About Us

Palmetto Front Line Foundation exists to strengthen veterans, first responders, and their families in the fight to heal from trauma and live well.

Leadership

Team Members

Our Leadership

Our leadership team is as diverse as the community we serve. From veterans and military personnel to first responders and medical professionals, our board and staff bring a wealth of firsthand experience and a shared commitment to supporting those who have served and sacrificed. Each member of our leadership team plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the Palmetto Front Line Foundation.

Staff

Hope Lyles

Upstate Region Coordinator

Midlands Region Coordinator

Lowcountry Region Coordinator

Board of Directors

Sam Gaither

Chairman | Moncks Corner, SC

Chris Turner

Vice Chairman | Columbia, SC

Taylor Fitch-Smith

Secretary | Physician Assistant, SC CPT, SCARNG

Jeff Blankenship

Treasurer | Hanahan, SC

Mitchell Cole

Chairman Emeritus | Anderson, SC

Ronnie Cole

Anderson, SC

Our Mission

At Palmetto Front Line Foundation, we envision a South Carolina where every veteran, active duty military member, and first responder has access to life-affirming support, healing, and connection through the power of nature. We are driven by our mission to become the statewide leader in outdoor-based therapeutic programs, suicide prevention and intervention, and holistic outreach – creating pathways to recovery, resilience, and renewed purpose for those who need it most.

About Us

Brief History

Welcome to Palmetto Front Line Foundation, formerly known as When Life Sucks, a nonprofit organization founded in 2018 to serve the brave men and women who protect and serve our communities – active duty military, veterans, and first responders. We are honored to continue our mission under a new name that marks a fresh, forward-looking chapter in our story.
For years, When Life Sucks has been a trusted resource, providing essential services designed to improve mental health, resilience, and overall well-being for those who sacrifice so much for our safety. This transition to Palmetto Front Line Foundation reflects our renewed commitment to hope, unity, and strength – honoring the courage of our military personnel, veterans, and first responders while working to build a brighter, more supportive future for them and their families.

Our Vision

Our Vision

The heart of our vision is a state where every individual who has served our country and communities can find the support they need, whether they are recovering from trauma, seeking purpose, or simply in need of a community that understands them. By creating pathways to healing and hope, we strive to restore the resilience and strength that has always defined our service members.

What We Do

We are committed to delivering high-impact support that spans from mental health resources to family programs and community connections. Our outdoor-based therapeutic programs provide healing experiences in nature, while our suicide prevention efforts work to provide crucial intervention and build long-term mental wellness. Through a variety of outreach initiatives, we create transformative experiences that not only support mental health but also foster a deep sense of camaraderie and connection within these special communities.

Our refreshed brand comes with an updated visual identity and a strategic plan to extend our reach even further across South Carolina. As we continue to grow, we aim to reach more communities, strengthening the bonds of support and ensuring that no veteran or first responder feels alone in their journey.

get involved.

HELP US SUPPORT
OUR CHARITY

It takes a village to serve those who have and continue to serve us. Palmetto Front Line Foundation is always looking for passionate supporters - whether it's rolling up your sleeves to help at events, sharing in-kind resources, or fueling our work with financial gifts. However you choose to give, you become part of changing lives for veterans, active-duty military, and first responders.

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