EMPOWERING VETERANS. HONORING LEGACIES.
Together we fight. Together we find hope.
#FireForged
Like the shield that is forged in the fire, like the phoenix that rises from the ashes, veterans are the most capable beings on earth, having the opportunity to be shaped and strengthened by the trials of their own fire.
We run into the fire with veterans and their families any opportunity we can. In this, we work to empower veterans to live a life of fulfillment and honor the legacies of fallen service members by helping their widows and children to do the same.
We’re glad that you found your way here Whether you are a veteran, dependent, or donor, know that together we fight and together we find hope.
UPCOMING/RECENT EVENTS:
Faith & Fire - Monthly Cigars and Bible Study: Next session, 1/21, 6:30-7:30PM
As we list on our pillars of support, on the Programs tab of our website, we believe Faith is a pillar that is critical to living a life of contentment and fulfillment. Join us every 4th Wednesday in the climate-controlled cigar lounge of VFW Post 2150 in McKinney, TX.
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Christmas Wreaths for Honoring Legacies - benefitting A Hero’s Welcome - North Jersey and VFW Post 4591: November, leading up to the holidays
In honor of Matthew Nierstedt, in our inaugural year of support, we are raising funds to place 100 Christmas wreaths on the headstones of 100 veterans in North New Jersey.
Thanksgiving Meal Box Campaign - benefitting Valor Clinic Foundation and families in Central Ohio: November, leading up to Thanksgiving Week
In honor of Jeremy Wilks, in our inaugural year of support, we are raising funds to feed 8 veteran families with food for 8 people for the holidays, totally 64 people to feed.
Headshots + Resume Workshop, Thursday, 10/23, 5:00-6:30PM
Calling all veterans! Need to rebound in your career? Freshly transitioned out of the military? Just looking to bravely take the next step in a rewarding career? Join us for a FREE professional headshot, courtesy of our friends at EM CORPORATE, and a refreshed resume by one of our HR Professionals at Shield Down, to help you put your best foot forward. Spots are LIMITED so make sure you scan the QR code below to sign up TODAY!
9/11 Heroes Run DFW - benefitting Travis Manion Foundation and Suicide Awareness Month: September 7
Follow our social media channels for more information, and join us on 9/7 in Vendor Village to learn more about Shield Down and other VSOs in the area.
No Service-member Spends Christmas Alone - benefitting Luke’s Wings and injured/ill servicemembers nationwide: August, leading up through 8/24.
Join us in our goal to reunite 8 families for the holidays ($3,000) through Luke’s Wing’s No Servicemember Spends Christmas Alone campaign, reuniting injured/ill service-members with their loved ones.
Featured Partners
Guidon Donors: Chad & Megan Lacefield
Shield Down’s first donors in our organization’s history, serve as a beacon for others to join the worthy cause of fighting for veterans and dependents.
Battalion Donor: On Point HDD - Miami, FL
Joining our supporting group of companies in 2025, On Point HDD is a trusted name in the drilling and geo-tech industry, operating both nationally and internationally since 2015
Battalion Donor: Bristol Myers Squibb - New York, NY
In late-June of 2025, BMS welcomed Shield Down to their Employee Giving Program, where employee donations receive a dollar-for-dollar matching donation from the company. One of the top pharmaceutical companies in the world, BMS’s roots date back to the 1800s.
Battalion Donor: R.K. Hall - Paris, Texas
RKH was, and is, our first corporate donor in our organization’s history; continuing their longstanding commitment to supporting veteran initiatives in their community.
Battalion Donor: Sunstate Equipment Foundation - Phoenix, AZ
Sunstate Equipment Foundation is the charitable nonprofit of Sunstate Equipment, serving the communities in which Sunstate operates. The foundation has been operational since 2015, and Sunstate Equipment has been in business since 1977 and operates nationally today.
Our Mission
Shield Down honors the legacies of fallen service members by providing grants and support to their widows and children, that they may find renewed hope. Shield Down empowers veterans to find hope through meaningful peer-to-peer coaching, mentorship, and support. Through these efforts, we work to create a community where veterans feel supported, valued, and content, and where the sacrifices of our fallen heroes are never forgotten.
Our Vision
Shield Down envisions a nation where no veteran feels hopeless enough that they try to take their own life. We envision a nation where every veteran feels empowered, valued, and supported. We envision a nation where every widow and child of a fallen hero never has to doubt the value and remembrance that our country has placed on the legacy left behind by their fallen loved ones.