Outdoor Freedom Network (OFN) hosted a group of medical foster home veterans from the VA hospital Fort Worth to a very special Veterans Day trip to Deep East Texas. OFN had the pleasure of providing the group of ten Veterans and Caregivers to some fishing, food, fun and a chance to make some lasting memories on an all expense paid trip to Jackson Hill Marina on Lake Sam Rayburn.
These trips are part of the VA hospitals recreational therapy program to provide the Veterans an opportunity to do something that really lifts their spirits and is also great fun for their caregivers.
Kaitlyn Kelton, Recreational Therapist for the VA hospital coordinates the trips and looks forward to the unique opportunity that OFN provides to them. "This group of Veterans do not have as many opportunities to have this kind of fun with their caregivers. Many of these Veterans do not have strong family connections and do not get out enough. The caregiver becomes their family with all of the challenges that go along with that. These caregivers work so hard and are with our Vets 24/7. To have them together being treated to such a wonderful time means so much to us all".
"The trips would not be possible without volunteers and sponsors said Connie Sympson from Jackson Hill Marina and OFN Cofounder.
Dean Perkins, Donnis Adams and Clark Moore looked after the fishing and fun on the water while the Jackson Hill crew with help from sponsor Ben E Keith Foods made every meal memorable for the special guests.
A special ceremony honored the five Veterans in attendance who all were Vietnam era Veterans. Outdoor Freedom Network a DOD partner for the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War presented each Veteran with their Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Lapel Pin thanking them for their sacrifice and welcoming them home 50 years after their honorable service.
The Outdoor Freedom Network is a 501 (c) (3) public charity that operates many fishing related programs and events including the Patriots Challenge Fishing Tournament Series to help raise money to host military members past and present for free stays, food, guided fishing trips, rest and relaxation on beautiful Sam Rayburn Lake. All profit made at these weekend series tournaments directly benefit military members, their families and other worthy causes in the Sam Rayburn lake area. For more information about programs and events go to www.outdoorfreedom.net or call Terry Sympson at 936-872-9266
