About Us
When a wounded veteran leaves the military, they also leave behind the structure, mission, and sense of community that it provided. Re-entering civilian life often presents competing challenges in finances, education, and career development that can stall or derail progress toward the future.
Founded in 2010 by Jeff Bacon, Rebecca Bacon and former Idaho State Senator and Representative, Marv Hagedorn, the Wyakin Foundation exists to help navigate this transition with individualized, comprehensive support.
About Us
Founded on the principle of "Wyakin for Life," we provide Veterans with a 360-degree support system. From academic coaching and career development to financial stability, we invest in the person behind the uniform to build a foundation for long-term success.
Mission
Wyakin Foundation pathways connect qualifying veterans to their successful and fulfilling civilian futures through education, development, and guidance.
Vision
To be the nation’s most comprehensive and effective professional development program for wounded, injured, and other qualifying veterans.
Meet the Team
Dan Nelson
Executive Director
Rachel Flachbart
Development Director
George Nickel
Director of Veterans Programs
Mary Bunner
Career Development Coordinator
Clara Buford
Community Engagement Coordinator
Ashley Revaul
Transition Development Coordinator
Meet the Team
Dan Nelson
Executive Director
Rachel Flachbart
Development Director
George Nickel
Director of Veterans Programs
Mary Bunner
Career Development Coordinator
Clara Buford
Community Engagement Coordinator
Ashley Revaul
Transition Development Coordinator
Board of directors
Driven by a shared vision of Veteran success, our Board of Directors provides the leadership and governance that fuels the Wyakin mission. With a focus on integrity and innovation, our board ensures that Wyakin remains at the forefront of Veteran transition services, providing a stable foundation for our staff and our Warriors alike.
Jennifer Neil, CFRE
Board Chair
Boise State University
Laura Cobb
Board Vice Chair
Brig Gen Bill Shawver
Board Secretary
Retired
United States Air Force - Brigadier General, 38 years of service
Justin Shaffley
Board Treasurer
WaFd Bank
Jeff Bacon
Co-Founder and Board Member
United States Navy - Captain (O-6), 26 years of service
Matt Thorusen
Board Member
Lifepath Counseling & Wellness
United States Marine Corps - Staff Sergeant (E-6), Platoon Sergeant, 14 years of service
Jim Hovren
Board Member
Elam & Burke
Dale Stump
Board Member
Micron
United States Navy - Petty Officer Second Class (E-5), four years of service
Chuck Winder
Board Member
Retired Legislator
Unity State Navy Reserve - Lieutenant, 10 years of service
The Rest of Your Story Starts Here.
Transition can be challenging, the path forward can be hard to find. Only you can define what success means to you; we’ll help you find the path that is uniquely yours.
Choose Your Path
Veterans
How you can help
Donors
Want to make a difference?
Donate to a veteran today. Your gift supports a veteran’s transition from military service to a thriving civilian life.
Organization
Veterans
Donors
FOLLOW US
Copyright 2026. Wyakin Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
5537 N Glenwood St. Ste. A , Garden City ID 83714
2088536001