Warrior Canine Connection is saying farewell to one of its finest—or at least, we’re pretending to. Ann Iwancio may be retiring from her official role, but if you think that means she’ll disappear, think again. Whether it’s training sessions with WCC’s Ami, a special event or just finding an excuse to swing by the Healing Quarters, Ann will still be a part of WCC’s heartbeat. Because for Ann, working at WCC isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. And some callings don’t come with an off switch.
Ann’s journey with WCC started in 2017 when she volunteered before officially joining the team in a fulltime capacity in 2021. Her passion for WCC’s mission was immediate and unwavering, fueled by both her lifelong love of dogs and her own experience in the U.S. Army.
Ann’s story starts in Buffalo, New York, where she enlisted in the Army in 1985. Her career took her from basic training in South Carolina to Panama during the Noriega build-up, just prior to the U.S. invasion, followed by years of intelligence work at Fort Meade and Fort Belvoir. She spent 13 years on active duty, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant before transitioning to the Reserves, where she continued serving at the Defense Intelligence Agency. Oh, and she also did summer stints at the American Embassy in Paris, because Ann never does anything halfway.
While at Fort Meade, she met John, her husband of 30 years, a fellow Army Veteran and intelligence officer. Together, they’ve built a life full of adventure, a wonderful son, John, and, of course, their love of dogs.
John jokes that WCC stole Ann’s heart in much the same way that fur stole her furniture. For someone who always had small, non-shedding dogs, jumping into the world of Labrador Retrievers was, quite literally, a hairy situation. As John puts it, “She’s come a long way from having loose hair in the house. We just buy a new vacuum every year—it’s on a revolving gift list.”
Ann quickly became an integral part of WCC, helping to train service dogs for Veterans and working closely with both the dogs and their future handlers. She also did a lot of work establishing WCC’s Northern Virginia (NOVA) office at the VFW in Occoquan, Va., which has since moved to Fort Belvoir.
“I started working with Ann as part of the Big Dog Study while we were all in the throes of Covid,” said Sarah Olson, NOVA program manager & service dog training instructor. “Even from those first days when we were working behind our masks and face shields, Ann’s dedication to Veterans and to WCC was evident. She takes WCC’s mission to heart and her passion and commitment to helping our nation’s Veterans shows in every session she leads and every dog she trains. That dedication to Veterans and the MBTR program was the foundation on which the NOVA program was built and on which it will continue to thrive because of her efforts. It has been a privilege working with Ann and she will be missed!”
According to WCC Veteran Liaison Sarah DelCore, Ann was a secret weapon for the Client Services Team.
“If she worked with a Veteran who was on the waitlist in Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR), she’d share insights on their handling style and which dogs they connected with best,” said Sarah. “She even recruited several MBTR Veterans to the client list, spending time making sure they knew they deserved a WCC dog.”
At WCC’s Graduate Retreat, Ann was known for tackling back-to-back public access recertification tests, ensuring that teams were set up for success.
“She’s not just a dog lover, or a Veteran herself, but a true believer in WCC’s No-Fail Mission,” Sarah added. “She will be missed as an employee, but I know we’ll see her around as a volunteer. She can’t resist puppies for too long.”
Beyond her official duties, Ann has been a rock to her colleagues and friends. Cheryl Bingham, WCC’s volunteer program assistant and Ann’s best friend, recalls how their bond grew through long car rides to training classes.
“She’s just always been there for me for anything and everything,” Cheryl shared. “When I was in the hospital for a month, she showed up every single day. That’s who she is.”
Ann’s ability to connect extends to both people and dogs. “She always tries to understand them,” Cheryl says. “She’s never harsh in tone and is always forgiving—of both humans and dogs—and that makes her an incredible trainer.”
When asked to describe Ann in three words, Cheryl didn’t hesitate: “Loyal, humble, authentic. What a friend is supposed to be.”
Ann and John are ready for their next chapter—one that includes more time together, a few home projects and maybe (if John gets his way) a new (smaller) boat. Ann’s green thumb will get its full due, as she continues tending to her spectacular flower beds and window boxes—works of art that stop passersby in their tracks.
John, who recently retired after 55 years of service (26 in an Army uniform and 29 as a civilian), knows his wife isn’t going to slow down entirely.
“Even though she’s retired, her calling is still there,” said John. “She truly loves it. Any time she’s out in public with WCC’s Amy, she’s talking to people about the mission, sharing stories and educating them about the incredible work WCC does. She’s the best ambassador we could ask for, and she’s still volunteering anytime anybody needs her.”
Ann, WCC won’t be the same without you on staff—but we also know we won’t have to miss you for long. We know you’ll be at training, at events and of course, sneaking in some puppy kisses. Enjoy this next chapter with John, knowing that your impact will be felt for years to come. You may be off the payroll, but you’ll never be off our radar.
Cheers to your next adventure!
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Fur-Ever a Part of WCC: Ann Iwancio’s Next Adventure
Ann’s journey with WCC started in 2017 when she volunteered before officially joining the team in a fulltime capacity in 2021. Her passion for WCC’s mission was immediate and unwavering, fueled by both her lifelong love of dogs and her own experience in the U.S. Army.
Ann’s story starts in Buffalo, New York, where she enlisted in the Army in 1985. Her career took her from basic training in South Carolina to Panama during the Noriega build-up, just prior to the U.S. invasion, followed by years of intelligence work at Fort Meade and Fort Belvoir. She spent 13 years on active duty, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant before transitioning to the Reserves, where she continued serving at the Defense Intelligence Agency. Oh, and she also did summer stints at the American Embassy in Paris, because Ann never does anything halfway.
While at Fort Meade, she met John, her husband of 30 years, a fellow Army Veteran and intelligence officer. Together, they’ve built a life full of adventure, a wonderful son, John, and, of course, their love of dogs.
John jokes that WCC stole Ann’s heart in much the same way that fur stole her furniture. For someone who always had small, non-shedding dogs, jumping into the world of Labrador Retrievers was, quite literally, a hairy situation. As John puts it, “She’s come a long way from having loose hair in the house. We just buy a new vacuum every year—it’s on a revolving gift list.”
Ann quickly became an integral part of WCC, helping to train service dogs for Veterans and working closely with both the dogs and their future handlers. She also did a lot of work establishing WCC’s Northern Virginia (NOVA) office at the VFW in Occoquan, Va., which has since moved to Fort Belvoir.
“I started working with Ann as part of the Big Dog Study while we were all in the throes of Covid,” said Sarah Olson, NOVA program manager & service dog training instructor. “Even from those first days when we were working behind our masks and face shields, Ann’s dedication to Veterans and to WCC was evident. She takes WCC’s mission to heart and her passion and commitment to helping our nation’s Veterans shows in every session she leads and every dog she trains. That dedication to Veterans and the MBTR program was the foundation on which the NOVA program was built and on which it will continue to thrive because of her efforts. It has been a privilege working with Ann and she will be missed!”
According to WCC Veteran Liaison Sarah DelCore, Ann was a secret weapon for the Client Services Team.
“If she worked with a Veteran who was on the waitlist in Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR), she’d share insights on their handling style and which dogs they connected with best,” said Sarah. “She even recruited several MBTR Veterans to the client list, spending time making sure they knew they deserved a WCC dog.”
At WCC’s Graduate Retreat, Ann was known for tackling back-to-back public access recertification tests, ensuring that teams were set up for success.
“She’s not just a dog lover, or a Veteran herself, but a true believer in WCC’s No-Fail Mission,” Sarah added. “She will be missed as an employee, but I know we’ll see her around as a volunteer. She can’t resist puppies for too long.”
Beyond her official duties, Ann has been a rock to her colleagues and friends. Cheryl Bingham, WCC’s volunteer program assistant and Ann’s best friend, recalls how their bond grew through long car rides to training classes.
“She’s just always been there for me for anything and everything,” Cheryl shared. “When I was in the hospital for a month, she showed up every single day. That’s who she is.”
Ann’s ability to connect extends to both people and dogs. “She always tries to understand them,” Cheryl says. “She’s never harsh in tone and is always forgiving—of both humans and dogs—and that makes her an incredible trainer.”
When asked to describe Ann in three words, Cheryl didn’t hesitate: “Loyal, humble, authentic. What a friend is supposed to be.”
Ann and John are ready for their next chapter—one that includes more time together, a few home projects and maybe (if John gets his way) a new (smaller) boat. Ann’s green thumb will get its full due, as she continues tending to her spectacular flower beds and window boxes—works of art that stop passersby in their tracks.
John, who recently retired after 55 years of service (26 in an Army uniform and 29 as a civilian), knows his wife isn’t going to slow down entirely.
“Even though she’s retired, her calling is still there,” said John. “She truly loves it. Any time she’s out in public with WCC’s Amy, she’s talking to people about the mission, sharing stories and educating them about the incredible work WCC does. She’s the best ambassador we could ask for, and she’s still volunteering anytime anybody needs her.”
Ann, WCC won’t be the same without you on staff—but we also know we won’t have to miss you for long. We know you’ll be at training, at events and of course, sneaking in some puppy kisses. Enjoy this next chapter with John, knowing that your impact will be felt for years to come. You may be off the payroll, but you’ll never be off our radar.
Cheers to your next adventure!
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Heath, a yellow Labrador, has inextricably bound two UMSON employees at the Universities at Shady Grove.
Warrior Canine Connection’s (WCC) Heath, a yellow Labrador, was named after a World War II sailor, U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Charles Thomas Heath. WCC’s Heath, a service dog in training (SDIT), was born April 10, 2023, as one of a litter of six and bounded into Brigitte Bard’s life when he was 9 weeks old; she had volunteered to serve as a Puppy Parent, raising and training Heath for 18 to 24 months, preparing him for an eventual life with a veteran. WCC is a nonprofit organization that trains service dogs for wounded veterans. Read the full story in The Elm.
Dealer eProcess Teams Up with Warrior Canine Connection by Sponsoring a Service Dog for a Veteran in Need
We’re excited to announce our partnership with Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) as we sponsor the two-year training journey of a veteran’s future service dog! This sponsorship plays a pivotal role in the dog’s development, covering essential costs such as obedience and service training, pet supplies, and veterinary care.
What is Warrior Canine Connection?
WCC is a proud, accredited member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI), a global organization promoting excellence in assistance dog acquisition, training, and partnership. At WCC, service dogs are more than just assistance dogs—they’re partners for American veteran Warriors on a path to healing. Through its Mission Based Trauma Recovery model, WCC helps wounded Warriors reconnect with life, families, communities, and each other.
Every day, WCC commits to its service dog training program carefully designed to ensure each dog is fully equipped to assist a veteran in need. There are three main stages:
Additionally, we’ll be honoring another veteran by naming the sponsored puppy after them. This tribute will be featured in the WCC’s Hall of Heroes, where names and stories of veterans and service heroes are memorialized.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
At Dealer eProcess, supporting our community and honoring our veterans isn’t just something we do—it’s part of who we are. Our commitment to giving back has led us to participate in initiatives like the Honor and Educate Golf Tournament, and now, we’re taking that dedication even further.
“When we learned about Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), it felt like a perfect fit for us,” remarked our CEO, Joe Gillespie. “Sponsoring a puppy in training means we’re helping forge a life-changing bond between a veteran and their service dog.”
This sponsorship isn’t just about financial support—it’s about recognizing the profound impact of animal-human connections. Together, we can make a real impact on those who’ve served our country.
We invite you to learn more about Warrior Canine Connection by visiting their website.
Mae Philanthropies awards grant to Warrior Canine Connection to expand service dog training program for Veterans
BOYDS, Maryland – Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) is expanding its impact thanks to a major, multi-year grant from Mae Philanthropies. Committed to sparking sustainable change, funds from Mae Philanthropies will be used to enhance WCC’s PAWS and MBTR programing, bringing more animal-assisted therapy to Veterans and increasing the number of highly trained service dogs placed with those who need them most. Together, Mae Philanthropies and WCC are ensuring more Veterans experience the life-changing support of a service dog.
“This incredible support from Mae Philanthropies means more Veterans will experience the impact of a service dog,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director of Warrior Canine Connection. “Their generosity helps us grow our PAWS programming at VA hospitals, train more service dogs and connect more Veterans with the healing power of these remarkable animals.”
This generous grant from Mae Philanthropies will help WCC expand its impact in several ways:
Mae Philanthropies’ investment in WCC underscores a shared commitment to supporting Veterans through evidence-based therapeutic programs and service dog placement. By addressing both immediate needs and long-term sustainability, this partnership will create lasting change in the lives of those who have served.
For more information about Warrior Canine Connection and its programs, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.
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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 Mae Philanthropies
Mae Philanthropies is dedicated to addressing critical societal challenges by partnering with organizations to provide resources, expertise, and support that drive impactful and measurable change. Guided by its mission to foster collaboration and continuous learning, Mae Philanthropies envisions a world where enduring solutions are created through collective efforts. For more information, visit www.maephilanthropies.org.
Finding connection through canine companionship: Veterans and the power of puppy socialization
Exposure to people, touch, sound and other stimuli are a crucial part of a puppy’s development. That’s why WCC starts the socialization of its future service dogs when pups are just 4-5 weeks old. WCC’s puppy socialization program takes place multiple times a week, offering Veterans, including those involved in WWP’s programming, military families and those on the waitlist for a service dog, the chance to interact with these adorable puppies.
But as Lauren Tyler, WCC’s Breeding and Puppy Development manager, who helps coordinate the sessions, will tell you, beyond puppy enrichment and training exercises, these gatherings are providing another deep impact—a space for Veterans to connect with one another in a meaningful way.
“The program is really about connection,” Tyler says. “Yes, we’re working with future service dogs, but what also stands out besides the puppies is the sense of community being built. It’s a space where Veterans can bond, share experiences, make new friends and find support from people who truly understand them.”
One of those WWP participants is retired Air Force Major Idola Gunn, who retired in 2014 after 28.5 years on active duty. Major Gunn learned about WCC’s puppy socialization program through WWP. After losing her 11+ year old dogs in 2017 and 2019, Gunn was eager to learn more about the program. Fast forward a couple of years, and she has since participated a half-dozen times and attended two WCC service dog graduations.
“I left military service with mental and physical disabilities,” said Gunn. “Throughout my career, I have met several Department of Defense working dogs, however, they are doing just that, ‘working.’ WCC’s puppy socialization program is a feel-good activity that allows you to spend time with and eventually help train the dogs. I have seen the interactions with other Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines, and to see their faces while they are cuddling and snuggling these pups, it is simply great. It was something I truly needed in my life.”
For retired Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Sarah Gooch, the program provided an unexpected yet deeply fulfilling outlet after sustaining head trauma and lengthy rehabilitation.
“If we lived closer, I’d be there all the time,” Gooch says. “It doesn’t matter what kind of day I was having—when I got to go in and work with the puppies, I couldn’t help but smile. It was my nirvana.”
Her connection with WCC became even more personal when WCC service dog, “Sarah Lu,” was named after her through its namesake program.
“It was such an honor,” said Gooch. “The puppy parents were incredible, and they even brought her to my retirement. That moment meant everything to me.”
Gooch believes that programs like this, and many others than WWP offers, not only help Veterans focus on something positive but also serve as an opportunity to reconnect with a part of themselves that may have been lost.
“It helps to refocus, to bring some joy back into your life,” she says. “And the best part? You’re never alone in it. There’s always someone there who understands what you’re going through.”
While each Veteran’s journey is different, one thing remains the same—the importance of connection. Whether it’s sharing stories over a training session or simply sitting with a puppy and finding a moment of peace, WCC’s puppy socialization program provides a unique kind of healing and connection.
“There’s always a different group of people volunteering,” Gunn says. “You meet people from different branches of service, different walks of life—it’s a great opportunity to share. Even just the ride out there is soothing.”
For many, this program is more than just an event on a calendar. It’s a lifeline. It’s a place where Veterans can find understanding, companionship and a sense of purpose—all while helping to ready some adorable puppies for their first stages of training.
“If you’re on the fence about it, just try it,” Gunn encourages. “It’s an awesome program. Pick and choose what resonates with you and take that step. You never know how much it might change your life.”
To learn more about Wounded Warrior Project’s programs, visit https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
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Cuddles, Cookies and a Great Human
Hi there! Mike here—your friendly neighborhood Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) Ambassador Dog and, if I may say so myself, a rather distinguished gentleman. At nearly 11 years old, I’ve been around the block a few times, met incredible humans and learned a thing or two about life. But today, I want to tell you about someone truly special — Dennis O’Rourke.
Now, I know what you’re thinking — dogs can’t write. And you’re mostly correct. This is actually a bark-to-text situation (shoutout to technology). But trust me, if I could type, this story would still be worth telling.
Enter Dennis O’Rourke. Dennis showed up at WCC a little over two years ago, and let’s just say, he wasn’t in the best shape when we first met. He had recently lost Sandy, his wife of 35 years, and on top of that, he was navigating the long-term effects of a stroke. You could see the weight of the world on his shoulders. But here’s the thing about Dennis — he’s an Army Veteran, and if there’s anything I’ve learned from my time with Warriors, it’s that they never quit.
Dennis served 14 years in the U.S. Army, traveling all over the world — Frankfurt, Germany; Korea; California. The Army even trained him at IBM, where he became a whiz with electronics and mechanics (which, unfortunately, does not include dog treat dispensers — missed opportunity, Dennis). After the Army, his career took him to all over the world, including Australia, Sweden and Denmark. Pretty impressive for a guy who now spends his Thursdays happily covered in dog hair.
When Dennis first started visiting, he was quiet, seemed a little unsure of himself and —between you and me — he didn’t smell like dog treats. But week after week, he kept showing up. And then one Thursday, something magical happened …
Dennis brought cookies.
Not just any cookies — the best cookies. The kind that make a dog sit a little straighter, wag a little harder and momentarily forget any shred of “professional training.” My fellow canines and I may or may not lose our collective minds when Dennis walks in. Katie Hearne calls us “slightly unprofessional,” but let’s be honest — when a man brings treats AND pets you just right, how are you supposed to keep your composure?
But Dennis isn’t just the treat guy. Nope. He’s so much more.
Dennis has this thing he does — it’s quiet, simple, but pure magic. He grooms me. And let me tell you, not all humans have the patience for my golden locks. He sits down, takes his time, and brushes me with the gentleness of a best friend who just gets you. It’s not just about looking good (though, let’s face it, I’m a handsome fella). It’s about feeling safe, loved and cared for.
And Dennis? He’s got this way about him. He doesn’t rush. He doesn’t expect anything in return. He just shows up — week after week, brush in hand, kindness in his heart.
Dennis may have come to WCC looking for healing, but somewhere along the way, he started helping us heal, too. He may not play favorites (or so he says), but between you and me, I know I’ve got a special place in his heart. And on Thursdays? He’s got a special place in mine.
So, this Valentine’s Day, I want to say something important:
Dennis, thank you.
Thank you for the cookies.
Thank you for the cuddles.
Thank you for the grooming sessions.
Thank you for showing up — for us, for yourself and for everyone who needs a little love.
I’ll be waiting by the gate this Thursday, Dennis — tail wagging, ready for treats and looking forward to our weekly cuddle session.
With love (and a little extra dog hair),
Mike 🐾
Hearts in Sync: The Bond Between Dogs and Humans
This February, as we celebrate love and connection for Valentine’s Day, this discovery is a beautiful reminder of the power of the human-canine bond. For the veterans and Service Members we support, this heart-to-heart relationship with their service dogs is more than emotional—it’s transformative. Together, they show us how love, in its purest form, can truly heal and unite. Read more about the study in PsyPost.
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Learning Through Giving: Stone Ridge Students Support WCC
The students’ bake sale was part of a larger civic action unit in their social studies curriculum, which encourages students to engage with their local communities after learning about government and citizenship. This year, the class of 2030 chose WCC as their focus, inspired by the organization’s mission and its impact on Veterans and their families.
Guided by their teacher, Dr. Bridget Riley, Stone Ridge Middle School social studies teacher, the entire class got involved, baking, decorating and selling treats to classmates, teachers and families. The result? A heartwarming display of generosity, teamwork and a deeper understanding of how even small acts can make a big difference.
“Throughout the civic action project, we learned about animal welfare and what we can do to support an issue we care deeply about,” shared one Stone Ridge student. “Our cause was animal welfare, and we decided as a fundraising group to hold a bake sale to raise money for Warrior Canine Connection. The bake sale was a huge success; in the end, all our hard work came together.”
Earlier in the year, the 7th grade students learned about WCC during a retreat, where they discussed the organization’s role as a model of giving and kindness. They reached out to WCC with thoughtful questions about the organization’s mission, the importance of animal welfare, and its dedication to supporting Veterans. The students even requested behind-the-scenes photos and videos to help them share WCC’s story with their school community.
Thank you, Stone Ridge class of 2030, for your generosity and for showing what it means to be active citizens in your community. We can’t wait to see how you’ll continue to make a difference in the world!
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Puppy Love Printables
Unleash the love this Valentine’s Day with WCC’s adorable, service dog-inspired printable cards—free to download and perfect for dog lovers of all ages! Whether you’re looking for a fun activity for kids, a thoughtful touch for classrooms, or a sweet surprise for friends and coworkers, these paw-some designs are sure to make tails wag. Just click here, download, print and share the love!
Hearts in Sync: The Bond Between Dogs and Humans
At WCC, we’ve always believed the bond between humans and dogs goes far beyond companionship—it’s a connection built on love, trust and healing. A new study, “Behavioral and emotional co-modulation during dog–owner interaction measured by heart rate variability and activity,” reveals that during interactions, the hearts of dogs and their owners actually synchronize, beating in unison as if connected by an invisible thread of understanding.
This February, as we celebrate love and connection for Valentine’s Day, this discovery is a beautiful reminder of the power of the human-canine bond. For the veterans and Service Members we support, this heart-to-heart relationship with their service dogs is more than emotional—it’s transformative. Together, they show us how love, in its purest form, can truly heal and unite. Read more about the study in PsyPost.