As Team Foster expands our footprint, we are excited to share a feature on how our partnership with Warrior Canine Connection and Duquesne University supports the Veteran community in Pittsburgh, PA and surrounding communities.

Team Foster Fall Newsletter is Here! Catch up on all the exciting updates from this season, including recaps of Ruff Ride Philadelphia, Ruff Ride Pittsburgh, and the Foster 100 Classic! Plus, get a sneak peek at our upcoming events, ways to get involved, and how your support is changing lives for Veterans in need. Stay connected and be a part of our mission—check out the newsletter today!

Philadelphia was buzzing with excitement as Team Foster's Ruff Ride took over the historic 23rd Street Armory. This 24 hour cycling event brought together fitness enthusiasts, community supporters, and a shared mission to provide service dogs to injured and disabled Veterans. The atmosphere was electric, filled with high energy, unity, and a commitment to making a difference in the Veteran community.  The event kicked off with a bang as instructors from top cycle studios across Philadelphia led the charge. Their dynamic and engaging styles created an atmosphere of fun and motivation, pushing participants to give their all. From the first pedal stroke to the last, these instructors ensured that every cyclist was challenged, entertained, and inspired. Veterans were invited to take the stage and share their life changing stories and how their service dog positively impacted their life, and for some, saving their life. There were special guests throughout the 24 hours in Philadelphia this year. Among some of our guest speakers were Marisa Magnatta from the Steve and Preston Show who hosted a Philly Food Trivia Game. We were also joined by surprise guest from the Philadelphia Flyers, Coach John Tortorella and Cindy Stutman, Senior Vice President at Phillies Charities. The Flyers duo took the stage to speak about The Flyers involvement with Team Foster and how we plan to work together in the future by pairing a service dog with a Veteran on the Flyers Warriors! As the clock struck midnight, the 23rd Street Armory was transformed into a vibrant sea of neon lights for the Midnight Glow Ride. Cyclists adorned with glow sticks and neon gear pedaled through the night, creating a mesmerizing display of light and movement. This ride was not only a visual spectacle but also a symbol of hope and solidarity, illuminating the way for our Veterans. The intensity continued and peaked with The Bad Mofo Challenge, a test of endurance and strength that pushed cyclists to their limits. Participants dug deep, showcasing their determination to represent the Team Foster mission. This challenge embodied the spirit of Team Foster and the perseverance required to support our Veterans through thick and thin. Ruff Ride PHL was a triumph of community spirit and generosity. Thanks to the dedication and support of everyone involved, we raised over $180,000. These funds will directly support the training and provision of service dogs to injured and disabled veterans, giving them the assistance and companionship they need to regain their independence and improve their quality of life. The success of the Philadelphia Ruff Ride is a testament to the power of community and the impact we can make when we come together for a common cause. Every dollar raised, every mile pedaled, and every moment shared brings us closer to our mission of honoring Erick Foster’s legacy and supporting the nation’s Veterans. We invite you to be part of Team Foster’s mission. Whether you ride, volunteer, or donate, your support is invaluable. Together, we can continue to make a profound difference in the lives of those who have given so much for our freedom. Thank you to everyone who made the Philadelphia Ruff Ride an unforgettable night. Here’s to many more nights of riding, remembering, and making a difference—one pedal stroke at a time. To stay up to date on Ruff Ride 2025, please visit RuffRide.org.

This year marks a significant milestone for Team Foster and our community of supporters and participants—the 10th Annual Foster 100 Classic. What began as a heartfelt tribute to honor the memory of Cpt. Erick Foster has grown into a powerful movement dedicated to providing service dogs to injured and disabled Veterans. This year’s event was not only a celebration of our achievements over the past decade but also a testament to the enduring spirit of camaraderie, resilience, and mission that defines Team Foster.  The Foster 100 Classic is not just a ride; it's a journey of honor and remembrance. Cyclists from all over the greater Philadelphia area, embark on the 100-mile challenge. As the sun rose, the air was filled with a palpable sense of excitement and purpose as platoons checked in to ride at Veterans Island in Pennsauken, NJ. Each pedal stroke represented a tribute to Erick Foster’s legacy and a commitment to supporting our nation's heroes. This year’s 100 mile cycling event ended in Cape May at Naval Station Wildwood featured a particularly poignant moment—a champagne toast and a special speech by one of Erick Foster’s childhood friends. The gathering paused as glasses were raised under the memorable Team Foster arch and finish line in memory of Erick and in celebration of the mission that bears his name. The speech was a moving tribute, filled with personal anecdotes and reflections that brought Erick’s spirit to life for those who knew him and those who never had the chance. As we celebrate this milestone, we also look to the future with renewed determination. The road ahead is long, and there is much work to be done in the Veteran community. But with the continued support of our community, we are confident that we can achieve even greater heights. Every dollar raised, every mile ridden, and every story shared brings us one step closer to our goals. We invite you to join us on this journey. Whether you participate in the ride, volunteer, or donate, your support makes a difference. Together, we can honor Erick Foster’s legacy and continue to provide life-changing support to those who have given so much for our freedom. Thank you to everyone who made the 10th Annual Foster 100 Classic a resounding success. Thanks to our participants, donors, and volunteers, we were able to raise over $160,000. Here’s to many more years of riding, remembering, and making a difference—one mile at a time. A special thank you to our sponsors at Aetna, Power Home Remodeling, Elliot Lewis, Comcast Military, and Cuhaci Peterson.

Team Foster's Ruff Ride PGH made a memorable debut at the Petersen Events Center on the University of Pittsburgh’s campus. This all-night cycling extravaganza combined community spirit, high-energy performances, and an unwavering commitment to raising money to provide injured and disabled Veterans with accredited, life-saving service dogs. With the Pitt band, cheerleaders, and beloved mascot Roc rallying participants, the atmosphere was electric from the first pedal stroke to the last. Cheers and chants from the cheerleaders echoed through the venue, energizing the cyclists ready to tackle the day ahead. Roc the Panther mascot mingled with participants, spreading enthusiasm and team spirit that would carry everyone through the night. As Ruff Ride continued into the evening, participants played games and were treated to live performances by Jordan in the City and The Dang Band. Their electrifying sets kept the energy levels high, providing a motivating soundtrack for the riders pushing through the challenge. These performances not only entertained but also served as a reminder of the community's unwavering support for our Veterans. One of the highlights of the event was the Midnight Glow Ride. As the clock struck midnight, cyclists donned glow sticks and neon lights, transforming the Petersen Events Center into a luminous spectacle. The glow ride was a visual representation of the light and hope Team Foster brings to the lives of our Veterans, illuminating the path forward with every pedal stroke. As the night progressed, the intensity ramped up with The Bad Mofo Challenge. This segment tested the endurance and determination of the riders, pushing them to their limits in a grueling but rewarding trial. The challenge was joined by Team Foster’s Founder and Executive Director, Nick Liermann as he challenged the riders to race him to be the next Bad Mofo! The culmination of the Ruff Ride was more than just the dawn of a new day—it was a testament to the incredible generosity and dedication of the Pittsburgh community. Together, participants, volunteers, and supporters raised over $100,000. These funds will go directly towards providing service dogs to injured and disabled Veterans, helping them regain independence and improve their quality of life. A huge thank you to our sponsors at Aetna, Pittsburgh University, UPMC, and CycleBar Robinson! Team Foster’s Ruff Ride in Pittsburgh was more than just an event; it was a celebration of unity, resilience, and the power of community. As we reflect on this incredible night, we are filled with gratitude for everyone who contributed to its success. The funds raised will make a significant impact, and we are already looking forward to next year’s event with anticipation and excitement.  We invite you to be part of our mission. Whether you ride, volunteer, or donate, your support makes a difference. Together, we can continue to honor the legacy of Erick Foster and provide life-changing support to our veterans. For more details on the 2024 Ruff Ride in Pittsburgh, visit RuffRide.org.

If you’ve ever entered a store and seen a dog accompanying its owner, chances are you’ve seen that animal wearing a distinctive vest, indicating their status as a service dog. While just as lovable as the pets we enjoy at home, service dogs offer extra therapeutic gifts – they’re extremely intelligent and highly trained. Most importantly, each time you see a service dog at a place of business, that animal is on an important and specialized mission – helping their human navigate the business they’re patronizing.

Team Foster is a nonprofit that pairs service dogs with veterans to help them with emotional stability. NBC10’s Lucy Bustamante has the story of how one serv...

Dogs are bred specifically for the program and are mostly Labradors and golden retrievers — breeds smart and sturdy enough to help veterans with both mental and physical disabilities.

Warrior Canine Connection Program Manager Jennifer Desher, Phillies Director of Community and Charity Events Michele Devicaris and Team Foster founder Nick Liermann join "Good Day Philadelphia" with the Phillies' new service dog Major.

Warrior Canine Connection Program Manager Jennifer Desher, Phillies Director of Community and Charity Events Michele Devicaris and Team Foster founder Nick Liermann join "Good Day Philadelphia" with the Phillies' new service dog Major.

Twenty-nine teams are competing in a spin bike relay for 24 straight hours all for a good cause this weekend.

This morning there's a large group of veterans & civilians in the Philadelphia with extremely sore butts. To stop your mind from wandering I'll tell you now that it's because they're just finishing up...

The Official Site of Major League Baseball

Strong. Driven. Caring. Words used by so many to describe Veterans who succumbed to the weight of their problems and committed suicide. One life lost to suicide is too many. We lose over 20 Veterans to suicide every single day. There are many faces behind the statistics. Their stories are unique and yet the same. They represent the 1% of citizens that volunteered to serve their country and to lay down their lives if needed. These Veterans had so much to live for. They were loved. They led lives of service. They were exposed to physical or mental trauma. They had families that they loved and who loved them. They had injuries that may or may not be visible to others. They became part of a larger family. They felt alone. Their lives meant something. They felt their lives meant nothing. They helped others. They needed help. At Team Foster, we are dedicated to ensuring that every Veteran’s struggle is our struggle and we live our motto: No Hero Left Behind. Advocate. Check in. Listen. Be present. Simple things that each of us can do to help a Veteran shoulder their burden and persevere. Know what to look for. There may not be signs that someone wants to hurt themselves, but there are some signs that someone may be considering suicide. These include: Social isolation Changes in sleep patterns — sleeping all the time or not at all Losing interest in things that used to be important or things that they used to care about Giving away possessions Abusing drugs or alcohol Feeling hopeless Know how to get help. Call the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-TALK (8255) . Family members and friends can call the Coaching Into Care line at 888-823-7458 to talk with someone who helps determine the best way to help the Veteran they care about. Are you, or do you know, a veteran who is in crisis? Connect with the National Suicide Prevention Line by clicking on these links to call, text, or chat 988 with someone who can help.

One of the most common questions I receive as a full-time student and puppy raiser for Susquehanna Service Dogs (SSD) is, ‘How do you have time for it all?’. Most people believe it must take all my free time to raise a puppy to become an assistance dog, but as I am raising my fifth puppy, I would love to share a typical day in the life of a puppy raiser. I certainly get up earlier than I would if I did not have a dog, but carving out an additional one or two hours every morning is part of our daily routine. Every morning starts with big puppy stretches and a quick walk outside to ‘get busy’ (all Susquehanna Service Dogs’ puppies in training learn how to use the bathroom on cue!). Then, I entertain puppy zoomies, playtime, and other activities to get out the morning energy before heading to school. The young puppy stays home and practices her kennel skills since she is not ready to sit still for many hours. A quick pitstop home during lunch gives the eager dog a reprieve before I zip back to class, and she continues her long nap. Once my school day ends, we enjoy our time together. Long walks, short training sessions, and a venture into a quick public outing are how most of my evenings are spent. Puppies have short attention spans, so short sessions of 10 minutes or less are better for their learning, and that fits perfectly into my study breaks. After a long day of napping, playing, and education, the puppy is ready to curl up for bed in her kennel and repeat her routine the next day. Susquehanna Service Dogs’ puppies are adaptable, and SSD puppy raisers come from all walks of life. You can be a student, working full time, retired, or anywhere in between and still learn how to be a puppy raiser; no experience necessary! Volunteers make it possible for Susquehanna Service Dogs to breed, raise, train, and place life-changing assistance dogs. SSD currently has over 400 volunteers who collectively give over 40,000 hours each month to the program. Whether they are raising puppies or painting a fence, volunteers are making a difference and helping to change lives. You can learn how to become a puppy raiser by visiting susquehannaservicedogs.org .

In 2019, the New York Times published an article, “Why the VA Won’t Pay for Service Dogs to Treat PTSD.” The article chronicled 10 years of roadblocks faced by Veterans in their effort to obtain funding from the Veterans Administration (VA) for service dogs as a legitimate treatment for PTSD. In 2009, the first Senate bill was introduced, calling for the VA to to a three-year pilot study on the benefits and feasibility of using service dogs to treat PTSD. Despite receiving bi-partisan support and being incorporated in the 2010 defense budget, the study has yet to be completed. Again, in 2016, the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) Act received rare bipartisan support in Congress, yet the VA has yet to implement the grant system making it easier for Veterans to get access to service dogs to assist them with anxiety, stress, and fear caused by their time serving in the military.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Interacting with Service Animals

10 Simple Tips to Spin Like A Pro at Ruff Ride! There is no need to feel like a “kid on the first day of school” when you show up to Ruff Ride – whether you spin for 5 minutes or for 5 hours, here are 10 simple tips to ensure you’re dominating the TF leaderboard in no time… 1. ADJUST YOUR SADDLE HEIGHT Saddle height is a lot more important than you might think. Not only is it the key to your comfort throughout the session, but it also directly affects how effectively you can drive your heel. HOW TO: Stand alongside your BPM bike and bring the saddle up until it’s parallel with your hip bone. Once you’re on the bike and in the right riding position (knee over the ball of your foot with the pedal at 3 o’clock; knee slightly bent with the pedal at 6 o’clock), you’ll maximize your energy output. 2. CHECK YOUR SEAT POSITION When deciding on a bike saddle (what you will hear Shoshana and her crew calling the seat) position, you can adjust backwards or forwards depending on your height. The goal is to have your knees properly aligned, relative to your feet. HOW TO: Sit on the saddle with your hands on the handlebars, and the balls of your feet over the center of the pedals. Take a look at your forward leg and imagine a line going from your knee. Is your kneecap directly above the center of the pedal? If the answer is yes, your seat is good to go! 3. FINE-TUNE YOUR HANDLEBARS You’ll need to alter the height and position of the handlebars, just like the aforementioned items every time you swap out teammates/riders. HOW TO: The perfect handlebar setup is comfortable and limits unnecessary strain on your neck and back, while encouraging an effective, powerful riding position. Keeping the handlebars at the same height as the saddle is the most effective position in terms of power output. If you suffer from back problems or are recovering from an injury, you may want to keep the handlebars slightly higher to avoid aggravating any lingering weaknesses. 4. GET YOUR FEET IN POSITION Now that the bike’s ready, it’s time to make sure you’re body is in the perfect position, starting with your feet. HOW TO: For bikes with toe cages and straps, align the ball of your foot over the center of the pedal. This is the firmest, widest-striking surface on your foot, making this the most efficient and comfortable foot position. If you plan on wearing cycling shoes and using clipless pedals (BPM bikes offer both), check the cleat tension on the pedals and make sure that your cleats are aligned properly on your shoes. 5. FIND THE PERFECT PEDAL STROKE Did you know that there was an easy trick to getting the perfect pedal stroke? Here’s the secret: Imagine the movement as a clock face. Phase one takes place from 12 o’clock to 5 o’clock. Here you are pushing down, using your hamstrings to extend your foot downwards. Allow your heel to drop as you go past 12 o’clock. From 5 o’clock to 7 o’clock, you prepare to pull back up. Engage your calf muscles, and slightly point your toe downwards, as though scraping mud off your shoe. From 7 o’clock to 9 o’clock, your other leg is on the downstroke. Letting the pulling leg go limp means it needs to work harder – so, think about keeping it moving – don’t switch all your focus to the pushing leg. From 9 o’clock, through to 12 o’clock, you’re pulling up – imagine pulling your knee towards the handlebars, as you complete the full circle. 6. ADJUST THE RESISTANCE KNOB You’ll be in control of the resistance on your team’s assigned bike. Using too much resistance will feel like riding through concrete, so make sure to strike the right balance. HOW TO: If you feel like every pedal stroke is a conscious effort that travels into your ankles and your lower back, then back off the resistance dial. At the other end of the scale, if your spinning is super quick and feels almost out of control, you’ll find your lower back wiggling as you pedal, and your butt is shifting in the saddle. This will do you no good, and can result in some real saddle discomfort, so add a bit of resistance and you could actually add comfort, in the end. 7. BREATHE You’re pedaling as hard as you can, the music is pumping, the air around you is hot and sweaty… but you do still need to breathe! Spinning can be a bit of an explosion to the senses, but don’t get so carried away with the experience that you forget the basics of, you know, survival. HOW TO: Your muscles need oxygen to work, so take deep breaths! 8. CONTROL YOUR RIDE Riding at Ruff Ride isn’t supposed to be a punishment—it’s meant to be an enjoyable and even fun experience. HOW TO: When you need to catch a breath, slow it down and jump back in when you’re ready. Just try your best and have fun. It’s okay if you need to take a second for yourself to navigate what’s going on—do what you need to do for you. 7. STOP OVERTHINKING IT Instead of getting in your own head and psyching yourself out ahead of time, just give it a try. HOW TO: Keep the end goal in mind. Worry less about the ‘right’ outfit, water bottle, etc. This event is bigger than that! Get on the bike, clip in, and celebrate your ability to raise money for service dogs and Veterans. We want you to participate any way you can! 10. HAVE FUN There’s no reason to feel nervous before Ruff Ride. The music will be pumping, the instructors will make sure you get through their classes, and there will be loads of other people to motivate you – not to mention the 24 hours of straight party that will surround you! So, get signed up and enjoy! Decided spinning isn’t for you? Check out ways you can donate , volunteer , or sponsor !

Simply put, TBI, or traumatic brain injury, happens when sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. This can be when the head suddenly or violently hits or is hit by an object, or when an object pierces the skull and enters the brain. Symptoms vary depending on the extent of the damage to the brain.

An Assistance Dogs International (ADI) accredited service dog program will ensure you receive a well-trained service dog that is: capable of mitigating your disability through at least three trained tasks, guaranteed follow-up support for the working life of the dog, and the highest standards for training the dog and you, the Veteran. Team Foster recently spoke to Laura Hilbert (Accreditation Coordinator) and Chris Diefenthaler (Executive Director) at ADl.