, the founder and president of The BIG FIX Uganda—a non-profit, based in Port Townsend, Washington that operates the only veterinarian hospital in Northern Uganda. Since 2012, BIG FIX has provided its services, 365 days a year, in its quest to ease the suffering of animals in Northern Uganda and eradicate the deadly threat of rabies. The BIG FIX animal hospital is in Gulu, the birthplace of Joseph Kony, the warlord who kidnapped 30,000 boys and girls and forced them into killing or sex slavery—or both. Those who made it out of the bush returned to their villages, where they were reviled and shunned as murderers or whores. Children born of rape are rejected as “Kony’s kids.” Sexual violence has left many with HIV. On average, 10 people in the Gulu district commit suicide monthly, with another three suicide attempts per week.
The fate of dogs in Northern Uganda is also grim. Everyone has them, but these dogs are not pets. They provide essential home security—especially when you don’t have a front door–and valuable hunting partners. Despite their service, they are often neglected, abused, and murdered. This emotional disconnect is fueled by the very real fear of rabies and the horror of a war that left many human survivors equally reviled and abused.
In 2015, The BIG FIX realized they had to expand their daunting mission to an even greater one—rescuing the traumatized people of Northern Uganda, as well. They created The Comfort Dog Project—an animal-assisted therapy much like Warrior Canine Connection—except it’s for people who have never imagined a canine connection! This radical idea was inspired by community psychologist, Francis Okello Oloya. Francis was blinded at age 12 during the war and miraculously survived against all odds. While at boarding school, two local dogs were attracted to him. Amazingly, each night when those dogs heard the tapping of his cane, they would come and guide him to the latrine. Not only did this mean he didn’t have to suffer the humiliation of asking a fellow student for help, it showed him the generosity and caring hearts beating in these dogs that no one else saw.
The Comfort Dog Project combines trauma counseling with instruction on how to create loving bonds with dogs rescued and rehabilitated by BIG FIX. The Comfort Dog Project also discovered how important dog training is to solidify the human-dog bond and enhancing the program’s therapeutic impact. Since 2015, 38 Guardians have completed the program and become “Field Educators.” This is particularly impressive considering the severe social shut down suffered by many when entering the program. The Comfort Dog Project Field Educators find they can now play key roles in the mobile field clinics teaching local dog owners how to care for their dogs and doing dog training demonstrations that amaze and delight all. One hundred percent of participants had a reduction of PTSD symptoms and improved well–being. Another measure of the program’s success? The 150 people have applied to join The Comfort Dog Project program this year. Now, the challenge is being able to say yes to them all. Sound familiar?
Even with my knowledge of the deep neural roots of the human–animal bond, The Comfort Dog Project stretches the limits of anything I’d ever thought possible. I knew if I were to even attempt to understand this most unlikely alliance, I’d have to see it myself. On Sept 24, I traveled to Northern Uganda and spent two mind–bending weeks manning a BIG FIX free field clinic that vaccinated 1,000 dogs for rabies, assisting in the spaying and neutering of 75 dogs in a “clinic” with no running water or electricity, visiting hundreds of school children to teach them about animal rights and rabies prevention. I even joined Francis on a radio broadcast to tell 3 million northern Ugandans about Warrior Canine Connection! And I marched through Gulu with proud Guardians and their Comfort Dogs in the BIG FIX parade to celebrate World Animal Day—quite the demonstration of loose-leash walking!
It’s hard for us to understand how radical this approach is for people who’ve at best, seen dogs as a tool—at worst a cur or a deadly enemy. But neither can we grasp the desperation of the people of Northern Uganda. But I saw with my own eyes that this program is making the unimaginable a healing reality. The ability of these dogs to forgive the cruelty they’ve suffered is inspiring and it allows the Guardians to rediscover emotions like love, pride, and joy. Together, humans and dogs are forging family bonds where there were none, creating a powerful psychobiological buffer against despair. Together, both are safer and happier, living proof of a BIG FIX.
We at Warrior Canine Connection are honored to support our kindred colleagues in Uganda and inspired by their vision and bravery. Watch this short video by the BBC so you can see this miracle for yourself.
Holiday Gifts that Give Back
The holidays are just around the corner! Have you made your list and checked it twice? Combine your love of Warrior Canine Connection with your holiday spirit by purchasing 2019 WCC holiday ornaments and 2020 calendars!
An annual tradition since 2014, these ornaments work double-duty by serving as a thoughtful gift, while also supporting WCC’s programs at the same time.
This year’s design features a lightweight, blue, glass ball that will make a great addition to your tree or someone else’s!
The 2020 WCC calendar will feature adorable WCC service dogs to be.
To place an order, click here.
Tito’s: Passion for Vodka, Veterans and our Four-Legged Friends
In fact, Tito’s Handmade Vodka has been donating to charity events since day one. True to its roots, the company donated to more than 8,000 events last year alone.
But Tito’s support to WCC has been more than donating dog bowls; the company hosted a “day of service” at WCC’ s Healing Quarters in May. Seventy-five members of the Tito’s team came out to the grounds and built 500 feet of fencing around the training yard. Not only did they do the back-breaking work, but they also provided all the supplies to make a huge improvement to the grounds!
Long-time WCC volunteer Michelle Hennan helped make the relationship happen. She explains that it started with a quick email to a friend who was a Tito’s sales representative in Chicago, and a few emails and conversations later, Tito’s had committed to supporting WCC.
“Tito’s is a company that truly values giving back to its community, but especially to nonprofit dog and veteran organizations,” said Michelle. “It’s been such an honor to watch this relationship not only continue over the years but to also grow bigger and stronger.”
In August of this year, Tito’s also hosted a fundraiser benefiting WCC, whereby a portion of alcohol sales throughout Montgomery County, Maryland were donated back to WCC, resulting in a $10,000 donation to WCC to support its programs.
In September, Tito’s provided gifts in kind for WCC’s 2019 graduation celebration. The company also put up $5,000 for a matching gift challenge to WCC’s Extreme Puppy Watchers (EPWs) during graduation in 2018. If you’re familiar with the passion and love the EPWs have for WCC, you won’t be surprised to learn that the challenge was met in just three hours!
“We have found a tremendous partner in WCC, whose values and ethics echo Tito’s desire to give back to all who need,” said David Kent, state manager for MD/DC/DE, Tito’s Handmade Vodka. “WCC’s focus on both our military as well as animal welfare rings loudly within our culture, and we couldn’t be prouder to say we’re true partners with the group. We look forward to a long, healthy, puppy–filled relationship, and we are anxious to continue our support of this great group.”
Please join WCC in saying a very special thank you to Tito’s Handmade Vodka for its continued support and shared passion for serving others.
New Faces at WCC
The Warrior Canine Connection team is growing! We are pleased to welcome some new faces to our pack both at our Healing Quarters in Boyds and at the Menlo Park VA in California. We are very excited about the wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise that these new team members bring to our team, please join us in welcoming them on board!
Katherine got involved in the AmeriCorps program because her passion is tied to serving our Veterans. Her plans post-WCC include attending graduate school so she can achieve her career goal to become a military psychologist.
“I really like the mission and the people — it’s been a great experience so far,” said Katherine. “My goal is to be a military psychologist, so this opportunity is an invaluable step in that process. Not to mention being around these puppies every day – that’s definitely an added bonus.”
Katherine grew up in Greensboro, N.C. and attended Guilford College, where she completed a double-major in psychology and criminal justice. She also competed on the school’s tennis and swimming teams.
When not working, Katherine enjoys reading, yoga and she recently started kickboxing.
Jody Neal also joined WCC in September as a dog program administrative assistant.
“What I love about working for WCC is that everyone is working for the same end result and mission,” said Jody. “I love that everyone here loves their job and that each day at WCC is different. Having the dogs and puppies around is truly therapeutic and healing. I have always wanted to give back to Veterans because of what they do for our country, and this is such a rewarding way to do that.”
Jody’s role is part-time, and when she’s not at the WCC Healing Quarters, she can often be found working as a crossing guard for the Montgomery County Police Department.
Jody grew up in the Maryland suburbs and completed her education there; she earned her advertising design degree from Montgomery County Community College and her one-year certification in business administration from the Katharine Gibbs School. She put her experience and degrees to good use by serving in various administrative capacities in the private sector prior to joining WCC.
When not working, Jody enjoys caring for her two horses, Beetle and Galley, and her two Jack Russell Terries, Grizzly and Maizie.
Shelley has worked in animal welfare her entire professional career; she has vast experience in animal sheltering with dogs and cats, animal intake, behavior, fostering and adoptions and animal-assisted interactions.
She earned her degree in literature from California State University Bakersfield and later continued her education at the San Francisco Academy for Dog Trainers. She says she’s excited to be putting her skills to work with WCC.
“I love it, it’s fantastic,” it actually combines two of my most passionate topics, which are dog training and the welfare and well-being of Veterans,” said Shelley. “I feel incredibly lucky every day to have the chance to do this — to work with Veterans and to use my skills as a dog trainer to help them is a humbling experience, I love it.”
A true animal-lover, Shelley has a 13-year-old Lab from the Oakland Shelter named Enzo and three cats (and, yes, she says they all get along): Caterpillar, Pinot and Elroy.
‘Man’s Best Friend’ Turned ‘Best Man’: Service Dog Stands by Wounded Veteran at His Wedding
November 23, 2019 – After high school sweethearts Justin Lansford and Carol Balmes got engaged to be married, Justin knew that his best friend would stand by his side on the most important day of his life.
The groom’s best friend just so happened to be his service dog Gabe.
Justin, now 30, and Gabe first met back in 2012. Justin was in the military, deployed in Afghanistan. Tragically, the soldier lost his leg after an IED exploded and flipped his truck over; he was forced to return to the United States. Read the complete story in The Epoch Times here.
WCC Puppy Cam Inspires Students
Kayla teaches language arts to 7th and 8th graders at East Rock Community & Cultural Studies Magnet School in New Haven, Connecticut, where she’s worked for the past six years. She’s one of those teachers who makes an impression on her students — tough but fair, yet also creative and fun.
“On days when we’re not using our board in class for lessons or presentations, I’ll put up one of Explore.org’s live feeds,” said Kayla. “I’ve checked out a few different feeds before, but the Warrior Canine Connection feed is the best!”
And her students couldn’t agree more.
“It calms me down and it’s just adorable,” said Terry.
Josh says, “I think it’s awesome because the veterans can have a friend.”
“I think it’s nice because it’s cool knowing how they train the puppies,” added Miguel.
While watching the puppy cam is a treat for students, it’s also resulted in healthy discussions about our military and the importance of training service dogs to help them with visible and invisible wounds.
Kayla says there are always lots of “oohs” and “ahhs” when the feed goes on, and the students see the puppies romping and playing.
“The kids love the puppies so much! I usually share the puppy feed with my 8th graders on Fridays, when they take their weekly quiz,” said Kayla. “Admittedly, it can be pretty distracting. The feed with the smallest puppies in the whelping room is usually our best option, especially when they’re sleeping.”
If you’re not familiar with the 24-hour, live puppy cam, it first launched on Dog Bless You on Explore.org in 2012. At the time, the livestream was a novel idea, but since then millions of people have tuned in to watch the development and adorable antics of WCC’s future service dogs.
Want to check it out? You can view the WCC puppy cam here.
Kearney & Company Tees Off to Support Warrior Canine Connection for Seventh Year in a Row
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 14, 2019
BOYDS, Md. – For the seventh year in-a-row, Kearney & Company hosted its annual charity golf tournament benefitting Warrior Canine Connection (WCC). Raising a record $75,000 this year, Kearney’s generous giving to WCC totals $275,400.
“We are honored to have the support of Kearney & Company, a first-class company that is 100% committed to supporting its community,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “Not only have we been blessed with the company’s longstanding support over the past seven years, but also with the leadership and expertise of one of its valued team members, Dr. Kyle Richards, who serves on our board; he brings so much value, impeccable judgment and immeasurable support to our organization, we are so thankful.”
More than 150 golfers turned out for the event, along with WCC staff, and service dog and puppy parent teams. This year’s event included remarks by Retired Marine Corps Sergeant Michael Boudreau, who served two tours in Iraq and received service dog Tamer from WCC in 2017.
“Thank you for supporting WCC,” said Boudreau to golfers at the event. “Without it, Veterans, like me, would not have service dogs.”
As a company, Kearney & Company and its employees have made community outreach a priority; the company highly encourages its team members to participate in and contribute to greater causes beyond the company’s own mission.
“It’s truly a pleasure to host our golf tournament with Warrior Canine Connection for the 7th year in a row,” said Brian Kearney, chief operating officer, Kearney & Company. “We’re humbled that our contributions can help Warrior Canine Connection achieve their mission, and we value our partnership with them immensely.”
For more information, please contact Beth Bourgeois, Warrior Canine Connection, at beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org or 719-216-3206.
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About Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat Veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat Veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities. For more information, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.
About Kearney & Company
Founded in 1985, Kearney is the premier CPA firm focused exclusively on the Federal Government, providing services across the financial management spectrum. Kearney has helped the Federal Government improve its financial operations’ overall effectiveness and efficiency; increase its level of accountability and compliance with laws, regulations, and guidance; and protect its funds from fraud, waste, and abuse. We understand the Federal Government’s need for efficiency and transparency. Visit https://www.kearneyco.com/ for more information.