When the Smith family first met Juanita, a Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) dog who decided a service dog career wasn’t for her, they immediately knew she was the perfect match. What they didn’t expect was that Juanita would not only help them navigate the unique challenges of military life but also bring them an unexpected friendship with her puppy raiser, Diane Cadenhead, and her family.
Named in honor of Lt. Col. Juanita Warman—a nurse practitioner and Army Veteran who tragically lost her life in the 2009 Fort Hood shooting—Juanita came into Diane’s life in 2020. From just eight weeks old, Diane raised and socialized her, even through the unique challenges of the pandemic. Diane watched Juanita grow and train as she prepared for her eventual role with a military family, forming a close bond with the young dog along the way.
“She holds such a special place in my heart,” Diane shared. “Military families sacrifice a lot for our country, and I saw that firsthand with the Smiths.”
After completing her training, Juanita was matched with the Smiths, a military family of four stationed far from extended family and accustomed to relocating. The first time Taylor and Cassie Smith and their two young children, Colby and Kendall, met Diane and Juanita, they were struck by Diane’s warmth and by Juanita’s impressive abilities.
“Diane immediately felt like someone who was meant to be part of our lives,” said Cassie. “She brought toys and puzzles to show us what Juanita could do, and she was so thoughtful with our kids.”
That initial meeting marked the beginning of an enduring friendship. Diane invited the Smiths over for visits as Juanita’s adoption day approached, treating them to pizza nights and sharing more training tips. Over time, Diane became an essential part of the Smiths’ support system.
As Cassie noted, “Being military, we don’t have family nearby. People we meet along the way become our family, and Diane became family to us.”
Their bond only grew when Taylor, Cassie’s husband, was deployed to Africa. With Taylor overseas, Diane often checked in, inviting Cassie and the kids over and even helping with activities. Diane’s home became a second sanctuary for the Smith children and Juanita, who relished every visit.
“It’s funny to watch Juanita when we’re there,” Cassie laughed. “She doesn’t know who to follow—Diane or me!”
The sense of shared family was apparent to both sides. Diane, who has raised several WCC dogs over the years, said, “I don’t have grandchildren yet, but I felt an immediate connection with Cassie and her kids. I’ve never had a family feel like this before; they’re just incredibly special to me.”
When the Smiths faced long separations and tough days, Juanita provided unwavering comfort. Cassie recounted how Juanita’s intuitive understanding of emotions made a difference in their family’s daily life, especially during her husband Taylor’s deployment.
“Juanita has an incredible ability to sense when any of us are having a bad day or are under stress. She’ll come over and offer herself up for belly rubs and snuggles, and she’s especially been a comfort to our kids.”
Juanita’s influence extended beyond the Smith family, bringing moments of joy to others in their orbit. During a visit to Diane’s family in West Virginia, Diane arranged a special meeting between Juanita and the sister of her namesake, Juanita Warman. As they shared memories and celebrated the namesake’s legacy, it was clear that Juanita’s impact reached far beyond her immediate role as a family support dog.
Now stationed in Spain, the Smiths are continuing to share Juanita’s unique gifts with others. Juanita has become a volunteer with a local Red Cross PAWs program, providing companionship and comfort to service members stationed abroad. Cassie noted that even thousands of miles away, Diane remains a vital part of their lives.
“We text all the time, sharing updates and photos. She’s still very much a part of Juanita’s life, and we’re so grateful.”
For Diane, seeing Juanita’s ongoing impact affirms her dedication to WCC’s mission.
“Every dog has a purpose, and Juanita’s purpose is clear: she’s here to bring comfort, connection, and joy. I couldn’t be more proud of her, or of the family she’s helped bring into my life.”
As the Smiths continue their journey overseas with Juanita, they carry with them the love and support of a family they never expected. Back home, Diane treasures the bond that a loyal, joyful dog built between two families. And while she’s not booking her ticket just yet, Diane’s hinted at a future trip to Spain, where a heartfelt reunion and plenty of tail wags await.
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Forever in Our Hearts: Remembering Shelley Smith
As we continue to grieve this profound loss, we’re also determined to celebrate Shelley’s life, remembering the joy and warmth she brought to everyone she met. Her time with us was far too short, but the impact she made will stay with us forever.
Shelley joined the WCC pack as a service dog training instructor more than 5 years ago. In that time, she impacted so many. She trained 23 dogs in the program, introduced WCC programming to the San Francisco VA and Veterans Treatment Court, launched the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act programming at Menlo Park VA and touched the lives of more than 600 Veterans involved in WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program.
In honor of Shelley, we reached out to team members, Veterans whose lives she touched, puppy raisers and others who had the privilege of crossing paths with her. We asked them to share memories and thoughts, so we can celebrate her life and honor her memory.
“I am still so heartbroken over this news. I can’t believe Shelley is no longer a text away when I have a question about my dog’s poop, or when I have a funny story or picture to share with her because I know she’d get a kick out of it. Shelley was an incredible person—so full of joy and passion for her job, and so easy to work with. She had an incredible impact on all the Veterans she worked with along with all of us volunteers. She was always thinking of us and giving us small gifts, just because. She was an incredible cook and always made the most delicious foods for any event or celebration we’d have. Often times she’d call me about something that should have been a five-minute conversation, but we’d end up chatting for almost an hour by the end of the call. The world lost an incredible human being.” – Karen Chiu, puppy raiser, WCC Menlo Park
“Even with her being far away, her loss is felt, and our hearts are heavy. I never got anything from Shelley other than kindness and hard work. I grieve for her family and for the world’s loss of someone who made everyone’s journey lighter.” – Cheryl Bingham, WCC volunteer program
“Shelley ‘s compassion and care was evident in all our conservations. Always thinking of others and open to learning and growing as a person. Her warm heart and caring soul will be greatly missed.” – Amy Guidash, WCC Asheville program director
“I am so heartbroken! She was one of the main reasons I did so well when I was in the Veterans Program! RIP Shelley! I am truly going to miss you!” – Greg Enriquez, Veteran program participant, WCC Menlo Park
“Shelley was truly the kindest and warmest individual. Despite being an introvert and pretty private about her life outside of WCC, she loved talking and catching up. One evening when she was dropping off one of the dogs I was raising I stayed outside talking so long that I badly overcooked dinner and we had to order out. She balanced her responsibilities at WCC so beautifully. She was an extremely talented dog trainer, but also cared so deeply for the Veterans she worked with. She was especially passionate about a women’s trauma group and the Veterans Court program. She impacted so many people directly through these programs and I know she is very missed in those communities.” – Tegan Kopilenko, puppy raiser, WCC Menlo Park
“Over the years, Shelley and I had the opportunity to attend many Veteran events together as she spearheaded WCC’s program operations in California. Time and again, I saw how her quiet and kind way instantly put people at ease and earned their trust. To all who had the good fortune to know Shelley, it was clear how much she cared for the Veterans she worked with and the dogs she prepared for careers supporting wounded Warriors. While some people thrive on praise for the work they do, Shelley always seemed to take solace in the quiet moments—seeing a smile on a Veteran’s face after a tough session; having a dog in training master a new command. And although she didn’t need public recognition for the impact she was making day in and day out, Shelley personally supported hundreds of Veterans as they walked a tough journey to recovery. She changed a lot of lives in a short time and will be dearly missed by all of us at WCC.” – Jennifer Wilder, WCC director of development
“What I adored so much about Shelley’s training style and honestly what I made sure I implemented into my own, was how she would give instruction and then observe. She never interrupted or took over until the Veteran had completed his command set or task. She understood the importance of allowing the Veterans to try first then learn through comparison. She was also so great at asking the Veterans questions like ‘how did that feel?’ or ‘do you think the dog understood the task?’ or even ‘what’s another way we could communicate the objective to the dog?’ It was incredible because she made it a learning moment instead of just teaching and instructing. She allowed them to process every moment, and it lit a fire in my training style. Any time I needed a quick answer, I would text, and she always responded, ‘how are you?’ and then got to my question. She truly cared and will be truly missed. I wish I had pictures with her, but I have such vivid memories of the conversations, calls, lunches, laughs and teaching moments. She was such a wonderful human!” – Emily Patton, WCC service dog training instructor
“Such heartbreaking news. Shelley was my WCC POC as an out-of-area puppy raiser for Captain and Piccone. She brought a smile and words of encouragement and support to every online training session. Lucky that I had a chance to meet her on trips to Menlo Park and reconnect on her graduation visits to HQ. Gone way too soon, but she leaves behind a legacy of care and compassion for her animals, friends, veterans and family.” – Terrie Bates, WCC volunteer and member of WCC Board of Directors
“This is devastating news. Shelley was my POC when Paul was training in California. She was so kind and helpful. I’m thankful I got to see her when I was there in July. Sending much love and comfort to the WCC pack and her family. She will be sorely missed.” – Mariah Beahm, WCC volunteer
A private service was held for Shelley in San Francisco, California in late January. Her loved ones are grappling not only with her loss, but to cover some of the expenses related to her care. If you would like to contribute, visit https://bit.ly/ShelleyGoFundMe. Rest in peace, Shelley.
Organization names dog after late veterans affairs secretary
Not every hero needs a bronze statue or a painted portrait hanging in a prominent building to be remembered. Sometimes a dog will do just fine.
Earlier this year, an organization called Warrior Canine Connection announced it was naming a service dog after George Owings III. Read the full story in Southern Maryland News.
Warrior Canine Connection’s pup ‘Jimmy’ pays visit to namesake Jimmy Stewart Museum
A year after being introduced to the public, ‘Jimmy’—a service dog in training—visited the Jimmy Stewart Museum days before Christmas. Jimmy is being trained by Maryland-based nonprofit, Warrior Canine Connection, and is currently in training at Duquesne University. Read more about Jimmy’s journey in the Indiana Gazette.
Healing Together: Wounded Warrior Project’s Project Odyssey and the Power of Dogs
Project Odyssey is a 12-week program that helps strengthen coping and communication skills through group activities, outdoor experiences and a 5-day in-person workshop. Over the past three years, Warrior Canine Connection’s (WCC) Asheville team has supported several sessions, bringing their service dogs in training to interact with Veterans as part of WCC’s Mission-Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program.
“Project Odyssey really aligns well with our Mission-Based Trauma Recovery curriculum,” says Amy Guidash, WCC’s program director. “We absolutely love working with Wounded Warrior Project—they’re fabulous partners. It’s another opportunity to bring the healing power of working with service dogs to a whole different group of Veterans. We’re able to show how the skills they’re learning in Project Odyssey—like clear communication, impulse control, and relationship building—connect directly to their work with the dogs.”
During in-person workshop, the goal is to challenge Warriors to get out of their comfort zones, learn new skills on how to approach different experiences and help with connecting the experience to improve their own coping skills and build resiliency to when challenging their own lives. Then, after they’ve left, the idea is to use the things they’ve learned during the program to adapt, cope and build a better life. For many participants, joining the program alone takes courage.
“It’s amazing to see Warriors come together for a week,” says Alex Jankowski, Project Odyssey Specialist, WWP. “Even just getting on a plane to attend can be a huge step. Watching them move out of their comfort zones, form connections and build camaraderie is incredible. That’s part of the magic—seeing their growth and the support networks they create.”
The program intentionally keeps the in-person activities under wraps until the last moment to challenge participants to stay present and adaptable, teaching them to apply those lessons to real-life scenarios.
WCC’s service dogs bring an added depth to these experiences, helping Veterans practice patience, communication and trust.
“It’s amazing how quickly Veterans connect with the dogs,” Guidash says. “There are so many lightbulb moments where they realize, ‘If I can communicate this effectively with a dog, I can do it in other areas of my life, too.’”
Guidash recalls one session where two female Veterans initially stayed on the sidelines due to their reservations about dogs.
“By the end, they were fully engaged—interacting with the dogs, laughing and even taking selfies with them,” she says. “It was incredible to witness that shift. In such a short time, the dogs helped build a positive connection, fostering trust and emotional breakthroughs.”
WWP values WCC’s contributions to Project Odyssey, seeing it as a meaningful addition.
“When we partnered with WCC, the excitement among participants was palpable,” Jankowski says. “Many of them have personal connections to dogs, so being part of the training process hit home. It added a new layer of connection to the experience.”
For WCC, the collaboration is equally impactful.
“We’re so grateful to be a small part of the work WWP is doing with Project Odyssey,” Guidash says. “The program is making such a meaningful impact on Veterans’ lives, and we’re honored to support that.”
For Veterans who attend Project Odyssey each year, time spent with WCC’s service dogs is more than just heartwarming—it’s transformative. These interactions teach valuable life skills and offer Veterans a new way to connect—with themselves, with others, and with the world around them.
Healing can take many forms—a peer’s encouragement, a mentor’s guidance or the wag of a dog’s tail. For these Veterans, every small step forward is a testament to their resilience and the life-changing power of programs like Project Odyssey. To learn more about WWP’s Project Odyssey program, visit https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs/project-odyssey.
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Forging Unbreakable Bonds: How WCC’s Juanita Brought Two Families Together
Named in honor of Lt. Col. Juanita Warman—a nurse practitioner and Army Veteran who tragically lost her life in the 2009 Fort Hood shooting—Juanita came into Diane’s life in 2020. From just eight weeks old, Diane raised and socialized her, even through the unique challenges of the pandemic. Diane watched Juanita grow and train as she prepared for her eventual role with a military family, forming a close bond with the young dog along the way.
“She holds such a special place in my heart,” Diane shared. “Military families sacrifice a lot for our country, and I saw that firsthand with the Smiths.”
After completing her training, Juanita was matched with the Smiths, a military family of four stationed far from extended family and accustomed to relocating. The first time Taylor and Cassie Smith and their two young children, Colby and Kendall, met Diane and Juanita, they were struck by Diane’s warmth and by Juanita’s impressive abilities.
“Diane immediately felt like someone who was meant to be part of our lives,” said Cassie. “She brought toys and puzzles to show us what Juanita could do, and she was so thoughtful with our kids.”
That initial meeting marked the beginning of an enduring friendship. Diane invited the Smiths over for visits as Juanita’s adoption day approached, treating them to pizza nights and sharing more training tips. Over time, Diane became an essential part of the Smiths’ support system.
As Cassie noted, “Being military, we don’t have family nearby. People we meet along the way become our family, and Diane became family to us.”
Their bond only grew when Taylor, Cassie’s husband, was deployed to Africa. With Taylor overseas, Diane often checked in, inviting Cassie and the kids over and even helping with activities. Diane’s home became a second sanctuary for the Smith children and Juanita, who relished every visit.
“It’s funny to watch Juanita when we’re there,” Cassie laughed. “She doesn’t know who to follow—Diane or me!”
The sense of shared family was apparent to both sides. Diane, who has raised several WCC dogs over the years, said, “I don’t have grandchildren yet, but I felt an immediate connection with Cassie and her kids. I’ve never had a family feel like this before; they’re just incredibly special to me.”
When the Smiths faced long separations and tough days, Juanita provided unwavering comfort. Cassie recounted how Juanita’s intuitive understanding of emotions made a difference in their family’s daily life, especially during her husband Taylor’s deployment.
“Juanita has an incredible ability to sense when any of us are having a bad day or are under stress. She’ll come over and offer herself up for belly rubs and snuggles, and she’s especially been a comfort to our kids.”
Juanita’s influence extended beyond the Smith family, bringing moments of joy to others in their orbit. During a visit to Diane’s family in West Virginia, Diane arranged a special meeting between Juanita and the sister of her namesake, Juanita Warman. As they shared memories and celebrated the namesake’s legacy, it was clear that Juanita’s impact reached far beyond her immediate role as a family support dog.
Now stationed in Spain, the Smiths are continuing to share Juanita’s unique gifts with others. Juanita has become a volunteer with a local Red Cross PAWs program, providing companionship and comfort to service members stationed abroad. Cassie noted that even thousands of miles away, Diane remains a vital part of their lives.
“We text all the time, sharing updates and photos. She’s still very much a part of Juanita’s life, and we’re so grateful.”
For Diane, seeing Juanita’s ongoing impact affirms her dedication to WCC’s mission.
“Every dog has a purpose, and Juanita’s purpose is clear: she’s here to bring comfort, connection, and joy. I couldn’t be more proud of her, or of the family she’s helped bring into my life.”
As the Smiths continue their journey overseas with Juanita, they carry with them the love and support of a family they never expected. Back home, Diane treasures the bond that a loyal, joyful dog built between two families. And while she’s not booking her ticket just yet, Diane’s hinted at a future trip to Spain, where a heartfelt reunion and plenty of tail wags await.
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New Faces at WCC – December 2024
Please join us in welcoming three “new faces” to Warrior Canine Connection (WCC). Desiree Kirby, Kayla Prince and Laura Osborne all joined our pack this fall. We’re happy to introduce you to each of them below.
Desiree Kirby, Business & Human Resources Manager
Desiree may be new to our team, but she’s no stranger to WCC; She began raising service dog in training, Dash, last year. Originally from Northeast Ohio, Desiree followed her passion for wildlife and the environment to Maryland, earning her degree in Environmental Science & Policy from the University of Maryland in 2010.
Before joining us, Desiree honed her skills with the U.S. Army at their Veterinary Treatment Facility in Washington and in private practices across Virginia and Maryland. She excelled in leadership, technical management, and creating meaningful relationships within her teams and communities. Desiree’s connection to WCC runs deep, having worked closely with us while at Olney-Sandy Spring Veterinary Hospital.
“The team has been great, everybody has been so welcoming and just a joy to work with, it’s refreshing. I’m just really happy to be here, honestly. Raising a service dog has given me a level of patience that I never knew I had.”
She lives in Germantown with her husband Mike, an animal keeper at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, their Border Collie named Ticket and WCC’s Dash. They also care for an impressive array of reptiles. When not working, you’ll find Desiree hiking, traveling and baking, which she shared is one of her very favorite hobbies. (Cakes and all kinds of cupcakes are her favorite items to bake.)
Laura Osborne, Accounting Assistant/Bookkeeper
“It’s a wonderful atmosphere here—I feel welcomed, it’s peaceful, and I love my workspace,” said Laura. “I’ve often ridden my bike past and noticed the sign, and I was drawn to the generous and compassionate mission of supporting Veterans. The work truly makes a difference; the dogs help Veterans find a renewed sense of purpose. I’m proud to be part of this organization, even in a small way.”
Outside of work, Laura enjoys biking, gardening and kayaking. She and husband Dale, who have been married for 25 years, have three children, a German Shepherd, and two cats are active and enthusiastic members of their community. Please join us in welcoming Laura to WCC!
Kayla Prince, Veteran Training Program Coordinator
At WCC, Kayla works primarily with the MBTR program at headquarters and at the Platoon Veterans Services Center in Frederick. She also contributes to the MBTR program at the Veterans Treatment Court in Baltimore.
“I love it. I remember calling my friend after the interview and saying this is where I want to be, and I’ve felt the same every day since,” said Kayla. “We’re all a team working towards the same goals of helping veterans. I get to see the positive impact that helping to train the dogs has on our volunteers in each session. Having an office cat (Summer) is a huge perk too!”
When she’s not working, you can find Kayla soaking up the sun at Rehoboth Beach. She also enjoys time with her family, including her two rescue cats, Morgan and Watson, who she’s even trained using clicker training.
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Asheville Update: WCC Community Rebounds After Floods
The resilience and determination across Asheville are incredible to see, with everyone pulling together to navigate new routines and tackle ongoing challenges. There’s still much work ahead, but the strength of this community continues to shine.
Additionally, WCC Service Dog Training Instructor Michele Tate, who was displaced from her home for over a month due to flood damage, is now back home safe. Although recovery work on her residence continues, she and the WCC team remain dedicated to supporting Asheville’s Veterans.
In the spirit of community, WCC Asheville will be hosting a holiday gathering on December 5th, where area Veterans, families, partners and WCC staff will come together to celebrate the season and find strength in each other. This event is a chance to share gratitude and create a sense of unity during a time when the community needs it most.
A critical need for Ashville right now is funding to support Veteran outings and experiences that are necessary to help train future service dogs and also build camaraderie among the Veterans WCC serves. Those outings include visits to local restaurants and cafes. To help make those possible, please make a gift today on WCC’s secure donation website.
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Holiday Gift Ideas for Dogs & Dog Lovers
Gift Ideas for Dogs …
Bow Wow Buddy Safety Device & Bully Sticks
This dog gift idea comes from WCC’s Director of Development Jennifer Wilder and Smith, her trusty WCC Ambassador dog. If you’ve got a dog who’s a bit of a chomper, the Bow Wow Labs Buddy Safety Device, paired with some high-quality Bully Sticks, is a treat they’ll love — and makes chew time safer, too! The Buddy Device helps prevent choking by holding the bully stick securely in place, allowing your pup to safely gnaw to their heart’s content.
HuggleHounds HuggleFleece Bed Topper & Camo Ball
Looking for the ultimate comfort combo? Brady Wilks, WCC’s assistant director of communications, and WCC’s Rossi shared that the HuggleFleece Bed Topper is perfect for snuggly naps, and the Camo Ball (pictured with WCC’s Rossi to the right) doubles as a cozy pillow or a fetch toy. And a portion of proceeds from the camo ball goes to benefit WCC.
Licking Mats with Suction Cups
WCC Service Dog Training Instructor Katie Hearne says that these mats are a must for dogs who need a little extra distraction during bath time, nail trims or for general enrichment. The suction cups on the back make them easy to place on any smooth surface, and spreading a little peanut butter on top will keep your pup happily occupied.
Outward Hound Treat Puzzles
WCC’s Events Coordinator Jennifer Ashley says that her two pups are currently loving the Outward Hound Treat Puzzles. She shared, “They are pretty doggone proud to be on a Level 3 puzzle after becoming pros at the Level 2 puzzles. They know exactly where I keep them and paw at the closet door frequently to let me know it’s puzzle time.”
A Day of Adventure
Sometimes, the best gifts aren’t things but experiences! Cheryl Bingham, who supports WCC’s Volunteer Program, recommends you take your pup on a hike, followed by a cozy snuggle session with their favorite treat. It’s the gift of time, and your dog will paws-itively love every minute.
Gift ideas for humans …
DIY Pawprint Keepsake & Ornament Kit
WCC Veteran and Military Family Services Manager Sarah DelCore shared, “I LOVE the make your own clay ornament kits. You can easily personalize them by adding your dog’s name, painting them and picking out color ribbon to hang it with. Plus, it always brings a few good laughs trying to get your dog to cooperate with putting their paw in the clay. There are plenty of options out there, just make sure it is toxic-free, and you wash your dog’s paw off well afterwards.”
Dog Nail Grinder
Katie Hearne also recommends a nail grinder that is sure to please both dog and human! She says this grinder is the quietest she’s ever used. She did add that it doesn’t have as much power as some other brands, but that it’s great for grinding the nails in more frequent, shorter sessions.
Custom artwork on Etsy
Looking for a personalized holiday gift that truly captures the personality of a beloved furry friend? WCC Media Relations Officer Beth Bourgeois recommends custom pet artwork on Etsy. Talented artists on the popular site specialize in re-creating pets from photos, using various mediums such as watercolor, digital art and even playful cartoon-style portraits. These custom pieces offer a range of styles, from whimsical to realistic. Prices vary widely, making it easy to find something within your budget, and many artists offer digital download options so you can print and frame the artwork yourself—perfect for a budget-friendly yet heartfelt gift.
WCC 2025 Calendar and Apparel
Nothing says “dog lover” like a calendar filled with adorable photos of WCC’s service dogs in training. Pick one up from the WCC website and bring some smiles all year round! From cozy hoodies to mugs, WCC also has plenty of merch for you and your fellow dog lovers. Shop now to find something stylish and support a mission you love.
Whether you’re shopping for a gift that squeaks, snuggles or simply makes you smile, we hope these ideas make your holiday shopping a little easier. May your gifts be doggone perfect, and your holidays filled with joy!
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Kearney & Company Paws-itively Impacting Veterans
A perfect example of Kearney’s commitment to the military community is its 12+ year partnership with Warrior Canine Connection (WCC). Over the years, Kearney has raised more than $530,000 for the nonprofit, helping fund programs that are literally changing—and saving—the lives of wounded Veterans. But it’s not just about the money—Kearney team members have also volunteered with WCC and supported the organization through various events—a true testament to their dedication to giving back.
Dr. Kyle Richards, Kearney’s Director of Employee Engagement, is also a member of WCC’s Board of Directors and an ardent supporter of the nonprofit. He explains why the partnership is such a natural fit.
“At Kearney, we believe in the concept of WCC’s clinical approach to Mission Based Trauma Recovery training,” said Dr. Richards. “There are a lot of organizations that pair Veterans with service dogs, and they’re doing incredible work. But as CPAs, we bring an auditor’s lens to everything we do. So, when you bring in that clinical approach, you can ensure that every part of the program is studied rigorously—that’s when real progress happens. From selecting the right dog to tracking outcomes and gathering data that can inform future research, WCC is committed to the same level of rigor in its work as Kearney is in ours. We’re deeply invested in the process and the impact it has. The entire firm takes such pride and delight in it.”
To date, more than 9,000 Veterans have participated in WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training program, which enlists Warriors to help train service dogs for their fellow Warriors. By interacting with the dogs as they move from puppyhood to training to adult service dogs, Warrior Trainers benefit from a physiological and psychological animal-human connection. As a result of their efforts, Veterans with visible and invisible wounds receive the finest in trained service dogs.
“Kearney’s partnership and Kyle’s leadership on our Board have been invaluable,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “Their support, both financial and through their expertise, has played a critical role in helping us enhance and expand our programs. The insights and guidance Kyle has provided have helped make a lasting impact on WCC, enabling us to serve Veterans and their families more effectively. We are incredibly grateful for Kearney and Kyle’s ongoing commitment to our mission and the difference they’re helping us make in the lives of those who have served.”
Kearney was recently recognized on Military Times’ 2024 Best for Vets: Employers list. The list highlights organizations that are evaluated based on their policies, practices, and benefits for veterans. Notably, more than one in six Kearney team members have served in the Armed Forces. This strong Veteran presence across the firm including in leadership roles helps Kearney truly understand and embrace the mission-driven culture that Veterans bring.
“It’s been a long and fruitful partnership between Kearney and Warrior Canine Connection, and we look forward to continuing it for years to come because the mission was, is, and remains critical for the amount of need out there,” said Richards. “The more we can do to support WCC, the more the organization can do to support Veterans, their families, and the lives of our community members. It really creates a ripple effect that both impacts our Veterans and those who love and care for them.”
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2024 Veterans Day Restaurant Deals
2024 Veterans Day Deals
WCC Partners:
Chick-Fil-A: Free chicken biscuit during breakfast hours, free sandwich during lunch or dinner hours
Farinas Pasta Bar-Veteran Owned: From November 10th through November 17th, 10% of sales from their Southern Fried Chicken Parm, Pistachio Pesto, and Meatball Marinara goes to WCC!
Mission BBQ: Free Sandwich
WCC’s Veteran-Staff Favorites:
Buffalo Wild Wings: On November 11, Veterans and active-duty service members get 10 free boneless wings and fries with valid ID. Available for dine-in or, if ordering from a Buffalo Wild Wings GO location, available for walk-in/orders placed at the counter only.
Glory Days Grill: 50% off any entree
Longhorn Steak House: 10% discount on a meal
Outback Steakhouse: 10% discount and free Bloomin Onion
More Deals:
Applebees: Free Meal – For their FREE lunch or dinner, Veterans can choose between some of our most popular entrées: Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, 6 oz. Top Sirloin, Chicken Tenders Platters, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad, and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne.
BJ’s – Receive a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie® with no minimum food purchase. Offer not valid for Pizookie® Trio or Pizookie® Party Platter. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS OR DISCOUNTS. Must present Military ID or other proof of service. No cash value. Tax and gratuity not included. *Offer valid on Monday, 11/11/2024 for dine-in only.
Bonefish Grill – Active-duty service members and Veterans get a complimentary order of Bang Bang Shrimp with a soft beverage on November 11, 2024 with valid ID.
Chili’s – Free Meal *Valid only on 11/11/2024. Military ID required to redeem offer. No substitutions. Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer only available for dine-in from limited menu. Beverages and gratuity not included.
CiCi’s Pizza: Veterans and Active duty Military eat free on Veterans Day 11/11
Cracker Barrel: Free double chocolate cake dessert. Cracker Barrel will serve a complimentary dessert to our nation’s military heroes on Veterans Day
Golden Corral: free meal for Veterans All current U.S. service members, retired military, and Veterans may join Golden Corral for a free “Thank You” Buffet and Beverage on Monday, November 11, 2024 | 4PM-Close
IHOP: Veterans and Active Military enjoy a FREE Red, White and Blueberry Pancake Combo between 7AM-7PM
Olive Garden: Free entree
Red Robin: Free Red’s Big Tavern Burger
Ruby Tuesdays: Free meal
Sheetz: Free meal, beverage, and car wash
Silver Diner: 25% Off
TGI Fridays: Free meal off a special menu between 11AM and 5PM
Texas Road House: Complimentary Meal