Wyakin Wyre -- September 2015
Todd Monroe (right) with Meritor Brand and Marketing Manager, Marty Hetherington.
Todd Monroe and Matt Watson with representatives of Meritor Motorsports during their visit to Michigan. 
Message from the Executive Director
By Todd Monroe
Happy September!  I hope everyone has enjoyed a wonderful summer.

This month brings the anniversary of 9/11, even though the memory is ever-present.  I know our readers and supporters have deep feelings and emotions surrounding this date, as do I.  We all remember where we were, and exactly what we felt on that tragic day in our country's history.  Whatever the evolution of your personal feelings, please continue to reflect and remember the events of that date, and also how our great nation responded and rebounded.  The after effects of the years that followed are directly relatable to the Wyakin cause - a cause that continues to fill a need for those who have answered the call and suffered life-altering challenges as a result.

A few weeks ago Wyakin Warrior Matt Watson and I had a great trip to Michigan to visit our partner company, Meritor, and take part in their annual Family Day festivities.  We also had the opportunity to visit the Auto Care and Heavy Duty Industries' University of the Aftermarket, spending a tremendous day with Dr. Tim Nash and his team at Northwood University in Midland, MI on their beautiful campus.  I am very hopeful and optimistic about a future partnership between Wyakin and the University of the Aftermarket that allows our interested warriors to gain the necessary credentials for meaningful employment within those great American industries.  Matt did a great job representing both himself and Wyakin on the trip.  See attached video links , and thank you Meritor for hosting us!

Todd Monroe, Wyakin Warriors - Meritor Family Day
Todd Monroe, Wyakin Warriors - Meritor Family Day

Matt Watson, Wyakin Warriors - Meritor Family Day
Matt Watson, Wyakin Warriors - Meritor Family Day

September also brings the annual Idaho Nonprofit Conference and associated opportunities to hear about fresh news and ideas within the nonprofit sector.  It's important to spend a bit of quality time each year to learn, network with other nonprofit professionals, and apply those strategic pause rewards to advance and shape our program to better deliver on its mission, and the public's trust.

Upcoming partnering and outreach events featuring Wyakin this month include a visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda to familiarize staff and recovering wounded warriors on the Wyakin program, and hopefully gain the opportunity to assist some of them in the future.  We are also honored to be the featured cause at the National Trailer Dealers Association's (NTDA) annual convention in Hollywood, FL.  Thanks to NTDA President, Gwen Brown, for the kind invitation.  Look for a report and pictures in next month's newsletter.

Don't forget to mark the date - December 5th - for the 4th Annual Guardian Ball and Induction Ceremony!  We'd be honored to have you join us!

This month's highlight from the Wyakin governance philosophy is: "Civility:  Be polite.  Be kind. Be professional. Above all, please don't lose your temper - it only clouds your judgment and diminishes performance and respect from everyone around you.  I will not raise my voice in anger or malice during my tenure, and I ask you to take the same approach."

Wishing you all the best, and with gratitude!

Pride and Professionalism!

 
~ Todd
Warrior Spotlight
By George Nickel
Director of Student and Veteran Affairs
Brandon Woodard
Class of 2013

Brandon Woodard was born and raised in Sylva, NC. After graduating High School, Brandon joined the U.S. Army as an Airborne Infantryman.  During his eight and a half years of active duty service Brandon did four combat deployments.  He was medically retired in May 2012.

Upon retirement Brandon and his family relocated to Boise, ID and he began his educational path to becoming an attorney.  He graduated in May 2015 from Boise State University with a B.A. in History, Magna Cum Laude.  Brandon plans to start law school in Fall 2016.   Brandon currently lives in Star, ID with his wife, three sons, and daughter.

Mentor Spotlight
By Scott Tagg 

Academy Director

Wyakin Warrior Jon Olsen (l) and Brian Bowersock, owner of West Automotive Group.
Brian
 Bowersock - West Autom otive Group

One of the tenets of the Wyakin program is multifaceted mentoring provided to each warrior. This mentoring is provided in three levels:  peer mentors, community mentors, and professional mentors. A warrior can have one or more professional mentors, and they are matched within one to two years prior to the warrior completing their educational program.  The professional mentorship relationship continues for at least one year after graduation. Our minimum expectations of professional mentors is one face to face meeting per year, and at least monthly contact either in person, by phone, email, or videoconferencing.
 
One of our warriors from the Class of 2014 is Jonathan Olsen, a US Army veteran currently attending the Automotive Technology program at the College of Western Idaho. In early August Jon spent a day with his Professional Mentor, Brian Bowersock. Brian is a US Navy veteran who owns two automotive repair shops in the San Diego area.  Brian started the business with his brother 24 years ago and between the two shops in West Escondido and El Cajon now has 26 service bays and 23 employees.  Besides operating two successful automotive repair shops, Brian is also the host of Auto Talk Radio on San Diego's 760 KFMB and The Auto Guy on San Diego Channel 6 News, where he does a segment every Saturday morning on auto repair and servicing. During their face to face visit Brian gave Jon a tour of the West Escondido shop, and also went over his Individual Development Plan.  Jon was able to spend time with service technicians in the oil change, tune up, major engine repair, and transmission repair bays.  Finally Jon closed out the day with Brian for one-on-one mentoring as Jon returned back to school on August 24th.  While it was a quick and busy trip, Jon really appreciated the opportunity to meet Brian in person and see his shop after exchanging emails and connecting over the phone monthly for the past 9 months.  By spending time with a successful business leader in the auto repair sector, Jon remains convinced that pursuing an Automotive Technology degree was the right decision, and he looks forward to finishing his education program and getting his hands dirty.

Brian Bowersock, owner of West Automotive Group, mentoring Wyakin Warrior Jon Olsen.

Brian Bowersock (right) gives Jon Olsen a tour of his West Escondido, CA shop.
Mentor and Warrior "Match-Ups"
By Jo Ann Daron, Director of Community & Volunteer Services
Back Row: Jo Ann Daron, Jack Burdick, Josh Smith, Scott Lisk, Steve Wood, Paul Maple, Andy Wilper, George Nickel
Middle Row: Ace Arroyo, Nick Landry, Rudy Flores, Greg Bradley, Todd Carlson, Kevin Guth, JEA Aydelotte
Front Row: Joe Welker, Trevor Hill

5th Annual Wyakin Warrior Volunteer Recognition
By Jo Ann Daron
Director of Community & Volunteer Services
New Warrior Orientation instructors (Dan Arnold, Mariesa Parker, Linda Cornwell, John Anderson, Mark Heilman)
On Friday, August 14th, the Wyakin Warrior Foundation recognized the Warriors who completed and the volunteers who taught the different modules of instruction for our 7-week New Warrior Orientation program. 

We also recognized and honored our "five year" volunteers for their service and dedication: Linda Cornwell, Jeff Bacon, Marv Hagedorn, Rebecaa Bacon, Steve Rutherford, and Andy Kraft.
Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis 2015 riders  George NickelTommy Montgomery, and David Maxwell with Amber and Mikey Maxwell.
Matthew Thorusen, Antonio DeLaTorre, Kayla DeLaTorre,Mark Heilman, and Trevor  Hill.
Stronger Families - Oxygen Couples Seminar
By Scott Tagg, Academy Director

 

On October 14th and 15th, the Wyakin Warrior Foundation in partnership with USO Warrior and Family Care will be hosting the Oxygen Couples Seminar presented by Stronger Families from Bellevue, Washington for our Wyakin Warriors. 

 

The Oxygen Couples Seminar is a 2-day workshop designed to help wounded, injured or ill couples strengthen their relationship and work on tough issues in a fun and non-threatening environment. Couples learn how to improve communication, better understand each other's needs, resolve conflicts, rekindle romance and find renewed hope.

 - -
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS - -
Left to right: Bob Flannery (General Manager, Hawks Baseball), Roy Ledesma (Wyakin, Director of Operations), Tara Marta (Wyakin, Executive Assistant), Cliff Gaston (Wyakin, Senior Development Advisor), Todd Monroe (Wyakin, Executive Director), Bob Barnes (Western HVAC, President)
Western Heating & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
and Boise Hawks Baseball

Thanks to both organizations for sponsoring Wyakin Warrior Foundation during their Military Appreciation Night!  We were thrilled to receive the generous donation.


August Professional Development Seminar 
"Successful Study Skills for Returning Back to School"

Jillana Finnegan (Boise State University Advisement and Academic Enhancement)



In Harmony: Helping America's Heroes Through Music

Thank you to Kali Branstetter (Fiddle player and sister of a USMC Veteran) for her efforts and leadership in raising money for the Wyakin Warrior Foundation.
Idaho Power Employee Community Fund

Thank you to the employees of Idaho Power for your generous donations to the Wyakin cause.
Treasure Valley Roller Derby

Our thanks to the Derby Girls and fans of the Treasure Valley Roller Derby for their heartfelt donation to our Warriors.

 - - Great American Truck Show 
- -
Dallas, TX

*** Thanks to Randall-Reilly for sponsoring Wyakin at the show!! ***
Todd Monroe and Tara Marta with Arrow Truck Sales, Inc. Special Edition truck honoring Veterans.
Todd Monroe, Tara Marta, and Roger Whitworth (Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores) with car honoring Veterans.  
Todd Monroe and Tara Marta with owners & drivers of Landstar Express America.
Tara networking with the Michelin Man!
- - UPCOMING EVENTS - -
Professional Development Seminars

October 6 

"Boots to Loafers"

Presented by: John Phillips, USAF Lieutenant Colonel (Retired)

Boise State University, Student Union Building

Warrior Support Seminars and Workshops
October 14-15

Stronger Families Seminar

Friendship Square, 610 Reserve Street, Boise, ID

Organizational Events
September 9
Wyakin New Volunteer Orientation
Boise State University, Veterans Service Center

September 15 - 16

Idaho Statewide Non-Profit Conference

Boise, ID

 

September 17 - 18

Recruiting & Outreach

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

D.C. Area

 

September 23 - 25

National Trailer Dealers Association Annual Convention

Hollywood, FL

 

October 19 - 21

VIPAR Heavy Duty Distributors Conference

San Antonio, TX

 

November 1 - 5 

Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX)

Las Vegas, NV

 

December 5

4th Annual Guardian Ball and Induction Ceremony

Boise Center, Boise ID

 

Corporate Address:  9249 W. Bay Stream Ct.  Garden City, ID  83714

Mailing Address:  PO Box 9924 * Boise, ID  83707 

Administrative Office:  208-853-6001  *  Wyakin Academy: 1-888-992-5469

 

info@wyakin.org  * www.wyakin.org

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