UNWAVERING SUPPORT
The Pillar Foundation's Commitment to SOF Spouses Through Every Stage of Transition

Teresa Shick, founder of The Pillar Foundation and a Navy SEAL SOF spouse of a veteran with over 24 years active duty and over 13 deployments, understands the crucial role that SOF spouses play in holding their families and relationships together. With a deep heart for service and firsthand experience, she created The Pillar Foundation to meet the unique needs of SOF spouses, guiding them through every phase of their journey. From two years before their husband’s military transition to two years after, The Pillar Foundation offers unwavering support, ensuring that no spouse walks this path alone.

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Teresa recognizes that SOF spouses face immense mental, emotional, and physical challenges, often navigating second-hand PTSD, repeated separations, and the stress of their spouse’s high-risk career. Yet, few organizations provide comprehensive care for this resilient community. The Pillar Foundation was designed to fill that gap, offering tailored resources to help SOF spouses maintain their well-being before, during, and after their husband’s transition, addressing their needs in real, impactful ways.

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The Pillar Foundation’s mission is grounded in the belief that SOF spouses deserve ongoing care, connection, and community. Through workshops, mentorship, and holistic support, Teresa ensures that SOF spouses have access to the tools they need to thrive, both for themselves and their families. By standing with them throughout the entire transition process, The Pillar Foundation is not only helping them navigate challenges but also strengthening SOF families from the inside out, proving they are never alone in this journey.

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Teresa has completed the Military Spouse Leadership Program through Harvard and The McChrystal Group in 2022. She currently lives in Tyler, TX with her husband, Jerry and 4 kids.