Outdoor Freedom Network operating from Jackson Hill Park and Marina was presented the 2015 National Award for "Enhancing the Lives of the Disabled" at the American Legions National Convention held in Cincinnati, Ohio on August 27, 2016.
Terry and Connie Sympson from Jackson Hill Marina and founders of Outdoor Freedom Network were on hand to receive the award where they expressed their gratitude and thanked the volunteers and supporters of their Patriots Challenge Fishing Series that helps to raise money and volunteer support to operate the ongoing effort to give access to active military members, wounded warriors and disabled veterans for free stays and fishing adventures here in the beauty of Deep East Texas.
The programs include therapy trips for VA patients from the Dallas VA Hospital Foster Home program as well as disabled lady veterans and patients under medical care for PTSD and TBI. Crappie fishing for Veterans is the newest program that offers local veterans an opportunity to go fishing for a half day and to bring family members along as well.
The OFN programs have been an ongoing and growing effort for almost ten years and have touched the lives of several thousand military and family members past and present.
The Sympson's commented, "We are blessed by a dedicated, talented core group of people that really gets it done. We would like to thank Jeff, Susan, Mary, and Monica who maintain our daily operations and special events. Local Volunteers including "Double D" Donny Dickerson has helped from our earliest efforts to volunteer his time, raise money and awareness of our program throughout East Texas.
"Dean and Debbie Perkins are always there with their time, equipment and money. Denny Ekman and Donnis Adams, our Vietnam Vets, volunteer their time guiding our guests and literally dozens of other volunteer anglers who have contributed to the success that we have enjoyed.
"We also give special thanks to Roy James, Honor and Remember Texas State Director and Past Commander AL Post 78 in Jasper. You find out how you can fly the Honor and Remember flag and join the campaign. Robert "Buck" Collins himself a disabled Iraqi Freedom Special Forces Veteran, operates our local Wounded Warrior Association of East Texa. Thank you for your inspiration and friendship.
"Thanks to Michele Sciuto AL 113 Post Commander in Lufkin, and great sponsors like Ben E Keith Foods who helps us feed our heroes in style and all of our Patriots Challenge anglers and sponsors, and last but certainly not least the men and women of our military who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can freely enjoy the our nations beautiful natural resources, please honor their selfless sacrifice and remember them individually by name".
To find out more about Outdoor Freedom Network you can go to www.outdoorfreedom.net
