Terry Wingard's
Shield Foundation
About
TERRY WINGARD'S
SHIELD FOUNDATION
Standing with Arkansas First Responders and their families.
How the Shield Began
Terry Wingard’s Shield was created following the loss of Terry Wingard on August 2, 2024. Like so many first responders, Terry carried experiences and burdens that most people will never fully understand.
His family refused to let his story end there. They created Terry Wingard’s Shield to stand in the gap for first responders and their families—to support those struggling with mental health, bring awareness to suicide within first responder professions, and help ensure that those who serve our communities know they are not alone.
Our Commitment
Terry Wingard's Shield is committed to protecting the mental wellness of Arkansas first responders and supporting their families. We work in two key ways:
Support for First Responders & Their Families
We provide short-term financial assistance to Arkansas first responders facing mental health crises and their immediate families. Assistance may include utilities, housing, travel for treatment, counseling or treatment expenses, food, funeral assistance, and emergency family support.
Investment in Mental Health Programs & Professionals
We invest in Arkansas organizations, programs, and licensed professionals that provide mental health treatment, counseling, peer support, education, and crisis-response training specifically for first responders who serve and protect our communities.