J.A and Kathryn Albertson Foundation Provides Grant to the Wyakin Warriors for Wounded and Injured Veterans

Boise, Idaho -- The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation announced that it has granted $102,540 to the Wyakin Warrior Foundation for the advanced education and training of severely wounded and injured veterans recently discharged from the military.

 The Wyakin Warrior Foundation, in cooperation with Boise State University, College of Western Idaho and several state and local organizations, provides one of the most comprehensive employment, mentoring, job training, and networking programs in the nation for severely wounded and injured veterans.   The Foundation expects to see its first Wyakin Warriors begin classes at BSU and CWI in the fall of 2011.   Within a few years hundreds of men and women who have served and sacrificed for their country could be participating in the program.

 "We feel that a program focused on educating and mentoring these deserving service members at the College of Western Idaho or Boise State University is important not only for the student veterans, but for our community as well,” says Jamie MacMillan, executive director of the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation. “We are proud to be a part of a program designed to further the education and careers of our often unsung heroes.”

 “Wyakin” is a Native American term meaning “Guardian Spirit.” The Wyakin Warrior Foundation is a volunteer-led nonprofit organization focused on preparing severely wounded and injured veterans for successful and rewarding careers through a full-ride scholarship; a multi-layered mentoring program; training seminars given by the nation’s leaders in industry, business and government; and robust networking.   Headquartered in the Treasure Valley, the Foundation takes advantage of Idaho’s ability to support the educational, medical and professional needs of the veteran students who will be attending school.  

 "This generous grant from the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation will be combined with GI Bill benefits to provide the tools the student veterans need to finish school and find a rewarding job in their chosen careers. Our goal is for them to be recognized for their capabilities and content of their character, rather than by whatever physical challenges they may face,” Executive Director Jeff Bacon explains. “We feel they are destined to be our next generation of leaders, and we hope to see them achieve their own goals in life. It is the least we all can do for their service to our country."  

 Contact Information:

 President: Jeff Bacon – 208-841-6318; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Vice President: Marv Hagedorn - 208-867-5643; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Website: www.wyakin.org