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21 and interview. The number of Warriors accepted is dependent upon resources available. Before inducting a veteran into the program, Wyakin identifi es enough funding to commit to each veteran for up to fi ve years/60 months of support, approximately $25,000 per Wyakin Warrior. Q: How are funds allocated to the Warriors? A: Funds are allocated in many areas. Education/Financial Assistance: Provides educational support for severely wounded, injured or ill veterans that includes cash assistance for such things as room, board, books, tutoring and living expenses. Our program provides benefi ts beyond what the VA provides to help meet the wounded veteran's fi nancial needs, and remove obstacles to achieve educational success. Retention, graduation, and job placement rates remain over twice the national average for veterans. Multifaceted Mentorship Program: Each Wyakin Warrior is provided up to fi ve volunteer mentors at three different levels: campus, local, and national/profes- sional, consisting of students, local com- munity leaders and nationally recognized leaders in their fi elds. Each Wyakin War- rior is contacted at least weekly by men- tors, staff and/or other volunteers. More than 300 volunteers have been screened and trained. Mentors are contacted monthly to monitor satisfaction. Professional Development Program: The ultimate goal of the program is for its graduates to fi nd successful careers. To that end, the Professional Development Program provides monthly profes- sional development seminars, network- ing, career planning and job interview preparation. Individual Development Plans by which staff and volunteers help mentor and coach the warriors toward their goals; and the monthly seminars by leaders in business, government, and community service fi elds are at the professional development program core. Warriors also are required to complete a service project while they are in school to give back to the community. After gradu- ation, the professional development program continues to keep in touch proactively with its alumni to monitor progress. The Wyakin Warrior Founda- tion has a 100 percent placement rate of graduates thus far. Seminar speakers have ranged from political leaders to CEOs to celebrities, including experts in social skills and business interaction. Q: How can we help? How can the after- market assist or donate to the Wyakin Warrior Foundation? A: The need for the Wyakin program is great. A white paper titled Veteran Stereo- types: A Closer Look from the Offi ce of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff last October noted 'Each year for the next fi ve years, more than 200,000 service members will transition from active duty to the civilian community. Many of them will face signifi cant challenges as they reintegrate back into civilian society.' The most severely wounded, in- jured or ill young veterans will face the most daunting challenges. Many proud Americans want to help, but don't know how. Supporting the education and job placement mission of the Wyakin War- rior Foundation offers a profound way to help. Your support will make a lasting positive difference in the lives of our young veterans and their families. To donate, or for more information about the Wyakin Warrior Founda- tion, please visit www.wyakin.org, call 888-WyakinW or 208-853-6001, or e-mail info@wyakin.org. W W W . T R U C K P A R T S A N D S E R V I C E . C O M A u g u s t 2 0 1 5 | T R U C K P A R T S & S E R V I C E Meet the Warriors These three Wyakin Warriors are nearing the end of their collegiate careers and are interested in a career in the automotive and/or heavy-duty industries. Matthew J. Watson Branch: U.S. Army, Infantry, June 2002 – July 2004 Rank: Specialist (E-4) Academics: Received AAS of Liberal Arts at College of Western Idaho in May 2014. Currently enrolled in the Automotive Technology program at College of Western Idaho, estimated graduation in spring 2016. Goal: To work as a technician, then perhaps service manager. Professional Mentor: John Albano, retired regional manager at AutoZone. Thomas Lee Montgomery Branch: U.S. Army, U.S. Cavalry, June 2007 – June 2012 Rank: Sergeant (E-5) Academics: Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Boise State University, estimated gradua- tion in May 2017. Goal: Be a mechanical engineer working in the automotive or heavy-duty industry. Professional Mentor: Brian Cruickshank, director, University of the Aftermarket. Jonathan Olsen Branch: U.S. Army Rank: Sergeant (E-5) Academics: Cur- rently pursuing Associates in Auto- motive Technology degree at the College of Western Idaho, estimated graduation in spring 2016. Goal: To work in the automotive or heavy-duty industry as a technician. Professional Mentor: Brian Bowersock, owner Escondido Auto Repair. Wyakin Warrior Foundation