Tag Archive for: Team Foster

Together for Veterans: Team Foster & WCC in Action

At Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), we are fortunate to collaborate with incredible partners who share our mission of serving Veterans. One of those valued partners is Team Foster, a nonprofit that has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with us to help more Veterans access the healing power of service dogs. Together, we’ve been able to make an extraordinary impact — and we couldn’t be more grateful. 

Team Foster was founded by Army Reservist and attorney Nick Liermann in memory and honor of his treasured friend, Captain Erick Foster, who was killed in action in Iraq. Nick wanted to ensure Erick’s legacy would live on by supporting other Veterans facing visible and invisible wounds of war. What began as a heartfelt tribute has grown into a thriving nonprofit with a powerful mission: “No Hero Left Behind.” Through events, fundraising and community outreach, Team Foster works tirelessly to educate, advocate, community-build and raise funds to help service dog organizations, including WCC, provide these highly skilled dogs to Veterans at no cost. 

In 2024, WCC honored Team Foster with a Wag of the Tail Award in recognition of their outstanding partnership. To date, Team Foster has contributed $500,000 in support of WCC, helping expand our programs in Pennsylvania that train and place highly skilled service dogs with Veterans living with physical and psychological wounds. Their generosity continues to make a real and lasting impact. 

In Philadelphia, Team Foster’s funding is supporting the training of Tugger, the second “Phillies Pup,” a WCC service dog in training named after U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and late Phillies great Tug McGraw. Earlier support helped train Major, who is now thriving with a military family. In Pittsburgh at Duquesne University, Team Foster’s financial support enables Veterans in the community to participate in WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program, directly extending the reach and impact of these vital programs.

“Nick and Team Foster are dogged in their passion for serving Veterans,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, WCC. “Their continued support helps us train more dogs, reach more Veterans and deliver on our shared mission of healing. We’re proud to work side-by-side with Team Foster to serve those who served us.”

And from Team Foster’s side, Nick will tell you this partnership is about more than just financial support — it’s about shared values, community and honoring the sacrifices of our nation’s heroes. 

“Captain Foster didn’t just push himself, he inspired those around him to take care of each other,” shared Liermann. “The partnership between WCC and Team Fosters embodies Captain Foster’s legacy of showing up for our community, pushing one another and connecting through a shared sense of purpose to take care of our teammates.” 

At WCC, we know we cannot do this work alone. Partners like Team Foster remind us that when people come together in support of our Veterans, the possibilities are endless. To Nick, the Team Foster staff and Board, their volunteers and every supporter who makes this work possible — thank you. 

Together, we’re making sure no hero is left behind.
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Meet Tugger, the Phillies’ Rookie with a Mission

Meet Tugger, the newest four-legged rookie to join the Philadelphia Phillies lineup with a mission that reaches far beyond the ballpark. Tugger is a service dog in training with Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), and his training is supported by the Phillies Charitable Foundation and nonprofit partner, Team Foster. 

All WCC’s dogs are named after Veterans past and present. Tugger is named in honor of beloved Phillies icon Tug McGraw, the legendary relief pitcher who helped lead the team to its first World Series title in 1980. Off the field, McGraw also served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. 

Tugger is the second pup sponsored by the Phillies and Team Foster, following WCC service-dog-in-training Major. Over the next 18–24 months, he’ll take part in WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program, training alongside Philadelphia-area Veterans. This process not only prepares Tugger to become a future service dog for a Veteran with visible or invisible wounds but also provides therapeutic benefits to those helping train him—like reduced anxiety, improved communication, and a renewed sense of purpose. 

Tugger’s journey is just beginning, and he’s already captured hearts with his big-league energy and wagging tail. Backed by the Phillies, Team Foster, The Tug McGraw Foundation and Warrior Canine Connection, he’s more than a lovable pup—he’s training to become a life-changing service dog for a Veteran in need. As he embarks on this important mission, the city of Philadelphia is behind him, ready to cheer him on every step of the way. 

Watch Tugger’s national TV debut on Good Morning America here.
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Meet Tugger: The Phillies’ newest service pup in training

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A service puppy in training will make his big debut at Tuesday’s Phillies game against the Padres.

Tugger is a yellow labrador retriever. He was born on April 24, just two days before his namesake, 1980 World Series champion and U.S. Marine Corps reservist, Tug McGraw, made his debut with the Phillies. Listen to the full story on KYW Newsradio here.

Phillies introduce new furry addition to roster

Philadelphia Phillies spokesperson Michele DeVicaris introduces Tugger, a 10-week-old service dog-in-training, a new addition to the team’s off-field roster. Watch the full story on Good Morning America here.

Ya Gotta Believe in Tugger! Phillies’ New Service Pup-in-Training for a Veteran with Invisible Wounds of War to Make His Major League Debut at Tuesday’s Game

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Team’s new pup – named after beloved Phillie and Marine reservist Tug McGraw – will embark on a mission to support a veteran with a disability, thanks to Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection

On Tuesday, July 1, the Phillies will officially welcome Tugger, a 10-week-old service pup-in-training, to the club’s off-the-field roster before that night’s game against the San Diego Padres at Citizens Bank Park. Through a partnership between Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection, Tugger will begin his lifesaving mission of becoming an accredited service dog, with the goal of being placed with a veteran with a disability.

A yellow Labrador retriever, Tugger was born on April 24, 2025, which is two days prior to the 50-year anniversary that his namesake, 1980 World Series champion and U.S. Marine Corps reservist Tug McGraw, made his debut with the Phillies.

“Ya gotta believe young Tugger’s going to be a hero for a veteran with an invisible wound of war,” said music superstar and three-time Grammy Award winner Tim McGraw, son of the late Phillies reliever, who has been a longtime advocate for veterans and worked with the Tug McGraw Foundation. “My father loved the Phillies and took immense pride in his service with the United States Marine Corps. The thought that this little pup will one day contribute to enhancing the quality of life for a veteran is truly remarkable. We can never do enough to honor our veterans, and I am certain my father would have felt deeply honored to have Tugger named in his memory.”

Team Foster, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit, supports injured and disabled veterans through accredited, lifesaving service dogs. Tugger will spend two years in his special service training through Team Foster partner, Warrior Canine Connection, a nonprofit organization that breeds, trains and places highly skilled service dogs with service members and veterans with visible and invisible wounds.

During this time, Tugger will work with dozens of veterans receiving treatment for physical and psychological wounds. When his training to become a service dog is completed, Tugger will be able to do everything from helping a veteran put on their socks to disrupting nightmares to detecting anxiety attacks.

Tugger will then be placed with a veteran with a disability. Team Foster, whose motto is “No Hero Left Behind,” has helped to connect over 500 veterans with service dogs.

The Phillies’ service pup initiative with Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection was made possible through a Phillies Charities, Inc. grant. This is the second service pup sponsored by the Phillies, with the first being Major, who was recently placed with a veteran.

“Properly trained service dogs can change and save lives. I’ve seen it myself so many times,” said Nick Liermann, founder and executive director of Team Foster. “But it’s extremely difficult for veterans to get service dogs because there are so few resources available, so we fill that huge gap. The Phillies and Warrior Canine Connection are incredible partners in that mission.”

“We’re incredibly honored to have a future service dog named in honor of a Phillies legend,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “It’s a meaningful way to carry forward his legacy—one rooted in strength, service and impact. This special partnership with the Phillies and Team Foster is making Tugger’s mission possible and exemplifies the power of community coming together to support our nation’s veterans.”

“The impact that a service pup like Tugger has on veterans battling invisible wounds of war is truly lifesaving,” said Phillies Director of Community and Charity Events Michele DeVicaris. “It’s our honor to join Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection, who have been a catalyst for making a difference in the lives of so many who have served.”

For more information, follow the Phillies on their social platforms, which will be providing updates on Tugger’s service training.
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ABOUT TEAM FOSTER
Based in Philadelphia, Team Foster was founded in 2014 to honor Army Captain Erick Foster after he was killed in Iraq. It provides a crucial lifeline to injured and disabled veterans at no cost by funding lifesaving, highly trained, accredited service dogs and offering lifetime support to veteran-service dog teams. The organization has raised over $2.25 million while advocating for veterans and their service dogs in the community, workplace and legislatures.

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.

ABOUT THE TUG MCGRAW FOUNDATION
The Tug McGraw Foundation, founded before Tug McGraw’s passing in 2004, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with brain tumors. In 2009, the foundation broadened its mission to include support for post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. It partners with other organizations to speed up treatment advancements and improve the quality of life for those dealing with brain-related military trauma and glioblastoma. Nationwide, the foundation provides education, resources, and wellness programs at its headquarters at the Veterans Home of California in Yountville.


CONTACTS:
Deb Rinaldi, Phillies, drinaldi@phillies.com, 267-408-9545
Jonathan Lowe, Team Foster, JonathanLowe@TeamFoster.org, 215-808-0022
Beth Bourgeois, Warrior Canine Connection, beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org, 719-216-3206

Warriors train service dogs for veterans — and sometimes heal themselves

Dave Snedeker, 52, of Harrisburg, was struggling with feelings of isolation and post-traumatic stress disorder. He had served 24 years in the Army and Army National Guard, including a one-year tour in Afghanistan.

Hospitalized for a second time, he finally was ready to ask for help during his stay at Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. Read the full story in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Warrior Canine Connection and Duquesne University join forces to empower Veterans through service dog training, with support from Team Foster

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) is proud to announce the launch of a new program in partnership with Duquesne University, a distinguished institution with deep roots in military tradition and service. Funded by the generous support of Team Foster, this new initiative will utilize WCC’s innovative Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training model to benefit Veterans, the university and the broader Pittsburgh community.

WCC’s MBTR model is centered on the time-honored military tradition of Warriors helping Warriors. In this program, Veterans learn to train service dogs for their fellow Warriors, while fostering their own skills in communication, confidence building, emotional regulation and patience. The program’s focus on peer support and personal growth makes it a natural fit for Duquesne University—a Veteran-centric institution led by President Ken Gormley—that has a profound history of supporting Veterans and an ROTC program dating back to 1917.

“Thanks to the unwavering support of Chris Boissonnault, director of Duquesne’s Office of Military and Veteran Students, who has been a true champion in bringing this program to life, Veterans will now have the powerful opportunity to heal and support one another by learning to train service dogs for their fellow Warriors,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, WCC. “This hands-on experience not only aids in the recovery of our Veterans but also deepens Duquesne University’s long-standing commitment to its military history by directly serving its Veteran students and the surrounding community. We’re also profoundly grateful to Team Foster for their continued dedication, which allows us to extend our reach and support even more Veterans in need.”

“It’s an honor to host the Warrior Canine Connection service dogs in training on campus, especially in support of Duquesne alum Erick Foster and Team Foster,” said Boissonnault. “Veterans are a special part of the Duquesne community and history; we look forward to having these amazing pups and their trainers on campus for their important work.”

This new WCC Pittsburgh program has been made possible thanks to a generous $100,000 gift from Team Foster, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit organization founded by Nick Liermann in honor of his friend and comrade, U.S. Army Captain Erick Foster, who was killed in Iraq in 2007. This program holds particular significance as Foster was from the Pittsburgh area and graduated from Duquesne University. Team Foster’s involvement underscores the deeply personal nature of this initiative, aligning with its mission to support Veterans by helping to place them with highly trained, accredited service dogs.

“I cannot think of a more appropriate partner or location for Team Foster to support accredited service dog training space,” said Nick Liermann, founder and executive director, Team Foster. “Captain Foster would be proud of the support from his alma mater at Duquesne and the Pittsburgh community to help our Veteran teammates.”

The program officially launched in September and is hosted on Duquesne University’s campus in Pittsburgh. A WCC service dog training instructor, along with four service dogs in training, are already working with Veterans in the program. The program is also seeking Puppy Raisers—dedicated volunteers who help raise and train the service dogs during the first two years of their lives.

Veterans interested in learning more about the program or how to get involved are encouraged to visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.

 

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Media Contact:
Beth Bourgeois
Warrior Canine Connection
719-216-3206
beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org

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 Team Foster
Team Foster is a nonprofit organization founded in honor of Army Captain Erick Foster, a Pittsburgh native, after he was killed in action in Iraq. Team Foster raises money to provide accredited, life-saving service dogs to injured and disabled Veterans. Through funding, advocacy and education, Team Foster honors Captain Foster’s legacy of pushing himself and always looking out for his teammates.

Duquesne University
Founded in 1878, Duquesne is consistently ranked among the nation’s top Catholic universities for its award-winning faculty and horizon-expanding education. A campus of nearly 8,200 graduate and undergraduate students, Duquesne prepares students by having them work alongside faculty to discover and reach their goals. The University’s academic programs, community service and commitment to equity and opportunity in the Pittsburgh region have earned national acclaim.
It’s time for bigger goals. 
www.duq.edu

The Phillies’ New Service Pup-in-Training, Major, Makes His MLB Debut; Life’s Mission is to Help a Veteran with a Disability

Partnership with Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection brings a new service pup to the Phillies family, which will be trained and later placed with a veteran who has a disability

Earlier today, the Phillies partnered with Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection to welcome Major, a new service pup-in-training, to the club’s off-the-field roster at Citizens Bank Park.

Dubbed Major after decorated veteran and former Phillies’ coach, scout, and goodwill ambassador Maje McDonnell, the 10-week-old puppy has been given an important mission: to become a specialized service dog so he can be placed with a veteran with a psychological or physical disability.

The new service pup initiative with Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection was made possible through a Phillies Charities, Inc. grant, as well as an MLB 2023 Military Community grant.

“Phillies Charities, Inc. is proud to support the caring and training of Major as he works his way up the ranks from service pup to service dog,” said Phillies Director of Community and Charity Events Michele DeVicaris. “Thanks to Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection, we know that Major is destined to bring joy, comfort and support to a very deserving veteran.”

A pure-bred black Labrador, Major will receive his service training through Warrior Canine Connection, a nonprofit organization that breeds, trains and places highly skilled service dogs with service members and veterans with visible and invisible wounds.

Major will spend two years in training with Warrior Canine Connection, where he will advance through a series of military ranks as he masters commands to support a future veteran with physical injuries and invisible wounds of war.

During this time, he will make various guest appearances at Phillies games, where he will meet fans and participate in military-themed and community events such as the team’s annual Salute to Veterans at Citizens Bank Park. His progress will also be followed on the team’s social media accounts.

When his mission of becoming a service dog is reached, Major will then be placed with a wounded veteran through Warrior Canine Connection with support from Team Foster, which has helped to connect over 400 veterans with service dogs to assist a vast array of injuries and disabilities, and whose motto is “No Hero Left Behind.”

“Having the Phillies support Team Foster is an invaluable asset in the fight for our veterans,” said Team Foster Founder and Executive Director Nick Liermann. “We are incredibly excited to showcase this service dog in training and share the journey of these life-saving canines with the Phillies community.”

“We are so honored and grateful to be working with the Phillies and Team Foster, which both have a history of providing unwavering support for our nation’s veterans, on this exciting, new puppy project,” said Warrior Canine Connection Founder and Executive Director Rick Yount. “The vital support of both organizations is making Major’s training possible, while at the same time, honoring the pup’s veteran namesake in such a meaningful way.”

Warrior Canine Connection Partners with University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine to Bring Therapeutic Service Dog Training Program to Veterans on Campus

Program Made Possible Thanks to Funding from Team Foster

BOYDS, Maryland – The Perelman School of Medicine and its Veterans Care Excellence Program (VCEP) at the University of Pennsylvania is going to the dogs. Starting this month, Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), a nonprofit that breeds, trains and places highly skilled service dogs with Service Members and Veterans with physical and psychological trauma, will provide an on-site service dog training program for Penn Veteran students, staff and those served by the university.

The program will utilize WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training model, in which Veterans learn how to train service dogs for their fellow Warriors. The program fulfills a time-honored military tradition of Warriors helping Warriors, and in doing so, Veterans can also benefit from their own skills development in communication, confidence building, accountability, emotional regulation and patience.

The new program is made possible thanks to a generous $100,000 gift from Team Foster, a local Philadelphia-based Veteran support organization dedicated to serving disabled Veterans through community support, Veteran peers and highly trained service dogs.

“Fueled by the support of Team Foster, we are honored to partner with an educational institution of Penn’s distinction,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “To have a program like this accessible on campus is incredible—as it will allow Veteran students and staff to more actively engage and benefit from the program, while helping to serve other Veterans by helping to meet the incredible need for service dogs.”

VCEP at Penn established a formalized structure to guide the existing and continued growth and development of Penn Medicine’s programs and services for Veterans in an effort to create a streamlined and supportive culture of care. The program oversees the recruiting, training and success-building of Veteran employees at the health system and ensures Veteran patients served by Penn receive optimum care. In addition, the VCEP program helps streamline the process of navigating health care benefits with those from Veteran Affairs.

“The Veteran Care Excellence Program at Penn Medicine and the Penn Veteran Collaborative Consortium program is honored to partner with Warrior Canine Connection and Team Foster,” said Paula Crawford-Gamble, RN, MSN, CAPT, NC, USN (Ret), Veterans Care Excellence Liaison, Penn. “Together we are excited to help our service members in need reconnect with life, their families, their communities, and each other through this innovative program.’” Crawford-Gamble has a service dog of her own from WCC, named Dollie.

“Team Foster has partnered with service dog organizations across the region for years; this is a long-overdue opportunity to bring a reputable, best-in-class partner to the Philadelphia area,” said Nick Liermann, founder and executive director, Team Foster. “Service dogs literally save lives. Partnering with Warrior Canine Connection and Penn provides Philadelphia-area Veterans access to these amazing animals—something our area desperately needs.”

The program officially launched in October and is located on Penn’s campus. A WCC service dog training instructor, along with five service dogs in training, are already based at the location.

The program is actively seeking Puppy Parents, volunteers who help raise and train the service dogs in training for up to the first two years of their lives. Veterans interested in learning more about the program can email mbtr@warriorcanineconnection.org or visit warriorcanineconnection.org.

For more information, please contact Beth Bourgeois, Warrior Canine Connection, at beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org or 719-216-3206.

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About Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat Veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat Veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities. For more information, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.

About Team Foster
Team Foster fights for the unmet needs of injured and disabled Veterans by bringing together civilians, Veterans and highly trained service dogs.
We do this by:
·Helping Veterans obtain highly trained service dogs they need at no cost;
·Providing grants for the unmet needs of Veterans and their service dog;
·Ensuring Veteran service dogs receive the highest quality training;
·Promoting awareness of service-related PTSD and TBI and advocating for the long-term needs of our Veterans.
Learn more at www.teamfoster.org.

Contact Us

14934 Schaeffer Road
Boyds, MD 20841

(T) 301.260.1111
info@warriorcanineconnection.org


Warrior Canine Connection
is a 501(c)(3)
Nonprofit Organization
# 45-2981579