OUR STORY
Three lives.
One shared purpose.
Different paths. A common calling. The Shield Wall Foundation
was born from a simple belief: when people look out for one another, stronger communities are possible.
“A stronger tomorrow
is built by the people
who stand together today.”
SERVICE · LEADERSHIP · OPPORTUNITY · COMMUNITY
MATTHEW FULSOM
Matthew Fulsom is a business professional and operations leader with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BsBA). His career includes experience in operational management, business development, team leadership, budgeting, and building the systems necessary for organizations to grow responsibly.
Matthew is also a co-founder of Flames of the North, where he serves as the company’s sauce maker and leads much of its product development and operations. From developing recipes and managing production to navigating compliance, branding, and sales, he has helped turn a creative idea into a growing Texas small business.
As Founder and President of The Shield Wall Foundation, Matthew brings together his business experience, entrepreneurial drive, and commitment to serving others. He founded the organization around a straightforward belief: meaningful support should be intentional, transparent, and rooted in the needs of the community.
Through the Foundation, Matthew is working to unite people and businesses behind worthy veteran and mental-health causes, creating a community where support is practical, dignity matters, and no one is left to stand alone.
“A shield wall is made of people who choose to stand together. That’s what we’re building.”
MICKYE WILSON
Mickye Wilson has built her career around helping people feel heard and supported. She began as a classroom teacher before moving into school counseling, where she now works full-time. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate and works part-time at Sardelich Counseling and Consulting while completing the supervised clinical hours required for full LPC licensure. Through each role, she brings genuine compassion and a steady commitment to people facing difficult moments.
Mickye holds a certificate in Mental Health Counseling, a Master of Education in School Counseling (M.Ed.), and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in education. Her academic background also includes counselor education, school counseling, and guidance services.
As a co-founder of Flames of the North and a Founding Director of The Shield Wall Foundation, Mickye brings both professional experience and a deeply caring heart to its work. She is committed to the Foundation’s support for veterans and people facing mental-health challenges. Whatever brings someone to the Shield Wall, Mickye believes they deserve to be met with dignity, understanding, and the reassurance that they do not have to stand alone.
“A shield wall is made of people who choose to stand together. That’s what we’re building.”
WALTER “MICKEY” COTHRON
Walter Cothron, known to family and friends as “Mickey,” is a World War II veteran who served in the Airborne Division and was awarded the Purple Heart. His military service speaks to courage and sacrifice. The life he has lived since speaks to the same sense of honor.
Mickey went on to become a longtime business owner and a steadfast supporter of his community. Those who know him know the value he places on friendship: treating people with respect, keeping his word, and being there when someone needs a hand. He has earned the regard of others through the way he lives, not simply through what he has accomplished.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Mickey has made family and friendship central to his life. His example is a reminder that strength is found not only in facing difficult things, but also in standing faithfully beside others through theirs.
As a Founding Director of The Shield Wall Foundation, Mickey brings a personal connection to the veteran community and a lifelong commitment to caring for people. His perspective helps guide the Foundation’s support for veterans and people facing mental-health challenges alike. To Mickey, both deserve to be treated with dignity, compassion, and the assurance that they have someone in their corner.
“We honor those who served by standing beside them when they need us most.”
© 2026 The Shield Wall Foundation. All rights reserved.
Service. People. A Stronger Tomorrow.