First There Lightening Logo yellow Nonprofit organization for first responders

support for those who serve

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We are resources for

Combat control

veterans

first responders

our mission

We stand behind the brave individuals who served with courage and conviction—veterans, first responders, and their families. Through trusted healing methods, strong community ties, and tailored support, we help them confront both seen and unseen wounds of service.

Our mission is rooted in lasting impact. By forging powerful partnerships and offering a range of holistic healing approaches, we go beyond honoring their sacrifice—we provide the tools they need to recover, grow, and thrive.

What we do
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We are a 501(c)(3) Non-profit that is 100% donation-funded which means we are dependent upon your generosity to provide our services. All donations go toward our heroes: combat controllers, veterans, and first responders.

Why Donate
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services

our services

mental health

financial

career

substance abuse

gold star family guidance

SMALLEH Nonprofit organization for first responders

FOUNDER

eric lionheart

Eric Lionheart is a highly decorated Air Force veteran and Combat Controller who earned two Bronze Stars, including one with Valor, for heroic actions in Afghanistan. After his service, he earned an MBA, worked in public policy, and consulted in the private sector. In 2021, he founded the First There Foundation to support fellow Combat Controllers, later expanding the mission to serve veterans, first responders, U.S. allies, and their families. Eric lives in Austin, Texas, and remains dedicated to saving lives and building a stronger support network for those who serve.

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testimonials

First There is a Combat Controller’s best friend…a reserve parachute I get to keep on me at all times. I know if I ever get to a place where I’m beyond helping myself…I’m reaching out to First There. Eric is the brother I didn’t know I needed in my life. Thank you First There. Thank you for truly enacting some really needed change.
E.G.
E.G.Combat Controller
First There is a Combat Controller’s best friend…a reserve parachute I get to keep on me at all times. I know if I ever get to a place where I’m beyond helping myself…I’m reaching out to First There. Eric is the brother I didn’t know I needed in my life. Thank you First There. Thank you for truly enacting some really needed change.
E.G.
E.G.Combat Controller
First There is a Combat Controller’s best friend…a reserve parachute I get to keep on me at all times. I know if I ever get to a place where I’m beyond helping myself…I’m reaching out to First There. Eric is the brother I didn’t know I needed in my life. Thank you First There. Thank you for truly enacting some really needed change.
E.G.
E.G.Combat Controller
First There is a Combat Controller’s best friend…a reserve parachute I get to keep on me at all times. I know if I ever get to a place where I’m beyond helping myself…I’m reaching out to First There. Eric is the brother I didn’t know I needed in my life. Thank you First There. Thank you for truly enacting some really needed change.
E.G.
E.G.Combat Controller
First There is a Combat Controller’s best friend…a reserve parachute I get to keep on me at all times. I know if I ever get to a place where I’m beyond helping myself…I’m reaching out to First There. Eric is the brother I didn’t know I needed in my life. Thank you First There. Thank you for truly enacting some really needed change.
E.G.
E.G.Combat Controller
First There is a Combat Controller’s best friend…a reserve parachute I get to keep on me at all times. I know if I ever get to a place where I’m beyond helping myself…I’m reaching out to First There. Eric is the brother I didn’t know I needed in my life. Thank you First There. Thank you for truly enacting some really needed change.
E.G.
E.G.Combat Controller
(First There) helped me find comfort in some of my significant losses in life (teammates and my son). In addition, it helped me re-establish a relationship with my oldest daughter that has been strained for many years.
K.H.
K.H.COMBAT CONTROLLER
The First There Foundation reached out to me at a time when I was really struggling with my life and my purpose. The brotherhood embedded in this foundation helped me through the difficulties and challenges I was facing and provided me with the tools and encouragement that has forever changed my life. I can now say without a doubt that I will be okay.
M. T.
M. T.COMBAT CONTROLLER
It helped me love myself more than I thought I could have
G.N.
G.N.COMBAT CONTROLLER
My Son Eric, struggled tremendously to adjust after he left the Combat Control Teams to the point he wanted to take his life. Watching him struggle was a very painful and scary point in my life because I knew there was a chance I could lose him. After losing his teammate, he said “I have to do something to help my friends and their entire family”. I attended a mental health retreat which helped me heal from sadness and anger. I thank God and First There for helping me feel free and happy.
MARY HOHMAN
MARY HOHMANMOTHER OF A COMBAT CONTROLLER
First There was truly the “first” to help me when my family was in a mental health crisis. Within hours, not days or weeks, First There had the wheels moving on our behalf and maybe even more importantly, I had my brothers behind me, beside me, and out in front of me once again. Crisis for us seems so personal and lonely…which isn’t true. First There reminded me that our teammates are always waiting to throw down on each other’s behalf.
J.S.
J.S.COMBAT CONTROLLER