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

Marcia Jedry, CAE

Executive Director

Rachel Flachbart

Development Director

George Nickel

Director of Veterans Programs

Mary Brunner

Career Development Coordinator

Clara Buford

Community Engagement 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

Citi

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 Hovern

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

Our History

The Wyakin Warrior Foundation was founded in 2010 by Jeff Bacon, Rebecca Bacon, and former Idaho State Senator Marv Hagedorn to provide a pathway for wounded and injured post-9/11 veterans to transition through education into careers of their choosing. In August 2011, the Wyakin Foundation officially welcomed its first class of Wyakin Warriors into the program. Since then, the organization has served over 165 veterans and is one of the nation’s most comprehensive and effective programs.

Retention in school or training programs is about twice the national average, and job placement rates remain world-class. Wyakin has been named “Best in Class” by the USO, highlighted by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for its mentoring program. The need for the program continues as hundreds of thousands of veterans face the challenges of transition from active duty service to the civilian community each year. Our Warrior to Graduation rate is near twice the national average.

The Wyakin Foundation is a charity of choice by the Heavy Duty Aftermarket Industry, a nationwide association of heavy truck parts manufacturers. We have twice earned the “Governors’ Brightest Star” award as the best not-for-profit organization in Idaho. In 2022, the Wyakin Foundation was awarded the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit of Excellence Award and Outstanding Non-Profit Honoree for Idaho Philanthropy Day.

The Wyakin Foundation has grown, evolved, and matured in response to our population’s needs. However, our mission’s passionate and singular pursuit remains the guiding force behind our efforts.