Who We Are
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.
Brief History
A New Chapter, A Timeless Mission
Formerly known as When Life Sucks, our nonprofit was founded in 2018 to serve the brave men and women who protect our communities — active-duty military, veterans and first responders. We are honored to continue that mission under a name that marks a fresh, forward-looking chapter.
The transition to Palmetto Front Line Foundation reflects our renewed commitment to hope, unity and strength — honoring the courage of those who serve while building a brighter, more supportive future for them and their families.
Our Vision
A South Carolina where everyone who has served can find the support they need — recovering from trauma, seeking purpose, or simply finding a community that understands them.
Our Leadership
Staff
Our team is as diverse as the community we serve — veterans, military personnel, first responders and medical professionals united by a shared commitment.
Matthew Cole
CEO / President
Summerville, SC
A 1996 Citadel graduate, Matthew has served 27 years with the South Carolina Army National Guard, rising to Lieutenant Colonel, alongside 17 years in law enforcement as a SWAT operator and helicopter pilot. He has served the Foundation as volunteer, board member, vice chairman and now CEO.
Hope Lyles
Upstate Region Coordinator
Upstate, SC
Hope brings a strong background in veteran services, public administration and community outreach, working directly with veterans and their families to ensure they have access to the resources, advocacy and support they deserve.
Governance
Board of Directors
Sam Gaither
Chairman
Moncks Corner, SC
Communications Chief of Berkeley County 911 and SC TERT Coordinator with two decades in public safety, and a Lieutenant Colonel in the SC Army National Guard with deployments to Germany and the Middle East.
Chris Turner
Vice Chairman
Columbia, SC
LTC Christopher D. Turner serves as Deputy Integrated Air Missile Defense and Counter-UAS Chief at U.S. Central Command, a career Guardsman with over two decades of service and multiple combat deployments.
Taylor Fitch-Smith
Secretary
Physician Assistant, SCARNG
A practicing Physician Assistant with a doctorate in Medical Sciences and a passion for holistic, rural medicine. She serves as medical officer for the 263d AAMDC, integrating military service and clinical expertise.
Jeff Blankenship
Treasurer
Hanahan, SC
LTC(R) with more than 20 years of service and deployments to Afghanistan, Kosovo and Ethiopia. Today he serves as senior environmental advisor for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.
Mitchell Cole
Chairman Emeritus
Anderson, SC
A lifelong servant leader who guided the organization since its inception, retiring after 35 years with Truist Bank and 40 years with the U.S. Army at the rank of Sergeant Major.
Ronnie Cole
Board Member
Anderson, SC
A distinguished 48-year legal career and founding member of the National College of DUI Defense, now advocating for justice and service through the Foundation’s mission.
Isaac “Ike” Lewis
Board Member
Seneca, SC
19 years of public service across EMS, law enforcement and firefighting, plus four years in the Army. A passionate advocate for mental health awareness within the first responder community.
In The Field
What We Do
Get Involved
Help Us Support Those Who Serve
It takes a village to serve those who have served us. However you choose to give — your time, your resources, or your support — you become part of changing lives for South Carolina's veterans, active-duty military and first responders.