This organization began as an equestrian demonstration team. Over the years, it continued to expand it's objectives - to honor and perpetuate the memory of the men and women of our Armed Forces. While the team continued to do mounted performances, the team captain, Leah Young, worked closely with the Dayton, Ohio Veterans Affairs Medical Center to create an equine therapy program for veterans suffering from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Additionally, the team made regular visits to the patients at the nursing home and hospice. A popular annual activity was a "reverse trick or treat," where team members - and their horses - wore costumes and rode throughout the Medical Center distributing candy to veterans and the center's staff. They have since partnered with a Gold Star organization in support of families who lost loved ones serving in the Armed Forces. As if this wasn't enough, the team also supports police and first responders by creating comfort bags that can be used when responding to an incident where autistic children are present. They operate on donations only, or lacking donations, out of their own pockets. The 4 Freedom Equestrian Team epitomizes the concept of service before self.
As a long time member of this team I can see the difference we make in the lives of the people we meet. It has been rewarding to help so many. Please take a look at our team page 4freedtomteam.com or find us on Facebook. Signing up as a volunteer has touched my life and I know it would touch yours if you chose to join our great team!
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I have enjoyed being a part of the 4 Freedom Equestrian Team since 2011, and could not imagine a better group of people! Some of the goals of this team is to raise awareness of veterans and their needs, serving the public through education of horses and their roll in the government, our newest addition of equine therapy for veterans suffering from PTSD, and providing horse drawn carriage rides at the Dayton VA center for the veterans as well as to the public, just to name a few. This group of people volunteer all of their time and truly enjoy giving back to the men and women who have served! If you have the chance, come see all of the hard work put into this organization, or you can make a donations to help us honor our uniformed service members! Thank you for the opportunity to share with you just a small portion of my experiences with such a wonderful team! -We honor those who have come before, those serving now, and those that will serve. God bless America!
The 4 Freedom Equestrian team is dedicated to the help and healing of our nations veterans and servicemen/women of the United States. Your support makes it possible!
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I have been honored to be a part of this great organization for many years now. Giving back to those who have sacrificed so much, yet receive so little in return is a mission we all believe very strongly in. By raising awareness in this country of just how little some of our veterans have and how much they need hopefully will make a difference.
The 4 Freedom Equestrian Team provides magnificent beauty and healing to the Veterans on the Dayton VA Campus. The team is always appreciated as they are present during the many American Veterans Heritage Center activities. The Team continues the War Horse Military Legacy! Keep up the Great Work!
The 4 Freedom Riders is best described by saying their actions speak louder than words in helping deliver the healing message of THANK YOU for your service. Their can-do-attitude in meeting any perceived task or challenge for veteran community outreach of caring needs knows no limits. As a female veteran and nurse practitioner one takes pride in knowing that the presence of an honored color guard, their story of veteran service done on horseback or bringing their mounts onto the Dayton VAMC so our veterans have an uplifting hands on pet therapy program does wonder in helping to heal our wounded warriors and care givers' spirits and souls. Especially noteworthy has been the outreach our female veterans of earlier war times who are realizing in some way they have respected veteran status too. We salute all 4 Freedom Riders mission/vision of caring and wish them the best in their future endeavors. M. Kruckemeyer, president emeritus, American Veterans Heritage Center.
Leah Edwards and the 4 Freedom Equestrian Team are true professionals in every sense. Their work and support of our veterans is truly appreciated. They deserve your support!
amazing team that does amazing things. i love doing what we do and am honored to be a part of it. its and organization that is truly dedicated to supporting our veterans. very professional in everything we do from honor guards and parades to our performances. which if you haven seen the performance i highly recommend it, it is a very moving piece of work and has brought tears to people's eyes. the share and care program is very rewarding for me to be a part of. the veterans get to spend time with the horses by petting and grooming them and we get to know them and they get to know us as well. its awesome knowing that we make their day brighter.
The times I have volunteered with this group I have seen the dedication and willingness to help our military personnel the team displays. It is good to know there is a team out there doing what they can to help our military personnel. Thanks...
As a member of several lineage organizations involved in ceremonies and parades, I have had the pleasure of seeing the commitment of the Equestrian Team. Their recognition of our patriots is a positive influence in our community. At a time when many do not get involved or stand on the side lines, The 4 Freedom Equestrian Team is front and center....and we appreciate them!
As a Gold Star Wife, I have followed the 4 Freedom Equestrian Team's visits to the Dayton VA and to various parades and fairgrounds in the Western Ohio area. I have seen and talked to the veterans who are so moved by the dedication of the 4 Freedom Team that it brings them out to talk to others. The 4 Freedom team has performed memorial services with the Blue Star Mothers of the Miami Valley and also supported the Patriot Freedom Festival for many years. They are instrumental in helping veterans with their emotional issues with their recreational therapy. The veterans talk to the team members and also are able to get close to the horses, brushing, petting, and relating. It is so meaningful to me personally to see the smiles on our veterans faces. Cindy LaPointe-Dafler, Gold Star Wives of the Miami Valley
I've served in numerous veterans and lineage groups, especially in the area of memorial and commemorative services. The 4 Freedom Equestrian Team has a genuine love and respect for our great nation and it's defenders. They are almost entirely self-funded, and even in a bad economy always seem to find new and innovative ways to honor our Veterans and their families. Team members come from a wide area of southwest Ohio which makes coordinating events even harder, but in spite of any obstacles they face, they always give 110%. The team captain, Leah Edwards, is the driving force of this organization, and goes out of her way to ensure that every Veteran they meet knows that their service is appreciated. Bravo Zulu 4 Freedom Equestrian Team!
For the past four year I have had a service at the Dayton National Cemetery. This is held to honor the Native Americans who have served this country. The 4 Freedom team has been a part of this each year. The pride that each team member show is above and beyond of what is expected. after the service the team takes the time to for those who were a part of the service to visit the horses and team.
When I was put on the Retirement List for my injuries, as I am a female combat Iraq Vet..these folks heard about me and was for me as noone else was...I was out, alone, injuried suffering from PTSD, TBI, MST, among the body injuries...they understood and helped me deal with the depression I was suffering..I am honored and proud to know all those that work with the 4 Freedom Equestrain Tem..you made a difference in my life at the time I needed a "lift" I was ready to "call an end" and because you chose me to help, I didn't go thru with my thoughts...Thank you from the bottom of my heart and for all those Veteran's you have made a difference with...HOOAH...please continue the awesome work as you will always be needed as long as we have Vets who need you SFC (retired) Julie Barcheers
I am very blessed to have such a wonderful team. This is a very caring and patriotic group of people and we have some of the most patient and caring horses. Aside from the Honor Guards, parades, ceremonies and performances, 4 Freedom also has several projects going to help support and honor Veterans and soldiers. Each year, lap blankets are collected and donated to the wheelchair bound Veterans at the Dayton VA Nursing Home and Hospice units. Also, for the last 3 years, the team has been sending out their Veteran "Thank You" packages, free of charge to any US Veteran...just to say Thank You for your service. The monthly "Share and Care" program at the Dayton VA has become very popular...this is a once a month visit by team members and a few of the team horses to give anyone on the campus the chance to come down, visit with team members, learn about horses, horse care and the history of horses in the military, as well as time to share stories and enjoy some snacks and refreshments. Please take time to check out the team's website or Facebook page.
4 Freedom Equestrian Team helps and recognizes Veterans of all wars thru parades, performances, public relation events, and volunteering at the VA. The Veterans at the VA center in Dayton look forward to the Team and horses visit each month (April - November) so they can love on the horses and tell stories. From the patients in the nursing home, residents seeking treatment and the staff, all of them love the horses. Animals are amazing therapists. The perfomance is also quite a site. In 11 minutes, it can make even the toughest Veteran cry. It is very moving. The Team has performed at Memorial Day events, Pow-Wows, memorials for local soldiers who died recently. Also they have stood honor guard for various organizations, such as the Blue Star Mothers. This Team and their activies can be viewed ont their website and Facebook (www.4freedomteam.com).
THis team is absolutely amazing! The things we do are beyond expectations. Especially the performance to honor POWs. All I have to say is... TEAR JERKER!!!! The veterans love it too. I was hooked on 4 Freedom Equestrian Team even before I joined. I ALWAYS made it a must to come chat with the team members! SUCH A LOVING BUNCH OF PEOPLE!!!!