national volunteer month Archives - Warrior Canine Connection

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, a time to celebrate the dedicated individuals who give their time and talents to Warrior Canine Connection (WCC). Our volunteers are the backbone of our mission, playing a vital role in training and supporting service dogs that will one day assist military Veterans and their families. From Puppy Raisers and Sitters to event supporters and behind-the-scenes helpers, their commitment ensures WCC can continue making a meaningful impact.

In 2024 alone, 885 volunteers generously gave 142,803 hours of their time—an estimated value of $4,782,472.47. Their dedication directly impacts every aspect of WCC’s mission, from raising and training future service dogs to supporting events, administrative efforts, and community outreach. Their time, talents, and passion ensure that Veterans and their families receive the life-changing support of expertly trained service dogs, making a lasting difference in countless lives.

But what truly drives them to give so much of themselves? We asked, “What is your WHY?” and here’s what our amazing volunteers had to say.

“The change that happens after just a few visits in every Veteran we encounter. The smiles, conversations, hugs. I work with two very open and fun trainers, who don’t take themselves too seriously but always put the Veterans we serve first.”
– Robin Martin, WCC Asheville

“It brings me so much joy to see these dogs grow and learn, and to know how much they will help their veteran one day. The men and women of our Armed Forces give so much to all of us and deserve more given back to them than we provide. WCC helps bridge this gap but helps give people their lives back while creating an amazing community for all who volunteer in any capacity. These dogs touch every life they are a part of, and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this fantastic organization.”
– Hailey Swisher, WCC UMD/College Park

“Working with dogs is my dream job. Working with dogs that help other people is my dream fantasy. I’ve always wanted to help people, but I’m not much of a people person. Working with dogs that will eventually make the difference in someone’s life is the best way I can think of to contribute and to help repay those veterans who have sacrificed so much for us.”
– Anne Pickle, WCC NoVA

“I do because I can. This is how I give back to those who served our country. And puppies. Whose why isn’t puppies, right?”
– Jessica Rabin, WCC Baltimore

“I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact WCC dogs have—not only on the Veterans who are matched with and receive a service dog, but also on those who participate in their training through the Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program. These dogs possess a special ability to connect with humans in ways that often transcend human-to-human interaction.”
– Karen Chiu, WCC Menlo Park

“Each of my todays = snuggles and puppy kisses for me. Each of my tomorrows = snuggles and puppy kisses for a Veteran.”
– Karen O’Malley, WCC NoVA

“I love the fact that the abundance of love I have in my heart for the dogs is translated to major impact on an individual’s quality of life or an organization’s quality of work.”
– Renee French, WCC Healing Quarters

“We come from a family of Veterans and have close friends who are Veterans. We joined WCC to give back to the community of heroes who have helped our country.”
– Stephanie and Fred Short, WCC Philadelphia

“I just love being a part of an organization that gives back. The WCC volunteers and staff have been so welcoming. I love going there and seeing the dogs and people. The setting is so peaceful.”
– Diane Fox, WCC Healing Quarters

At WCC, our volunteers aren’t just helping out—they’re making a real, lasting impact every single day. Their dedication brings comfort, healing, and hope to the Veterans we serve, and we simply couldn’t do this work without them. While National Volunteer Month is a great time to say thank you, we’re grateful for their commitment all year long. To every volunteer who plays a role in our mission—thank you for your time, passion, and unwavering support!

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April is National Volunteer Month. We at Warrior Canine Connection are grateful to all the volunteers who support our organization. Your generosity allows our Veterans to heal, our programs to thrive, and has created a strong community.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our organization,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “We simply couldn’t do all that we do without the support of our extraordinary volunteers. They are helping to change lives for the better.”

Somehow, despite restrictions due to COVID-19 and operating at 60% of volunteer capacity from one year earlier, our amazing volunteers posted a record number of 78,707 service hours in 2020, valued at $2,140,830 ($27.20/hour) in cost savings to WCC.

Also, remarkably, 50% of WCC’s 2020 volunteers were comprised of Military Family Members and Veterans—reinforcing the adage of ‘Veterans helping Veterans.’

Why are WCC volunteers so engaged? Each volunteer has their own reason.

“From the first time I saw Holly’s Half Dozen on the explore web cam and tuned-in to the live chats about the organization, I connected to the WCC mission of using the healing power of dogs to help veterans who were struggling. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to see the difference one dog can have in the life of a veteran and his/her family. My life path did not include military service but volunteering with WCC has now given me the opportunity to support our nation’s veterans. The unexpected part of volunteering with WCC are the many connections and dear friendships I’ve made with other volunteers and supporters all across the country.”
Terrie Bates, WCC Volunteer since 2013

“I learn so much from the animals and the trainers and love the mission!”
Amy Griffith, WCC Volunteer since 2020

“I love the feeling of community at WCC. We are there for each other, you are never alone when raising a future service puppy. We all support each other when we are feeling stuck or disheartened when maybe our puppy isn’t as far along in training as others. We remind each other our puppies have their own path and it’s not about keeping up with each other it’s about taking it at your puppy’s pace. We also support each other during the transition from when our puppies go to their path whether that be a family support dog, advanced training and working service dog. Our hearts ante poured into these fur love bugs and we know the day will come to transition from our heart to another but it’s never easy even though it’s beautiful.”
Ashley Poindexter-Tarmy, WCC Volunteer since 2019

“I have always volunteered for some organization in every phase of my life but WCC is by far the most rewarding volunteer job I’ve ever had. My father and brother are both disabled Veterans and I couldn’t be more honored to be able to give back to our veterans in such a healing and holistic way.”
Michele Burkhammer, WCC Volunteer since 2019

“Volunteering at WCC allows me to connect to the military community. While I work with dogs, I feel great satisfaction knowing that I am helping veterans and their families caring for the dogs that will one day serve them. I believe in WCC’s mission and feel good in knowing that the dogs we raise will help those in need.”
Nancy Deprey, WCC Volunteer since 2020

“WCC gives me a purpose and working with all Veterans allows me to give back to my brothers and sisters in arms who have given so much. Being able to watch the changes take place and the Veterans opening up. To see them laugh and smile and make eye contact. It is everything and worth the 2.5 hours I spend in a car to watch this miracle happen.”
Robin Martin, WCC Volunteer since 2012

“We want to give back to Veterans and their families. It is a huge honor to be a WCC volunteer and share the mission with everyone
we can.”
Bill and Tammy Crozier, WCC Volunteer since 2019

“Volunteering for WCC combined love of dogs with a mission I support; I am a part of something bigger than me, and my support continues WCC’s mission.”
Kimberly Harrington, WCC Volunteer since 2016

Thank you to all of you, our amazing volunteers, who give your time and talents to WCC; we are very appreciative of all you do.

We will be featuring several of our amazing volunteers with their thoughts on why they choose to help WCC on our Facebook page, so keep an eye out for them!

Interested in volunteering for WCC? You can check out our current opportunities here.

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