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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