Kevin and his trusty pal Clifford, a Warrior Canine Connection facility dog, are just one of the Veteran Service Dog Teams that graduated in September as part of Warrior Canine Connection’s class of 2019. The two have been training and working together for almost two years but recently, Clifford’s leash was passed to Kevin, marking the official beginning of their pairing.
The duo is also a regular fixture at the Buncombe County Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) in Asheville, N.C., where they help Veterans involved in the legal system navigate a way to bettering their lives.
And who better to help fellow Veterans than Kevin? You see, Kevin is also in long-term recovery, himself. While in the Marine Corps, after sustaining severe combat wounds during his deployment in Iraq, he became addicted to opioids and pain pills he was prescribed while recovering from his physical wounds. Kevin credits the support of the VA and community providers with getting his life back on track, completing graduate school, and becoming a licensed social worker. Now he’s helping other Veterans on their recovery journey.
“My experience working with Clifford has meant the world to me,” said Kevin Rumley, coordinator, Buncombe County VTC. “As a combat-wounded veteran, I struggle to remain regulated and calm in high-stress situations. Clifford brings joy and happiness to the courthouse, and anywhere he goes. From providing snuggles to traumatized youth in the courtroom (during difficult G.A.L Trials), to supporting justice-involved Veterans (in Veterans Court), Clifford is having a positive impact on every person he meets.”
The Buncombe County VTC program, a non-adversarial, treatment-based diversion program, is overseen by Judge Marvin Pope. The program is designed to help Veterans with legal issues, focuses on recovery through a coordinated effort amongst the VA and community mental health providers. In fact, if Veterans get help and do the work, upon completion of the program, Veterans can petition to have their charges dismissed.
Their partnership with Warrior Canine Connection has proven especially beneficial to all parties involved. Veteran participants in the court receive their VTC-required community service hours by training the WCC puppies, and once the puppies graduate after two years, they are paired with a combat-wounded Veteran.
“All this time I have been training these dogs, I thought I was teaching them, but in all actuality, the dogs were teaching me,” said Robinson Moore, VTC participant.
Kevin and Clifford don’t just help in the courtroom, they also assist Veterans with finding meaningful employment, housing, educational pursuits, custody cases, and everything in-between. Kevin talks about the sense of community that comes from working with Veterans during their recovery process.
“When we served together, it was a single unit, a tribe,” said Kevin. “Everyone was looking out for each other. We believe that this is just as important now that we are out of the service. It is through connection and service to others, including with the service dogs, that we are empowered to not only recover — but to thrive.”
Kevin is excited for the continued partnership with WCC, saying “We have already seen the positive impact Clifford has had on the Courthouse community. My hope is to continue to bring WCC to those places of greatest need… the healing that comes from working with these dogs is incredible.”
America’s Heroes Charity Golf Tournament Raises $140,000 for Warrior Canine Connection; Brings Total Given to WCC Over Five Years to More than $900k
October 30, 2019
BOYDS, Md. – The America’s Heroes Charity Golf Tournament, an annual fundraiser hosted by the Naval Postgraduate School Alumni Association and Foundation (NPSAAF), raises donations to support wounded Service Members, Veterans and their families. This year, the tournament generously provided Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) with $140,000 for its service dog training program for Veterans; the amount brings NPSAAF’s total donated to WCC over the past five years to $934,394.
“We are humbled and so grateful to have received this level of support from the Naval Postgraduate School Alumni Association and Foundation — not just this year but for the past five years!,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “This gift is not only a magnificent gesture of support for our programs, it’s also a testament to this amazing community that is doing so much to support our Service Members, Veterans and their families.”
An annual event since 2006, the America’s Heroes Charity Golf Tournament has raised more than $1.8M in donations since its inception. This year, close to 200 golfers turned out to participate in the golf tournament on the Monterey Peninsula, and close to 350 people joined the fundraising dinner.
“Charities like Warrior Canine Connection have been the focus of our America’s Heroes Charity Golf Tournament for 14 years,” says Rich Patterson, CEO of the Naval Postgraduate School Alumni Association and Foundation. “We are proud to support WCC and the vital service this organization provides to our country’s veterans.”
This tournament, coupled with other fundraisers in California, plays a significant role in supporting the operations of WCC’s Menlo Park, California site. Through the Menlo Park site, WCC is providing its Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training and other partner programs in the area.
To learn more, visit the America’s Heroes Charity Golf Tournament website.
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 Naval Postgraduate School Alumni Association and Foundation
The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) Alumni Association & Foundation supports and advances the mission of NPS, our nation’s premier military graduate institution. Top military and civilian leaders come to NPS to learn how to combat current and future national security challenges. We support these leaders during their time at NPS and after they graduate to continue serving around the world. We also fund defense innovation research at NPS that directly impacts and strengthens our Department of Defense. For more information, visit www.npsfoundation.org .
Howl-o-ween Safety Tips for your Dog
No tricks, no treats: That bowl of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not the dog. Chocolate in all forms — especially dark or baking chocolate — can be very dangerous. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause health issues. If you do suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, call your veterinarian immediately.
Costumes: If you’re planning to dress up your dog, be sure to have him try on the costume before the holiday. Make sure that it doesn’t impair mobility, sight or ability to breathe and that it doesn’t include any small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces.
If your dog is stressed, manage it like you would any other stress, and first make sure that you’re not anxious; your dog will synchronize with you, so make sure to use that to their advantage.
Second, lighten the mood with the usual “this is fun” attitude and, of course, give lots of treats and rewards!
If your dog doesn’t acclimate well to wearing the costume, considering only putting on some pieces at a time to lessen the stress bit-by-bit. If the costume is truly too much for him, you may want to skip it altogether.
Warrior Canine Connection holds special Halloween-themed training classes in advance of the holiday and encourages puppy parents to dress up their service dogs in training as a trial run.
Keep dogs inside the house: With your door constantly opening and closing to greet trick-or-treaters, it’s a good idea to keep your dog inside on Halloween night. Putting your dog in a crate can help reduce stress and prevent him from darting outside the door.
Halloween can also be a good training opportunity; presenting your dog with plenty of positive reinforcements while seeing the strange visitors approach your door will give him exposure to new stimuli. However, trainers caution that if you sense uncertainty or fear, you should provide your dog with more space between it and the ghost or goblin at your door and reward him with the highest-value treats. It is important not to force your dog to go past their threshold of success.
Have a happy and safe Halloween!
Wendy Notari, Warrior Canine Connection Volunteer, Receives 2019 Governor’s Service Award
Photo Credit: Maryland Judiciary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2019
BOYDS, Md. – One of Warrior Canine Connection’s own pack members, volunteer Wendy Notari, will receive high honors today; she is being awarded the Maryland Governor’s 2019 Service Award for her exemplary dedication, time and selfless service to the nonprofit, which breeds, trains and places service dogs with Service Members and Veterans with visible and invisible wounds.
“WCC’s most inspiring achievements are not measured in dollars, rather in the spirit of our volunteers, like Wendy Notari and her noble work on behalf of others and our organization,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, WCC. “This award couldn’t be more well-deserved and is a powerful testament to Wendy’s dedication and passion for serving our community and our nation’s Veterans.”
Wendy Notari began volunteering with WCC in December 2016. Since then, she’s performed every task asked of her, including whelping, working with service dogs in training, being a puppy parent and volunteering at community events. Most recently, she began volunteering with WCC at the Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) in Baltimore City, where she travels every Tuesday to volunteer her time serving as a liaison between the service dogs in training and the Veteran participants. In 2018 alone, Wendy volunteered an astounding 1,332 hours with WCC in a variety of roles.
“I am very honored to be recognized for something that is immensely rewarding for me and brings so much joy to my life,” said Wendy Notari. “Supporting Warrior Canine Connection’s mission of serving the Veteran community has been incredibly fulfilling to me. Prior to joining WCC, my life had revolved around raising my three boys. When they all moved on to college, I wasn’t sure how to fill my sudden abundance of time. I volunteered with several other organizations that served the homeless and underprivileged and found it rewarding, but I truly found my passion helping to raise service dogs for Veterans. I am inspired every day by the way these dogs touch the lives of everyone they meet, particularly our nation’s wounded Warriors. I am the lucky one to have found this opportunity with Warrior Canine Connection.”
The Governor’s Service Awards are presented by the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism each year. The award recognizes Marylanders for their significant volunteer contributions to the state and its citizens and their work to change Maryland for the better. This year, the awards recognized volunteer service during 2018.
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.
These Warrior Canine Connection puppies have some pretty big shoes to fill
October 9, 2019 – Is there anything better than puppies and World War II veterans?
Yes! Puppies named in honor of World War II veterans.
The aptly dubbed Operation Overlord Litter has been named in honor of some of the heroes of D-Day by Warrior Canine Connection. Read the full story on ConnectingVets.com here.
Warrior Canine Connection’s Class of 2019
The following Veteran Service Dog Teams were introduced into WCC’s 2019 class of graduates.
SSG Spencer Milo, USA, Retired, and Service Dog Joseph
CAPT John Halsema, USN, and Service Dog McGhee
SSgt Ryan Boyles, USAF, and Service Dog Tommy
Col Dennis Fowler, USAF, Retired, and Service Dog Lou
The following Military Family Support Dogs were placed with their forever families. Military Family Support dogs help facilitate family relationships, including companionship, support and unconditional love for our military families.
SFC Mark Hughes, USA, Separated, with Military Family Support Dog Pegasus
MAJ Richard Star, USA, and Military Family Support Dog Otis
WCC also placed one facility dog this year. Facility dogs are paired with Veterans to work in a treatment or healthcare facility that provides care for active-duty Service Members and Veterans.
LCpl Kevin Rumley, USMC, and Facility Dog Clifford; the pair is working together at the Buncombe County Veterans Treatment Court.
As well as these graduates, the following are six additions to WCC’s breeding program and will produce future litters of service dogs:
Cooper
Donna
Meli
Beverly
Charlie II
Dani
Helping People, Changing Lives
“I started volunteering at WCC as a way our entire family could be involved together,” said Ericka Johanek, WCC volunteer and self-proclaimed Extreme Puppy Watcher (EPW). “As an Air Force family, it’s a way to give back to fellow members of our community who have given so much. Seeing the change the dogs make in our military members so they can live full and rewarding lives is so rewarding! I love being able to spread the word about what WCC does to our community.”
While some volunteers are drawn to WCC because of their own military connections, others admittedly are drawn by the puppies.
“I came for the puppies and stayed for the mission!” said Kim Rice, WCC EPW and long-time volunteer. “I helped plan the first event at WCC and was then asked to help plan the first graduation … the rest is history! I love volunteering for WCC in general, but graduation is my favorite. Graduation is an opportunity to celebrate all the hard work of the trainers and puppy parents, but most importantly, welcome the new graduates into the pack and celebrate their new chapter in life. It’s also a bit of a homecoming as many past graduates come back to visit WCC for graduation. It’s great to see the graduates and their families catching up with each other, staff and EPWs, and of course–did I mention the puppies!”
Each year, more than 800 volunteers touch every aspect of WCC’s programs through their generous gifts of time and talent. Key roles volunteers play include puppy parents, puppy sitters, puppy petting, facility maintenance, event and administrative support, and fundraising, among others.
On behalf of a grateful organization, thank you to all WCC’s volunteers for your dedication and support — for at times dropping some of your own responsibilities to help fulfill those of others. Thank you for seeing the need and rising to the challenge. Thank you for sharing your time and talents to help improve the lives of the others. But most of all, thank you for your kindness, full hearts and conviction for serving our nation’s Veterans.
ABC7 Salutes: Training puppies to help heal the wounds of war
October 4, 2019 – ARLINGTON, Va. (ABC7) — A beautiful farm in Maryland is not raising livestock or crops, it’s training puppies and dogs to save lives.
“A service dog absolutely saved my life without a doubt. You don’t feel like you don’t have anyone there and you realize you do.” Spencer Milo is now 34 years old. Watch the entire ABC7 story here.
Graduation 2019 Photo Gallery
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Kevin and Clifford: From Cap & Gown to Courtroom
The duo is also a regular fixture at the Buncombe County Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) in Asheville, N.C., where they help Veterans involved in the legal system navigate a way to bettering their lives.
And who better to help fellow Veterans than Kevin? You see, Kevin is also in long-term recovery, himself. While in the Marine Corps, after sustaining severe combat wounds during his deployment in Iraq, he became addicted to opioids and pain pills he was prescribed while recovering from his physical wounds. Kevin credits the support of the VA and community providers with getting his life back on track, completing graduate school, and becoming a licensed social worker. Now he’s helping other Veterans on their recovery journey.
“My experience working with Clifford has meant the world to me,” said Kevin Rumley, coordinator, Buncombe County VTC. “As a combat-wounded veteran, I struggle to remain regulated and calm in high-stress situations. Clifford brings joy and happiness to the courthouse, and anywhere he goes. From providing snuggles to traumatized youth in the courtroom (during difficult G.A.L Trials), to supporting justice-involved Veterans (in Veterans Court), Clifford is having a positive impact on every person he meets.”
The Buncombe County VTC program, a non-adversarial, treatment-based diversion program, is overseen by Judge Marvin Pope. The program is designed to help Veterans with legal issues, focuses on recovery through a coordinated effort amongst the VA and community mental health providers. In fact, if Veterans get help and do the work, upon completion of the program, Veterans can petition to have their charges dismissed.
Their partnership with Warrior Canine Connection has proven especially beneficial to all parties involved. Veteran participants in the court receive their VTC-required community service hours by training the WCC puppies, and once the puppies graduate after two years, they are paired with a combat-wounded Veteran.
“All this time I have been training these dogs, I thought I was teaching them, but in all actuality, the dogs were teaching me,” said Robinson Moore, VTC participant.
Kevin and Clifford don’t just help in the courtroom, they also assist Veterans with finding meaningful employment, housing, educational pursuits, custody cases, and everything in-between. Kevin talks about the sense of community that comes from working with Veterans during their recovery process.
“When we served together, it was a single unit, a tribe,” said Kevin. “Everyone was looking out for each other. We believe that this is just as important now that we are out of the service. It is through connection and service to others, including with the service dogs, that we are empowered to not only recover — but to thrive.”
Kevin is excited for the continued partnership with WCC, saying “We have already seen the positive impact Clifford has had on the Courthouse community. My hope is to continue to bring WCC to those places of greatest need… the healing that comes from working with these dogs is incredible.”
Heatonist Provides Warrior Canine Connection with Generous Funds to Outfit Kitchen Facilities for its Barn Renovation Project
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BOYDS, Md. – Warrior Canine Connection’s barn renovation project will get a big boost, thanks to a generous grant from Heatonist, Purveyors of Fine Hot Sauces based out of New York City. Heatonist has donated $18,000 to help outfit the kitchenette facilities in the barn, which will substantially increase the space, usage and services for WCC’s service dog training programs for Veterans.
WCC is renovating a 1938 large dairy barn at its Healing Quarters to serve as its headquarters and training facilities. The barn alone will add 12,600 square feet of critical space to WCC’s current operational facilities. When complete, the renovation of the Healing Quarters property will increase WCC’s capacity to support programs and services for tens of thousands of Veterans and Active Duty Service Members through its program sites nationwide.
“This remarkably generous gift from Heatonist will allow us to dramatically improve the training experience for Veterans and staff, while also preserving the charm and character of this historic 1938 dairy barn,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “These funds will help transform an iconic agricultural building into a usable, accessible kitchen space to ensure that our current and future Veteran Service Dog Teams have necessary, modern-day conveniences at their fingertips as they learn, train and work with these amazing future service dogs to be.”
The proposed kitchen facilities, which are currently under design, include a 14’ x 20’ kitchenette area that will be utilized by Veterans working on site with their future service dogs, and by WCC trainers preparing specialized diets for some of the dogs in training. Kitchen facility updates include enhanced lighting, technology infrastructure and furnishings to include a refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher, cook top and sink, cabinetry, microwave, worktops and secure refrigeration for medications. All items will be commercial-grade, stainless steel appliances to ensure durability and longevity. All facilities will also meet today’s standards of safety, accessibility, usability and service. While the design is still being finalized, all-told, the project cost is estimated to be approximately $21,000.
“We couldn’t be happier to be partnering with our customers from around the country and around the world to support the noble mission of Warrior Canine Connection. The passion this team has for bringing real improvements to the lives of veterans through service animal training and knowledge sharing with other organizations is an inspiration to us all. We are proud to support WCC as they grow into the next phase in a wonderful new home.”
The WCC barn renovation project is a multi-year construction project that is estimated to take two years to complete. Support for the project is being provided by partners Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America and the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA), WCC has assembled an all-star team of experts from around the country who have helped to guide the development of the Healing Quarters.
You can read more about WCC’s barn renovation project here.
For additional information, please contact Beth Bourgeois, Warrior Canine Connection, at beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org or 719-216-3206.