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Warrior Canine Connection enlists recovering Warriors in a therapeutic mission of learning to train service dogs for their fellow Veterans.
Warrior Canine Connection
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Warrior Canine Connection has veterans volunteer to train service dogs for other veterans

May 18, 2023/0 Comments/in WCC in the News /by WCC Comms

BOYDS, Md. – WCC enlists veterans in their program to train service dogs that can help other veterans. The program is meant to improve the mental health of those who served in the military. Training the puppies helps the veterans relieve stress and can serve as an outlet for them. Watch the full story from Capital News Service.

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2023-05-18 17:14:172023-05-25 17:22:41Warrior Canine Connection has veterans volunteer to train service dogs for other veterans

My story: Finding peace in helping other veterans

May 15, 2023/0 Comments/in WCC in the News /by WCC Comms

Every Tuesday morning, I drive 15 minutes from my home in Swannanoa to Asheville to volunteer with Warrior Canine Connection, a nonprofit that breeds, trains and places highly skilled service dogs with veterans with visible and invisible wounds.

As a U.S. Army veteran, I have become intimately familiar with the important role service dogs can play in a veteran’s life. Read the full story in Mountain Xpress.

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2023-05-15 20:22:432023-05-15 20:22:43My story: Finding peace in helping other veterans

Warrior Canine Connection Receives $10,000 Grant from Veterans Help Group

May 4, 2023/0 Comments/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

Funding to Support WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery Training Program

BOYDS, Maryland – Veterans Help Group (VHG) has generously donated $10,000 to Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) to help support placement of skilled service dogs with wounded Veterans, and the organization’s unique Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program. The MBTR program enlists Service Members and Veterans to help train service dogs for fellow Warriors as part of their own treatment for invisible wounds of war. 

“Veterans Help Group is a fantastic organization that is making a difference in the lives of Veterans,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “VHG is 100% dedicated to providing assistance, care and resources to our nation’s Veterans, and we are immensely thankful for their support.” 

WCC’s MBTR program teaches Veterans how to work with service dogs in training, which fulfills a time-honored military tradition of Warriors helping Warriors. In doing so, the Veteran can also benefit from skills development in communication, confidence building, accountability, emotional regulation and patience to promote an act of service while receiving a therapeutic benefit. 

Joe Waring, Board Member for Veterans Help Group, stated: “Warrior Canine is one of those charities that brings tears to your eyes because of how passionate their work is. We are privileged to help them serve other Veterans.” 

Veterans Help Group was founded more than 15 years ago to advocate for disabled Veterans in securing their disability benefits.

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

 

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 Veterans Help Group
Veterans Help Group is committed to improving the quality of life for Veterans and their families by aggressively advocating for the favorable and timely resolution of their disability claims. The group is able to serve Veterans in all 50 States.  For more information, visit www.veteranshelpgroup.com. 

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/VHG-Logo-Full-Color-1.png 1038 4625 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2023-05-04 13:39:552023-05-04 20:19:59Warrior Canine Connection Receives $10,000 Grant from Veterans Help Group

Cyclists to Complete 150-mile “Capital to Capital” Bike Ride in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, April 30

April 26, 2023/0 Comments/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Several dozen cyclists riding on behalf of Team Foster, will wrap-up their two-day, 150-mile trek from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. on Sunday, April 30th. Their goal? To raise awareness and funds to help provide service dogs and other support for Veterans with visible and invisible wounds.  

Over 20 Veterans and service members die by suicide every day. Service dogs can have a profound impact on Veterans battling the wounds of war. Team Foster raises money to fight for the unmet needs of injured and disabled Veterans by bringing together civilians, Veterans and highly trained service dogs who are bred, trained and placed by nonprofit Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), based in Boyds, Maryland.  

Media is invited to attend the finish, interview riders, and visit with some of WCC’s service dogs in training who will be cheering on the riders.

WHO:
Cyclists raising money to help provide Veterans with visible and invisible with highly trained service dogs and additional support 

WHAT:
150-mile bike ride from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. to raise funds and awareness of Veterans’ needs

WHEN:
Noon – Sunday, April 30, 2023 

WHERE:
Crystal City Sports Pub
529 23rd Street
S. Arlington, VA 22202

 

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

 

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.   

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2023-04-26 20:41:562023-04-26 21:43:22Cyclists to Complete 150-mile “Capital to Capital” Bike Ride in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, April 30

New Faces at WCC: Alexandra Kozell and Ketcher Taylor

March 30, 2023/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by WCC Comms

Warrior Canine Connection is growing! We are pleased to share we’ve welcomed a couple of new members to our team—Alexandra Kozell and Ketcher Taylor—learn more about them below.

New Faces at WCCAlexandra “Allie” Kozell, Service Dog Training Instructor

Alexandra “Allie” Kozell joined WCC in Boyds, Maryland, where she is our newest service dog training instructor. Allie joined WCC in January 2023, and in her new role, will be working closely with our service dogs in training and our amazing Puppy Parents through classes and hands-on support.

Allie says she always knew she wanted to work with animals. She attended Ramapo College of New Jersey, where she studied psychology. While in school, she also worked with dogs at a day care and training facility. After college, she went on to become a dog trainer and learned hands on from multiple certified and experienced trainers gaining knowledge of many different training styles. After getting her CCPDT-KA certification she spent her time working with pet dogs through day training, private lessons, and classes. Her prior experience is a welcome addition to the WCC team.

“I really love the work, and I am so honored and proud to be part of a program that helps veterans on their rehabilitation journey through their connection with a dog,” says Allie. “Dogs are happy all the time, they’re happy to see you and eager to please. They’re just really supportive and help break through barriers.”

When not working, Allie can be found hiking with Mac, her one-year-old yellow Labrador.

Ketcher Taylor, Service Dog Training InstructorNew Faces at WCC

Ketcher Taylor, a service dog training instructor at WCC’s California program located at the Palo Alto VA, also joined WCC in January 2023.

As a trainer, Ketcher’s area of focus will be working with WCC’s service dogs in training and Puppy Parents through classes and hands-on support, and he will also assist with delivering WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training to Veterans in the Menlo Park Program.

“I’m enjoying it a lot,” said Ketcher. “I enjoy the team I work with here in California and getting to know everyone back at headquarters, and the work has been extremely enjoyable with the dogs we have here.”

Ketcher is a graduate from the Bergin University of Canine Studies, where he received a bachelor’s degree in cynology. After graduating, he started training service dogs for Veterans through an affiliate organization of the University. He gained experience and skills in training, group class teaching, outreach and fundraising, as well as dog placement. Having worked in both San Diego and San Antonio, Ketcher has gained an appreciation for the large Military communities throughout the country.

Ketcher also spent several years working in animal shelters, doing behavioral training and abuse rehabilitation. There, he gained experience working with all types of different dog breeds. While gaining knowledge and skill with; behavior training, abuse rehab and welfare, as well as rehoming and adoptions.

A dog lover, Ketcher enjoys spending time with Pinot, his 5-year-old Husky, including outdoor adventures, hikes and taking in the scenery.

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2023-03-30 21:08:292023-04-24 15:41:28New Faces at WCC: Alexandra Kozell and Ketcher Taylor

Asheville Veteran Finds Peace in Helping Fellow Warriors

March 30, 2023/0 Comments/in Stories of Impact, Warrior Stories /by WCC Comms

It’s not uncommon for Johnny Martinez to wake up fatigued, sore, and a bit out of sorts—chemotherapy pills take their toll. Yet, no matter how he’s feeling, every Tuesday morning he gets up, gets dressed and drives 15 minutes to Asheville to volunteer for Warrior Canine Connection’s (WCC) Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training program. 

“I’m not the type to sit at home and feel sorry for myself,” says Johnny. “I go there with a good attitude. And on the days I don’t go there with a good attitude, when I leave there, it’s a different story … it keeps me going.”  

Johnny, an Army Veteran who served as a combat engineer during the Vietnam War, was diagnosed with cancer in 2005 from exposure to Agent Orange. He underwent radiation, which helped shrink his tumors. That is, until 2018, when he was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer. At the time, doctors estimated he had a year to a year and a half to live.  

“I was always into muscle cars, and I never had a Porsche, so I thought I’d do that,” said Johnny. As Johnny explains it, the Porsche was a “bucket list” item. Right after the purchase, he drove it to Florida to visit his kids. Upon his return, his doctor informed him his tumors were shrinking, to which Johnny says he replied, “Oh no, now I have to pay that thing off!” He added, “God’s probably just not ready for me yet.”

It wasn’t long after his road trip that Johnny applied for a service dog through a different organization. After waiting more than two years without word, in 2022, he reached out to WCC. He spoke to Rick Yount, WCC’s executive director and founder, to inquire how he could get involved with WCC at its Asheville location. After their phone conversation, Johnny hung up, filled out a volunteer application and has since volunteered close to 100 hours. 

“I like doing things that benefit Veterans—volunteering at WCC is the best thing I’ve ever done,” said Johnny. “I can’t even express it fully in words … it makes me so happy and satisfied; the dogs are marvelous and it’s amazing how they make you feel.” 

Amy Guidash, WCC program director and service dog training instructor at WCC’s program in Asheville, says Johnny is the kind of volunteer that nonprofits like WCC dream of having on board.  

“He’s a great guy, and we love working with him,” said Amy. “There are countless nice things to say about him … he’s kind, warm-hearted, thoughtful and has really taken to what we’re doing here, and he just wants to help us with the program. Johnny comes to one of our open groups where a lot of people come on a regular basis. He’s there to support the dogs and socialize with fellow Veterans, he’s just an open, inviting person all around.”

Johnny is no stranger to helping others, especially fellow Veterans. Years prior to getting involved with WCC, he helped start a Veterans ministry at the VA. Every month and on holidays, he and fellow volunteers would visit Veterans in area nursing homes.  

He also previously volunteered his time doing ministry work with Veterans in VA Hospice. He says it was incredibly meaningful work being there for other Veterans and to help them go out on their own terms by being able to talk about anything. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic halted those visits in 2020. 

From 2018-2021, Johnny stayed on his chemotherapy pills, which slowed the growth of his cancer. It wasn’t until late last year that he learned the tumors had reappeared in his lungs, liver and back. 

Johnny’s since started a new course of chemotherapy. He’s also got a new bucket list item:  Freedom, a German Shepherd puppy. 

“I am taking life the way it’s been handed to me,” says Johnny. “Knowing I’m fatigued, I get up in the morning, train him, walk him, and that’s what keeps me going. Having the support of family and friends also helps. It’s the same thing with WCC. I stay positive because I’m deep in my faith, and I am also deep in helping out my fellow brothers and sisters in the military. This is my way of helping out and giving back, I am here for them.” 

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2023-03-30 19:43:332023-04-04 18:53:59Asheville Veteran Finds Peace in Helping Fellow Warriors

Warrior Canine Connection: Veterans recover from war, one dog at a time

March 24, 2023/0 Comments/in WCC in the News /by WCC Comms

Every week, Labrador and Golden Retrievers are changing the lives of veterans with visible and invisible wounds at Asheville and Hendersonville area training centers.

Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), a national program based in Maryland, established a branch in Asheville in 2018. Using a unique model known as “Mission Based Trauma Recovery,” WCC enlists recovering veterans in a mission of training future service dogs for their fellow combatants. By interacting with the canines as they journey from puppyhood through training to adult service dogs, volunteer veterans called Warrior Trainers benefit from a highly-therapeutic animal-human connection. Read the full story in the Times-News here.

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2023-03-24 15:48:182023-03-24 15:48:18Warrior Canine Connection: Veterans recover from war, one dog at a time

UPenn launches therapy dog program to assist America’s heroes

March 7, 2023/0 Comments/in WCC in the News /by WCC Comms

PHILADELPHIA – You may notice more dogs on the street as you walk around University City, thanks to a new service dog program launched at the University of Pennsylvania that provides military members with a therapy dog.

The program, a partnership with the nonprofit, Warrior Canine Connection, describes its work as “mission-based trauma recovery,” where Veterans get to interact with dogs from birth through adulthood, training them to act as service dogs for fellow service men and women. Watch the full story on Fox 29 Philadelphia.

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2023-03-07 23:53:102023-03-07 23:53:10UPenn launches therapy dog program to assist America’s heroes

Pups With A Purpose: This group is helping veterans through the companionship of furry friends

February 9, 2023/0 Comments/in WCC in the News /by WCC Comms

War takes a physical, emotional, and mental toll on someone that only combat veterans understand. In fact, when many veterans return home, they have trouble adjusting to the life they used to know. That is where Warrior Canine Connection comes in. Watch the full story on RFD TV here.

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2023-02-09 19:57:242023-02-09 19:57:24Pups With A Purpose: This group is helping veterans through the companionship of furry friends

New Penn medical school program matches service dogs with veterans

November 17, 2022/0 Comments/in WCC in the News /by WCC Comms

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — A new program at Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania aims to improve the lives of veterans, both on staff and in the community through service animals, like four-month-old Mosko.

Mosko is a playful pup undergoing some serious training.
Check out the full story on WPVI News 6 here.

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white.svg WCC Comms2022-11-17 21:15:292022-11-17 21:15:29New Penn medical school program matches service dogs with veterans
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Warrior Canine Connection
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