Eric Lionheart is a distinguished Air Force veteran and elite Combat Controller who earned two Bronze stars, one with Valor, for his heroic actions during a four-hour firefight in Afghanistan, saving the lives of his Special Forces team.
Eric began his Air Force career in 1998, serving as Security Forces member for six years before embarking on the rigorous two-year Combat Controller training pipeline. Upon completion, he was assigned to the 321st Special Tactics Squadron at RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom.
During multiple deployments to Afghanistan, Eric was the sole Combat Controller, providing critical Close Air Support for his Special Forces team's combat operations. His exemplary service earned him the Bronze Star with Valor, a testament to his bravery and dedication.
After transitioning from active duty, Eric served as a policy annalyst in the Texas Senate during the 84th legislative session. While there, he completed his MBA in 2015 and later transitioned into the corporate sector. In January 2022, he left his role at the Texas Department of Health and Human Services (HHSC) to run for Congress in the 28th District.
Driven by personal loss, Eric founded the First There Foundation in November 2022. The death of his first supervisor and teammate, Chris "AZ" Rush, along with a desperate call from another teammate in crisis, led him to take action. The First There Foundation - a 501(c)(3) nonprofit - is committed to providing meaninful and lasting aid to Veterans, First Responders, and their families as they navigate life's toughest challenges.
Beyond his work with the foundation, Eric has advised organizations ranging from startups to large enterprises across California and Texas. His consulting expertise centers on leadership development, streamlining operations, building high-performance cultures, and implementing innovative, mission-focused solutions.
His leadership insights, shaped by combat and real-world complexity, have been featured across major media platforms, including live appearances and conributions on NTD News, The Epoch Times, Newsmax, NewNation, Family Radio, and multiple national podcasts. Eric offers unfiltered analysis on warfare, global conflict, national security, politics, and government policy.
A resident of Austin, Texas, Eric enjoys staying active outdoors, running, and swimming with his yellow Labrador, Lincoln. He also loves traveling, exploring new places, listening to music, and cheering for the Dallas Stars in the NHL.
Eric Lionheart emmigrated from Mexico to the US as a child and enlisted in the Air Force and served as a Security Forces member for six years. After September 11, 2001, Eric embarked on the rigorous two-year Combat Controller training pipeline. Upon completion, he was assigned to the 321st Special Tactics quadron at RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom. He deployed twice to Afghanistan and earned two Bronze stars, one with Valor, a testament to his bravery and dedication.
Motivated by personal loss and the passing of his teammate Chris "AZ" Rush, Eric founded the First There Foundation, a 401 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, in November of 2021. The foundation is devoted to forging a world where Combat Controllers, Veterans, First Responders, US Allies, and their families thrive beyond service through healing, resilience, and renewed purpose.