WarriorWOD Foundation

Results: WarriorWOD was founded in 2021 after Marine Corps combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient Phil Palmer discovered the life-saving impact of exercise during his own battle with Post-Traumatic Stress. Returning home from combat deployments, Phil struggled with the same invisible wounds that haunt countless veterans—PTS, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts. Traditional treatments left him numb, disconnected, and without hope. But through exercise, nutrition, and the support of peers, he began to heal. Recognizing a powerful pattern among fellow veterans, Phil launched WarriorWOD with a bold and urgent mission: to use fitness, fuel, and fellowship to reduce PTS symptoms and prevent veteran suicide. What began as a personal recovery story has become a national movement. Since launching, WarriorWOD has supported over 2,500 veterans, with more than 225 veterans completing our full six-month recovery program—and hundreds more impacted through our outreach and peer support. Our structured recovery model combines three key interventions: exercise (via gym memberships or adaptive home equipment), bi-weekly virtual nutrition coaching, and mentorship from a trained “Battle Buddy” who has walked the same path. Participants undergo monthly wellness assessments using the clinically validated PCL-5 and C-SSRS tools. All services are provided at no cost to the veteran. In 2024, our program led to a 29.74% reduction in overall PTS symptoms among participants. Hyperarousal symptoms (e.g., insomnia, irritability) decreased by 30.90%, while re-experiencing symptoms (e.g., flashbacks, nightmares) dropped 27.07%. Cognitive and emotional symptoms improved by 31.63%. Most significantly, nine veterans who entered our program struggling with suicidal ideations are alive and thriving today because WarriorWOD intervened. Beyond the statistics, the transformation is visible. Veterans report increased confidence, restored trust in others, healthier coping mechanisms, and a renewed sense of purpose. Our alumni become mentors, giving back to the very program that changed their lives. What makes WarriorWOD different is simple but radical: we treat invisible wounds with real, accessible tools. There are no bureaucratic waitlists, no prescriptions required. Just movement, clean fuel, and meaningful connection. While the VA still relies heavily on antidepressants, WarriorWOD offers a proactive, empowering alternative—one grounded in research, data, and community. Veteran suicide is preventable. WarriorWOD is proving that every day.

Target demographics: military veterans facing Post-Traumatic Stress, suicidal ideations, and substance abuse

Direct beneficiaries per year: over 300 veterans, with 225 completing our structured six-month recovery program and 9 veterans reporting WarriorWOD helped prevent them from taking their own lives.

Geographic areas served: Charleston, South Carolina and across the United States

Programs: xercise-based recovery, personalized nutrition coaching, veteran-to-veteran mentorship, and trauma-informed wellness assessments