About Us
Founded in 2019, Stay in the Fight Veterans Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports Veterans of North Texas who have suffered some kind of injury in combat, either physical or mental, and need support to help them achieve a healthy and successful life.
These veterans are considered high risk due to their injuries, and their needs span the spectrum from homelessness all the way to job training and executive coaching, and every situation in between.
In 2024, a new board enthusiastically took the helm, dedicating themselves to understanding the world of equine therapy and the needs of justice-involved veterans within the Collin County community. Their commitment led to a highly successful rebranding event in May 2025. This event brought much-needed awareness to the many Texas veterans and their families who are on their redemption journey, reminding them that they have our unwavering support and care.
Board of Directors
Alicia Freeman
President
Alicia Freeman, a proud wife and mother of four from McKinney, Texas, has a diverse professional background. She spent the early part of her career as the owner/operator of three successful salons in Northern California, handling everything from design to daily operations. Alicia served as President of PAINTS (Promoting Art IN The Schools) from 2008-2012, leading fundraising efforts that supported arts in education. In 2022, she and her husband Myles founded a philanthropy that supports animal shelters, food banks, and veteran causes, including a partnership with the National Medal of Honor Museum. Alicia has been doing equine therapy since 2012.
Myles Freeman
Treasurer
Myles Freeman is the President and Co-Owner of Wiley X, Inc., a leading manufacturer of premium protective eyewear for both consumers and the U.S. Armed Forces. Myles led the global sales efforts for the company from 1996 to 2022, Wiley X’s sales grew from $2.6 million to over $45 million. Before Wiley X, Myles was Vice President of Customer Service at Fidelity National Home Warranty. He holds a degree from Heald Business College and has earned multiple executive awards. Alongside his wife Alicia, Myles established The Myles and Alicia Freeman Philanthropy, supporting various charities.
Jessica Stott
Director of Programs & Board Secretary
Jessica Stott began her career in the high-stakes insurance industry, spending a decade managing complex commercial real estate and construction accounts. She later specialized in energy property at Willis Insurance, overseeing a $50 million portfolio—a role that demanded meticulous risk assessment and a high level of technical detail. After relocating to Frisco, Texas, Jessica transitioned her leadership into the community, earning the National PTA Life Achievement Award for her dedicated service. For seven years, Jessica served as a certified instructor and Program Coordinator at ManeGait Therapeutic Riding, where she managed extensive volunteer programs and worked on fundraising efforts. Her expertise in equine facility management and horse behavior ensures a high standard of safety and excellence in every session. Today, as a PATH Intl. Mentor Jessica guides aspiring professionals through the certification process. Her career is defined by a unique blend of corporate precision and a profound passion for equine therapy.
Cary Wood
Board Member
Cary Wood is a North Texas resident and active Army National Guard officer with over 14 years of strategic military experience. His distinguished career includes serving as a Military Advisor in the Baltics and a Special Operations Advisor in Iraq, where he played a key role in shaping future operations and training for the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service. Throughout his time in uniform, Cary has been driven by a focus on long-range outcomes and the people who make missions possible.
Today, he applies that same strategic vision to his work as a financial professional, helping families and businesses build a foundation of security for the long term. Cary remains deeply committed to the veteran community, advocating for a holistic approach to service. He believes that truly caring for those who served means supporting the families who stood with them and honoring our nation’s most valuable treasure: its people.
Staff
Megan Hamlin
Director of Development
Megan Hamlin serves as the Director of Development for the Stay In The Fight Veterans Foundation, a role to which she brings nearly two decades of non-profit experience. Megan began her career in California as a middle school teacher and college professor before transitioning to the non-profit sector in 2008.
For nine years, she worked as a non-profit consultant before joining a California parks and recreation district in 2017 and taking on a unique role. There, she oversaw the district’s foundation, managing all events, projects, and financials. Her responsibilities included cultivating donor and community relationships, securing event sponsorships, and managing annual pledges. She was also a key liaison with government officials and agencies, including the County of Ventura and various city departments. A unique part of her role included serving as a co-host for the monthly City Scene TV show.
Megan loves spending time with her family at the barn or enjoying the outdoors. You can often find her at a rodeo, watching sports, or wine tasting, and she cherishes every opportunity to get together with friends and family, enjoying God’s beauty.
Healing Herd
Murphy
Murphy is a handsome 16-year-old gelding with a striking sorrel coat, a cross between a Thoroughbred and a Quarter Horse. This retired barrel horse has a personality as big as his heart. While he may not be motivated by carrots or watermelon, he has a sophisticated palate and only accepts real horse treats. Murphy loves nothing more than a good groom, a leisurely trail ride with his favorite people, and spending his days grazing peacefully in the pasture. He is a gentle soul who is ready to form a strong bond with anyone he meets.
Teddy
Teddy is a gentle 19-year-old Thoroughbred gelding with a handsome bay coat. This retired polo horse is often the first to greet you at the gate, always eager for a carrot or a horse treat. While he’s the sweetest boy, he has a playful side, earning a reputation for making a magnificent mess with his alfalfa. Teddy loves a good booty scratch and has a special talent for calming a new rider, making him the perfect horse to lead a very first walk around the arena. An incredibly versatile and caring companion, he is comfortable in both a Western and English saddle, offering our riders a variety of options. Teddy is a truly wonderful addition to the herd.
Pilar
Pilar is a gentle, sweet-natured mare with a stunning coat that shines a beautiful, rich caramel color when the sun hits her. Like her herdmate Teddy, she is a proud retiree from the fast-paced sport of polo, and she has gracefully transitioned into her new role as a devoted mentor and caretaker for our veterans and first responders.
On any given day, you can find Pilar doing what she loves most: peacefully grazing in the back pasture or taking a refreshing swim in the pond. With her serene energy and deeply caring spirit, she is perfectly suited for her new calling, offering comfort, strength, and a steady presence to those on their healing journey. Pilar is a truly magnificent and heartwarming addition to the herd.
Newt
Newt is a handsome bay gelding in his 20s with a patient heart and a remarkably steady presence. Generously shared with us by the Laub family, this former cutting champion spent his career in the fast-paced arena as both a talented athlete and a trusted teacher. With his rock-solid disposition, Newt was the ultimate “toss a leg over” horse for beginners, teaching countless riders the ropes and building their foundational confidence in the saddle. He has been a central fixture in the Laub family’s most cherished milestones and memories.
Now, Newt has officially accepted a new assignment and a deeper purpose: serving those who have served us. Through a beautiful alignment of shared visions, his family recognized that his calm demeanor, sweet soul, and incredibly gentle eyes made him destined for a bigger calling. Today, Newt uses his lifetime of experience to help our veterans and first responders find their footing, rebuild confidence, and navigate their own healing journeys. He is a truly magnificent and purposeful addition to the herd.
The Donkey Duo:
Every great team has a leader and a loyal sidekick, and our resident donkeys, GusGus and Tiny Tim, play those roles to perfection. Easily the sweetest boys at the ranch, this dynamic duo brings an extra dose of joy, curiosity, and gentle comfort to everyone they meet.
Their Mission at the Ranch
While they might have different approaches to meeting new friends, GusGus and Tiny Tim are completely united on two fronts: they both absolutely love a good scratch, and they have an endless appetite for treats! As the most gentle boys around, their calm energy and endearing personalities make them a vital part of our community, offering a unique, lighthearted sense of companionship and comfort to our veterans and families. Whether they are investigating your pockets or patiently waiting for a chin scratch, this duo is guaranteed to steal your heart.
GusGus & Tiny Tim
GusGus
Personality: Inquisitive, social, and just a little bit nosy! The Inside Scoop: GusGus is the official welcoming committee of the herd. Blessed with a sweet, deeply curious personality, he is always the first to walk right up to visitors to investigate exactly what’s going on. If there is a conversation happening or a pocket to peek into, GusGus is on the case. Favorite Things: Hard-earned snacks, being in the middle of the action, and keeping tabs on ranch business.
Tiny Tim
Personality: Shy, sweet, and observant. The Inside Scoop: Wherever GusGus goes, Tiny Tim isn’t far behind—though he prefers a slightly more cautious approach! Tim is a little more reserved and likes to let GusGus handle the initial investigation before stepping into the spotlight. Once he knows the coast is clear, his incredibly gentle and sweet nature shines right through. Favorite Things: Letting his braver brother lead the way, peaceful moments, and of course, matching GusGus snack-for-snack.