Former Secretary of Defense, General (Ret.) James Mattis to Deliver WCC’s 2023 Graduation Keynote Address
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BOYDS, Maryland – Today, Warrior Canine Connection announced that Former Secretary of Defense, General (Ret.) James Mattis, a distinguished military leader renowned for his strategic brilliance, unwavering leadership, and deep commitment to national security, will deliver the keynote address during its 2023 virtual graduation ceremony on Saturday, September 23, 2023.
General Mattis’s illustrious career includes serving as a four-star Marine Corps general, culminating in his appointment as the 26th Secretary of Defense, and as an author. His strategic acumen and profound dedication to the security and well-being of our nation have earned him widespread acclaim both nationally and internationally.
“We are both humbled and grateful to have General James Mattis, one of America’s greatest Warriors, join us as the keynote speaker for this year’s graduation ceremony,” said Rick Yount, executive director and founder, Warrior Canine Connection. “His remarkable leadership and dedication to service perfectly align with the training we instill in our canine graduates, who will go on to serve our country’s heroes.”
General Mattis has a more personal connection to WCC, as he is the namesake for WCC’s “Mattis,” a facility dog trained and placed by the organization in 2022. Upon being nominated for the honor, General Mattis shared, “By training dogs for fellow Veterans, Warrior Canine Connection carries on that finest American tradition of assisting one another through the tough times in life,” said General James Mattis.
Hear more from General Mattis about being a WCC namesake and the impact service dogs are having on our nation’s Veterans here.
WCC’s 2023 Graduation Ceremony can be viewed on both WCC’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. To learn more about WCC, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.
For media inquiries, photos and additional information, please contact:
Beth Bourgeois
Media Relations Officer
Warrior Canine Connection
719-216-3206
bethannbourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org
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Warrior Canine Connection was honored to introduce its 2022 graduating class of Veteran Service Dog Teams, Facility, Military Family Support and Breeder Dogs—19 in total and its largest class to date—during its tenth annual graduation on Saturday, September 24th.
