Rear Adm. Timothy Gallaudet, commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, met with the leadership of The Wyakin Warrior Foundation at Boise State University, July 27.

The Wyakin Warrior Foundation was founded to help enable severely wounded and injured post-9/11 veterans achieve personal and professional success as business and community leaders. Founded in the Pacific Northwest, with plans for national expansion, the foundation provides multifaceted mentoring, financial support, professional development, and networking tailored to each veteran's unique journey.

"I want to take their message and information about their project, and not only tell my Sailors, but tell the wounded warriors in Bethesda", said Gallaudet. "I really admire the fact that they thought this through in a comprehensive way, and took the best parts of every program out there and combined them to form this outstanding product, that includes recreational activities, educational opportunities, [and] business employment networking opportunities."

Jeff Bacon, the foundation's president and co- founder, said that the board of directors was very excited to show the support they provide to wounded veterans.

"Having the admiral here to see the quality and caliber of the men and women involved in the Wyakin Warrior Foundation is a great opportunity," he added. "We are very excited for him to meet our warriors".

According to Bacon, many service members who transition from active duty service to the civilian community face significant challenges as they reintegrate back into civilian society. He added that the foundation stands ready to help these veterans however possible.

Gallaudet's two-day visit to Boise was part of the Navy's Executive Engagement Visit program. This program allows Navy leaders to meet with community leaders in 25 cities outside of fleet concentration areas, to inform and educate citizens about the Navy, its people, and its importance to national security, global trade, and prosperity.

This is Gallaudet's second executive engagement visit of 2015. He previously visited Springfield, Massachusetts, in June.

"Navy outreach programs are a great way to tell the Navy's story because we have a great story to tell," the admiral said. "It reaffirms the support most Americans have in our armed forces."

For more information on the Navy Office of Community Outreach, visit www.navyoutreach.org .