Tag Archive for: WCC service dogs

Commanders Welcome Team Dog in Partnership with Redwire

Yellow lab “TJ” will spend the season with the Commanders before becoming a service dog for veterans

Washington, DC – Today, the Washington Commanders, with help from partner Redwire (N YSE: RDW), welcome their newest, furriest member to the organization. TJ, a 12-week-old yellow Labrador Retriever puppy, will spend the upcoming season with the Burgundy & Gold while he works on his basic skills and commands in training to become a service dog for veterans.

TJ joins the team through the Commanders’ partnership with Redwire (NYSE: RDW), founded on a shared commitment to honoring service members, veterans, and their families. Together, the organizations will collaborate on year-round programming to recognize the sacrifices of those who have served our country.

The team dog program serves as a military engagement effort both through TJ’s
ongoing service dog training and his name, which honors the call sign of Army Veteran and Redwire employee Jeremy White.

EDITOR’S NOTE: For digital assets of TJ, including photos with Jeremy White, click here. Credit can be attributed to the Washington Commanders.

The team dog’s name is inspired by Jeremy White, Sr. Program Manager at Redwire, whose military call sign was “TJ1”. A former Green Beret and decorated veteran whose life reflects a deep commitment to service, Jeremy spent more than 21 years in the U.S. Army, enlisting after September 11, 2001. His career
included roles with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and the Fifth Special Forces Group – designations reserved for the most capable and dedicated soldiers. Across deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Syria, he bravely led missions and guided his teams through challenging environments, earning recognition s such as Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Best Warrior. He
later served internationally as a liaison officer with the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense in Cyprus. Following his military career, Jeremy has continued his service as a civilian, supporting disaster relief and community initiatives.

TJ is a yellow Lab from Warrior Canine Connection, a Maryland nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering those who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country through their Warriors helping Warriors philosophy. Through their Mission Based Trauma
Recovery program, service members and veterans in recovery can learn to train service dogs, creating a therapeutic environment while preparing animals to support fellow veterans. As he continues his training, TJ’s experiences with the Commanders will help prepare him for his future role as a service
dog.

Fans can expect to see TJ cheering on the Commanders at numerous events throughout the season, including training camp and select home games . He will also join the team for several community activations with a focus on military engagements, providing meaningful moments of connection with service members, veterans, and fans.
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Warrior Spotlight: Finding Independence, Purpose and Connection

After 21 years in the U.S. Navy Retired Senior Chief Petty Officer Kenneth Coppage thought he understood resilience. He retired in 2010 after decades of service to others, but life after the military brought challenges he never could have anticipated.

Severe spinal injuries eventually left him permanently disabled, resulting in chronic pain, mobility limitations and the day-to-day challenges of navigating life using a wheelchair for mobility. Through it all, both Wounded Warrior Project and Warrior Canine Connection became vital sources of support for Ken and his family.

“WWP has been great for us,” Ken said. “They’ve helped me, they’ve helped my wife. They’ve connected us with VA resources, supported us through navigating home modifications to make our living space more accessible, and there have been programs for the kids. Early on, I couldn’t do much, but the support they’ve given my wife as a caregiver has been huge.”

Ken’s wife, Cristine, left her career as a firefighter with Montgomery County, Maryland, to help care for him full-time. Through WWP’s Independence Program and caregiver support services, she received the support she needed, and the family found resources to help navigate VA benefits, home modifications and the transition into a new way of life.

Beyond his family and recovery journey, Ken has also found grounding in a long-standing personal passion: genealogy. He spends time tracing family history and helping piece together ancestral lines, including connections reaching back to the American Revolution. For him, it’s a meaningful way to stay engaged in storytelling, history and the idea that every life is part of something larger.

Years later, another breakthrough came unexpectedly through dogs.

Although Ken had always loved dogs, his connection to WCC deepened after one of his children began volunteering there. He attended orientation alongside his son and learned about WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program, which enlists Veterans in recovery to help train service dogs for their fellow Warriors.

“And it was fantastic,” Ken said. “The interactions with the dogs at WCC also helped with my pain management, to the point where I could start doing a little bit more.”

That connection extended beyond WCC’s campus. Ken said the program has strengthened his bond with his Newfoundland, Gucci, at home while also helping him continue building his dog-handling and training skills.

That “little bit more” became something much bigger.

“Now I’m able to spend more time with my family, with the dogs and I can do a few other things throughout the week,” he said. “To go from, ‘I can’t do anything by myself’—virtually no independence—to there’s so much stuff I want to do. I can do more than I’ve been able to do in 15 years. It’s been a saga.”

Today, Ken participates in independent handling sessions at WCC, spending one-on-one time with service dogs in training through enrichment, grooming, play and affection. He’s also on the waitlist for a service dog of his own.

“The more time I spend with the dogs, the better,” he said. “The Labs give so much of themselves to you. You can feel the difference after spending time with them.”

For Ken, the journey continues—one built on family, perseverance and the healing power of connection.
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Finding Peace and a “New Leash on Life”

For Air Force Veteran Allison “Allie” Butts, PTSD Awareness Month isn’t an abstract observance—it’s something she lives every day, and something she now navigates with the steady presence of a 72-pound yellow Labrador Retriever and service dog named Rock.

“I exhale now and feel happy,” she says, almost surprised by how natural that feeling has become. When she reflects on her journey with Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), she puts it even more simply: “I like to say WCC gave me a new leash on life.”

Allie first learned about WCC a couple of years ago through a Veterans Service Center in Silver Spring, Maryland, during what she describes as one of the most difficult periods of her life.

Still, something about that visit stayed with her.

“Mar (assistant director of WCC’s MBTR programs) brought Toyomi out to me, and we took a walk down the long driveway to the WCC sign. Something shifted in me in that moment—I didn’t want it to end,” she recalls. “I still have the photo from that day, and when things get hard, I go back to it to ground myself. I knew then my life would never be the same.”

That moment became a turning point. She returned to WCC again—and again—slowly finding herself more engaged each time.

At first, Allie thought she was simply there to heal herself. But through Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR)—WCC’s hands-on, purpose-driven approach that pairs Warriors with service dog training activities designed to help both the Veteran and the dog recover, learn and grow—her perspective began to expand.

She participated in MBTR training sessions, puppy yoga at Platoon 22 and volunteered at the Healing Quarters, all while gradually taking on more hands-on work with WCC service dogs in training.

“I started all of this thinking it was just to help myself,” she says. “But then I realized I’m helping someone else who has been in my position—what we’re doing here can potentially save a life and help reconnect a family.”

As Allie’s involvement grew, so did her confidence. She moved from early socialization work into independent handling, eventually even stepping into moments that pushed her far outside her comfort zone.

One of those moments was speaking publicly for the first time since being in the military—at a WCC Puppy Raiser education event, where Allie shared her MBTR experience.

“I was terrified,” she says. “But everyone has been so kind to me along the way. I haven’t experienced that since I got out of the military.”

A former Air Force Security Forces member, Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Instructor and Military Training Instructor with nearly 15 years of service, Allie was medically retired after an epilepsy diagnosis. Her transition to civilian life was marked by instability, recovery and many ups and downs.

“I would like to credit my mother, my family and friends and WCC as major anchors in that progress,” shared Allie. “I’m not embarrassed anymore to say how this has saved my life. It stopped me from committing suicide, it’s stopped me from making poor decisions, helped my get healthy and want to help other Veterans to do the same for themselves and their families and friends.”

Today, Rock is her partner in every sense of the word. The two are preparing to graduate together as part of WCC’s Class of 2026, and their bond continues to deepen through daily work and routine.

“Rock has shown me it is okay to ask for help and to accept myself for who I am on the good days and on the bad,” said Allie. “I am looking forward to so many more wonderful days with him right by my side. I love him so much and I tell him every day.”

Rock—an affectionate, playful pup born on April Fool’s Day—has become a grounding presence for Allie, especially during moments of stress or PTSD triggers like loud or sudden noises, lights and memories.

“He just knows,” she says. “He taps my foot, comes close, he looks me in the eye, snuggles and it calms me down.”

Rock was named in honor of Sergeant William “Bill” Green, Sr., a Marine Corps and Vietnam Veteran, retired police officer and Maryland native whose legacy of service aligns closely with Allie’s own background in security forces and military service. Allie says she hopes to meet him in person one day soon.

Looking back on her experience, she is quick to highlight not just the dogs, but the people who helped her get here.

“It’s not even just about the dogs,” Allie says. “The people there are so kind. You’re part of the family—even before you’re matched with a dog. It’s comparable to the camaraderie I felt in the military.”

Her advice to other Veterans is simple: stay open, have faith, there is always hope.

“Just remember that WCC is a no-fail mission and if you believe in yourself and those around you, good things will follow,” she shared.

For Allie, that openness didn’t just lead to a program—it led to stability, connection and a steady partner walking beside her on a very different path forward.
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Want a Second Dog? Trainers Say These 7 Breeds Fit Into Any Home So Easily

There’s no denying that choosing a second dog breed can be tricky as narrowing down the best dogs for multi-dog households isn’t as simple as it may seem. Because of that, bringing a new dog into a home with other pets can be an exciting, but sometimes a challenging experience as well. Read the full story in the Charlotte Observer here.

 

How Expensive Are Service Dogs, Really?

Service dogs are highly trained animals that assist individuals with specific disabilities, like blindness, hearing loss, mental health issues, and an assortment of other medical conditions. You’ve likely seen one of these hardworking, vested pups in action before. Read the full story in A-Z Animals here.

Veterans care center provides pet love in different way

RICHMOND, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) — The Sitter and Barfoot Veterans Care Center is one place that believes in the special bond that pets bring. Watch the full story on CBS 19 News here.

Honoring Veterans, One Name at a Time


Did you know every service dog and service dog-in-training at Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) is named in honor of a Veteran? While most know WCC for our unique animal-assisted therapy program Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) and placing service dogs with Veterans, we also celebrate Veterans through our namesake program.  

The namesake program, which began in 2013, is a way to honor and celebrate Veterans by saying their names and telling their stories. We receive name nominations from the public, though we are currently only accepting female name nominations due to the large number of male nominations we already have waiting.  

Naming a service dog in training after a Veteran means a lot to the namesake families, especially knowing that the dog named in their honor will be serving Veterans and the Veteran community. Here are just a few of the testimonials we have received from namesake families: 

“Oh, wow. That’s my father. So happy to see Chappy carrying on service to our country.” 

“Thank you SO much for this announcement and designation. We are all so touched at this honor for our father and know that William will be an inspiration for both he and his companion.  

“I am excited, and I’m sure Steve is too, that our dad is also going to have a puppy named after him. He was an animal lover, just like our mom.” 

“Omg! This was the last thing I expected to see this morning. I’m his big brother. We served together. Thank you so much. This means so much to our family.” 

“We served together in the Corps him, his brother, my best friend Casey, all holding it down for Hollywood Florida, like it was our own battalion. He was loud, wild, and had more energy than a six pack of rip it. We miss him.” 

“Thank you so very much. I am overwhelmed by your organization’s honoring me by naming one of your Warrior puppies after me. Coming at the holiday season this is especially meaningful as I spent Christmas 1970 in Da Nang 54 years ago. I appreciate the very nice write up on Facebook along with the picture of me and my namesake.  The picture was taken in Da Nang in 1971 and was a favorite of my parents.” 

“I feel it to be such an honor that my grandmother’s name is connected to such an important helpmate for a Veteran of today.” 

Not only is it impactful to the namesake family, but the Veterans who end up being placed with a WCC dog also find it powerful. They often reflect about how much it means that the dog they are placed with is also carrying the name and story of a fellow Veteran. 

If you have a female name nomination you would like to submit, please fill out this form: https://warriorcanineconnection.tfaforms.net/4899776 
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Couple Helps Train Service Dogs Amid Nationwide Shortage

For the last ten years, Pat and Jane Hipsley have been volunteering as puppy raisers who open up their home to puppies who will hopefully one day become service dogs. It comes amid a national shortage for volunteer puppy raisers. Saturday TODAY’s Peter Alexander reports. Watch the full story on NBC’s Today.

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

Daughter of Jimmy Stewart Meets Service Dog “Jimmy” at Museum Celebration

The Jimmy Stewart Museum celebrated its 30th anniversary on Saturday, and in attendance was one of Jimmy’s daughters and the service dog that bears his name. Check out the full story from WCCS Radio here.

Contact Us

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info@warriorcanineconnection.org


Warrior Canine Connection
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