The Freedom 13

The Freedom 13 recreational retreat camps offer a chance for veterans to take a week off and bond with other veterans in a safe environment. We aim to help veterans cope with daily life by leaning on one another, sharing stories/experiences and rebuilding their warrior spirit. A chance to hit the reset button if you will. This experience will cost the veteran absolutely nothing ~ free of charge. There will be different opportunities at each camp including but not limited to: fishing, hiking, hunting, side by side riding trails, horse ranches, gardening, woodworking and most importantly bonding. 14 houses will be built at each camp on approximately 100 acres of land. 13 houses in memory of the 13 heroes lost at Abbey Gate in Kabul, Afghanistan (8.26.21) and a 14th house for a veteran to live in permanently rent free while earning a salary; working as an onsite property manager. Each 100 acres +/- camp will give our veteran visitors plenty of space to explore and move about.

The pain of losing a child is unmeasurable.

We created the The Freedom 13 Organization not only to remember and honor our son; Marine LCpl Jared Schmitz and his 12 fellow American Heroes killed during the last days of the 20 year war, but every American Hero that made the ultimate sacrifice.

Say their names, remember their faces and honor their ultimate sacrifice.

Their lives your freedom.