Truck Parts and Service | Heavy Duty Trucking, Aftermarket, Service Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/553583
20 O ver the last two-plus years, the heavy-duty aftermarket has gravitated toward supporting the Wyakin Warrior Foundation. Founded to aid wounded military vet- erans, the Wyakin Warrior Foundation is one of the most respected post-service assistance programs in the United States. Earlier this year we spoke with Wya- kin's Executive Director Todd Monroe about how the program was created, and how it works to assist America's returning veterans. Q: Please tell us about the creation of the Wyakin Warrior Foundation. How the program was founded, what is your mission statement and what are the goals for your Warriors? A: The Wyakin Warrior Foundation was established to help 'enable severely wounded and injured post 9/11 veterans achieve personal and professional success as business and community leaders.' The foundation provides multifaceted men- toring, fi nancial support, professional development, and networking tailored to each Warrior's unique journey and goals, culminating in an education and mean- ingful employment. The comprehensive program includes a community service project, completed by each Warrior while in school, to underpin the foundation's focus on these young patriots' strengths over their struggles, and help realize and demonstrate their potential as commu- nity role models. Now in its fi fth year, Wyakin War- rior graduation and job placement rates remain strong, and are double the national average for veterans. The USO has named Wyakin 'best in class' among their 'Battlefi eld to the Community' part- ner programs. National branding and support continues to build with note- worthy partnerships. Wyakin relies on these critical relationships, such as with the heavy-duty aftermarket, to deliver its core mission on behalf of the growing number of Wyakin Warriors; and to help provide a strong and professional source of veteran employees to the heavy- duty industry—a win-win relationship grounded in service. Q: How are Warriors chosen for the program? A: More than 51,000 troops have been seriously hurt in the combat zone since 9/11. Some are forced to leave the service right away because of their injuries, but eventually they all come home. When they do, they face the most dismal unem- ployment rates in the nation. Their only training—military train- ing—does not apply any more. They are left to chart their own courses while deal- ing with the challenges that come with severe injuries, such as blindness, loss of limb, spinal injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, … . They have the motivation to succeed, but lack the tools and training to do so. The Wyakin Warrior Foundation provides both through its Wyakin Academies. Acceptance is not dependent on academic excellence or status of ben- efi ts. Each Wyakin Warrior is accepted for his or her character, motivation, need, and readiness—determined by ap- plication and records review, references, T R U C K P A R T S & S E R V I C E | A u g u s t 2 0 1 5 Aftermarket Warriors Does a veteran have a place in your heavy- duty aftermarket business? Wyakin Warrior Executive Director Todd Moore thinks so. Wyakin Warrior Foundation By Lucas Deal, Editor lucasdeal@randallreilly.com Tenets of the Wyakin Warrior Foundation The Wyakin Warrior Foundation's assistance program focuses on six tenets, each of which work in conjunction to offer comprehensive support to veterans. They are: Multi-faceted mentoring program (up to fi ve mentors per Wyakin Warrior) individually tailored to meet each Warrior's unique needs. Professional development: Individual Devel- opment Plans by which staff and volunteers help mentor and coach the warriors toward their goals; and monthly seminars by leaders in business, government, and community service fi elds. Educational/fi nancial assistance (complementing the GI Bill or Vocational Rehabilitation) for up to 60 months. Community Service project: To demonstrate opportunity and ability to become servant leaders and role models. Robust networking designed to facilitate job placement. Annual proactive follow up to monitor, and assist if necessary, personal and professional situations (Wyakin Warrior for Life).