Soldiers Freedom Outdoors

I had a nice time at the retreat. All of the staff was friendly and accommodating. I liked that you could choose to partake in activities, or just relax if you chose too. It was great to connect with other vets. I did some kayaking, horseback riding, sunbathing, and walking around the pond. The staff also took us for a tour of the acreage, so we were able to see the all the different animals. They also provided plenty of delicious smoked meats and desserts. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience and would highly recommend!

I was invited to this retreat as a woman veteran, for women veterans. It was a great time to relax and recharge. The staff did a great job of ensuring all of your needs were met. I was able to take a ride on the horse trail, which was amazing considering the physical challenges I faced. I truly felt honored as a woman veteran. You planned your time as you went day by day. With proper planning this is a great opportunity to support a good organization!

Relax and recharge is the agenda for their weekend retreat. From the moment you walk into the door, you are greeted by the friendliest volunteers you will ever meet. They genuinely show their appreciation of service members, through both actions and service. They spoil you the whole weekend feeding you the most delicious desserts, BBQ, and other homemade dishes. I have never ate so much in my life. The property is so serene, where you can just relax and breathe. Whether it's under a tree, by the lake, or on horseback, you can feel the weight of the world and stress of life fall away. Jim and Dan were the hosts for the weekend and they make everyone feel at home and are fully vested in building authentic relationships. The sense of camaraderie with the othe rguests and hosts make everyone feel like they are home. If you want to do activities they have a well stocked pond, horses to ride and brush, trails to walk, and a UTV to take a tour of their expansive property. I was able to attend a second weekend for a knife making class and it was such an awesome experience. I would have never thought I could take a flat piece of steel and make a beautiful knife. I will treasure the knife and the memories forever. I am very thankful for Soldiers Freedom Outdoors and their service to our service members. By the end of the weekend your mind is clear, body relaxed, and you're ready to take on the world. If you are looking for a worthwhile organization to donate to, this one makes an impact with the service members they invite for a weekend retreat. Since being a client. I have become a supporter because of how much I believe in their mission.

I attended a weekend retreat with my veteran sisters in the Daughters of the American Revolution last fall. It was a wonderful experience. We went fishing, horseback riding, hiking and relaxing on such a beautiful property. The food was delicious! We felt safe in the environment, helping to heal unseen wounds from the military and life in general. Everyone there is warm and friendly.

Awesome awesome awesome. I can not give Dan and everyone at soldiers freedom enough credit. I went to a blade smith class given by Carl. Such a great guy and taught me so much. Keep up the great work guys.

The staff were really nice and hospitable and truly made you feel at home.There was a lot of decor and things to make you feel as though you had gone into someones family home. The host also got someone on board to actually teach you how to make a knife and gave his expertise tips and tricks on how to complete the project.

I met Dan when he presented a program on Soldiers Freedom Outdoor to my DAR meeting as our guest speaker. I have always been a supported of our troops because I was reared in a Navy family where I also had grandparents on both sides that have fought for our country near and far.
Dan runs a "well oiled" program, free of charge for our veterans and their families year round, especially veterans with PTSD. I believe our veterans have given so much, as well as their families, that the least I can do is to support them.

So many of our brave veterans have had experiences that we could not imagine. This organization helps them process those experiences and heal from those traumas. Grateful for the wonderful healing that takes place here.

This is a wonderful organization that has done so much for veterans like my husbands and our family.. Thank you for everything that you do!

The environment this organization provides for Veterans mental health is absolutely amazing.

Besides simply being beautiful place .. SFO is such a wonderful place dedicated to supporting our Vets . Dan D is dedicated to this cause and provides a relaxing and encouraging environment .It is one of my favorite places to visit and such a great cause .

Very worthy place for Veterans. We love going there as it is peaceful, supportive and everyone there loves veterans. Great place to relax, renew, get help if you need it or to just get away. Can’t say enough good about it. Dan, the owner is the best and only wants the best for all veterans.

Our weekend retreat was an absolute delight, filled with cherished moments of togetherness, laughter, and adventure.

The food was exceptional, and every meal was a celebration of flavors that brought our family even closer. The joy of breaking bread together cannot be overstated, and it added a special warmth to the weekend.

Fishing and horseback riding were a source of pure joy. Casting lines into the serene waters, we shared stories and bonded over the thrill of reeling in our catches. The horseback riding experience allowed us to connect with nature on a deeper level as we explored scenic trails, making memories that will last a lifetime.

Hunting for whitetail brought an exciting edge to our retreat. It was a thrilling pursuit that challenged our skills and instincts, creating a sense of camaraderie among us.

What truly made this weekend exceptional were the incredible volunteers who made it all possible. Their dedication, enthusiasm, and genuine care for our enjoyment were palpable. Their efforts transformed this retreat into a memorable and heartwarming experience.

In the end, our weekend retreat was a beautiful blend of food, family, laughter, outdoor adventures, and the invaluable presence of these wonderful volunteers. It's a time we'll forever treasure, and we're grateful for the opportunity to create such lasting memories together.

I have attended a few events for Soldiers Freedom Outdoors. The camp is an amazing place put together by Dan DiMarco a place for our veterans to enjoy. I will continue to support Soldiers Freedom Outdoors and Dan. Keep up the good work. If you are a veteran please check them out you won't be disappointed.

All I can say is WOW! I attended a weekend retreat with Soldiers Freedom Outdoors in Mississippi and was absolutely blown away with the amount of love, hospitality, and just the sense of camaraderie that was displayed while there. They had everything planned and taken care of, it was a weekend of absolutely no worries or cares about what was going on in the "real world"! I was able to have that sense or camaraderie that all veterans miss when we get out of the military. I want to thank everyone involved! I would highly recommend looking into.this organization!

I had the absolute pleasure to attend a hunt of a lifetime with Soldier Freedom Outdoors in Mississippi. Cindy did as amazing job getting everything set up and ensuring no detail was left out. I am very happy and excited for this foundation to be expanding to my area and reaching out to thousands of more Veterans like myself who love and need the fellowship and comradery that come with meeting and spending time with fellow Veterans. Thanks again Dan, Cindy, Kevin and Jim for what you do every day as VOLUNTEERS. I cannot express enough what your constant support and deep love for veterans has done for me and countless others, you all are a God send.

An amazing non-profit run by a true gentleman, Dan. They truly help veterans heal and relax. Highly recommend that you attend their events and help support them as they continue to grow.

SFO is a wonderful organization with organizers who are selfless, dedicated, and great to spend time with on the regular. This organization offers people life-giving time to explore and engage with nature- fresh air, open fields, tree-lined trails, glistening lakes, cattle, beautiful horses, and the best people to kick back with for good conversation. Spending time with SFO reaches from life-giving to life changing in every positive way.

It’s difficult to put into words how amazing my experience was. From the moment I arrived and saw the sign I felt welcome and safe. I was greeted with such warmth by everyone there, I immediately felt at home. I was spoiled with the best food, company, and activities the entire time. There’s no shortage of sweet loving dogs. The horses are so docile, well-trained and beautiful. Beginners don’t need to worry! I got to meet such wonderful people and I learned a lot. This was way better than I could have imagined. I’m truly grateful to have had this opportunity and call everyone involved with Soldiers Freedom Outdoors my new family. I will be back!!

Soldiers Freedom outdoors is absolutely amazing beyond what words can describe. This is an organization that literally saved me (active duty navy) and my spouse (marine veteran) when we didn’t even know at that time we needed it. We spend time at multiple events held by this organization. From staying overnight at the house and having the best host service made it all felt like family despite having just met everyone. Horse back riding on hundreds of acres was bliss for me while sitting in a tree blind was for my husband. They have a little bit of everything from fishing, hunting, horseback riding, relaxing in the house, nature walking and then some including events with your kids! Lake days topped the list of my 10 and 8 years olds favorites and they still talk about. Boat rides with tubing and wake boards while splashing in the lake. There is no judgment about where you come from, what branch you are/were but w healing and friendship/brother-sisterhood that you won’t find anywhere else. Would recommend this non profit organization to any active duty member or veteran- I guarantee you won’t find anything else like them!

This is an amazing organization full of so much passion and love for our Military and Veterans. I have had the privilege and honor to volunteer with SFO since 2019. I was first introduced to SFO by a friend that said they needed some help with retreat coordination. I live out of state and my husband being medically retired from the military and my love for our military and volunteering, I contacted the late Mrs. Gail. I never had the honor of meeting her in person but what an amazing woman she was. I am so blessed that she picked me to join SFO. Daniel is amazing. He has so much passion for this organization and for our military. All of the volunteers that are present during the retreats are amazing! I have visited the camp and it is so beautiful. It is peaceful and serene. Our retreats are a way for our military to join together in a small group, a non judgment environment and be able to interact with people who have been through the similar things and are feeling the same emotions. Our retreats are non structured, meaning our guests can do as little as much as they would like. The lake is beautiful and available for fishing or kayaking. There is plenty of space to get a way and be one with nature; horseback riding, hiking, hunting during hunting season. So very peaceful. I had the best time just relaxing on my visit. I would recommend SFO to any and every Veteran that needs a safe place to relax and get away.

This is a great organization. I had a great unstructured relaxing weekend to unwind, fish on the lake and explore the woods. I was able to interact with the horses. . I was able to do as little or as much as I wanted while interacting with other Veterans. I would love to go back and would recommend this experience to anyone.

Always a fun day at the ranch. We utilize their horse riding lessons and trail riding. I’ve attended events and it’s always good food and good people. -OEF Vet

All it takes is one visit to Soldiers Freedom Outdoors, to be around other veterans who understand your feelings, and you will return with your family again and again. I was impressed with the volunteers who are there supporting a weekend retreat and the opportunities available for the veteran and their families. If you are searching for an organization where 100% of your donation goes to support the maintenance of the animals and upkeep of the buildings and not to administration wages, Soldiers Freedom Outdoors is a foundation worth investing in. 100% volunteer run, you owe it to our veterans to support this organization.

I was invited several years ago on a hunt with Soldiers Freedom Outdoors. Dan and his crew were beyond amazing. This is one of the best ways to help with my treatment of PTSD.

Such a wonderful and beautiful place. Definitely a very relaxed atmosphere where one can truly relax and not be pressured with scheduled events.

After donating a couple of horses to Soldier's Freedom Outdoors, I was invited to attend a retreat. So many local volunteers donated side dishes cooked in house while barbecue was being prepared on-site in a huge smoker. One will definitely not go hungry. The feel of a family Thanksgiving feast. The ranch house is cozy with a beautiful view of the lake with ample outdoor and indoor deck and patio space.

What I found is that this is not a structured, scheduled event. There are many activities that you may or may not choose to participate in such as horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, hiking, canoeing, chilling out in a hammock and many other activities. If you just want to watch TV, hang out with other veterans and just chat that is your coice.

Dan DiMarco truly goes above and beyond to provide a relaxed and fun atmosphere for us veterans. He and the vast group of volunteers and veterans have all become extended family. Since I live nearby I myself have become a volunteer and volunteer on a regular basis.

This has become a home away from home with my extended family.

David Mullinix

I attended Soldiers Freedom Outdoors from 18-21 September 2020. It's very hard for me to relax and not do anything. Attending Soldiers Freedom Outdoors allowed me to do just that. If you are expecting classes, therapy, etc... this is not it. It's been so long since I've actually relaxed and just enjoyed nature and the surrounding area it gave me a new sense of what I have been missing.

If you want to meet some truly "GOOD" people, relax and just have fun then this is the retreat for you. Learn how to enjoy every minute there because it's priceless. Thanks Daniel and team for what you do. Great experience!!!!!

Soldiers Freedom Outdoors is a very special place. I was treated like family from the moment I arrived. Unbelievably wonderful people and the ranch is incredible! It doesn't get any better than SFO! I'll be back soon!

This was an amazing retreat. I wish I could have stayed longer. The atmosphere was so relaxing and therapeutic.

I call this place my home away from home because it’s a place to go and relax and have fellowship with other veterans and volunteers that are there to help you heal your hidden wounds of war and PTSD!

Soldiers Freedom Outdoors, It is a home to me. When I need someplace to relax, someone to talk to, a horse to ride, or a dock to sit on... SFO is my place to go. They look out for veterans of all. It has been a blessing to have someplace to come relax.

The entire staff is AWESOME. There is so much to do here (fishing, hunting, swimming, boating, kayaking, hiking the grounds, bonfires, etc) that you will have a fantastic time.

This a someone that everyone can and will feel safe. Its a great place for vets to go. The PTSD monster doesn't follow us there. The staff is willing to sit down and talk/listen anytime you need or want them too. They will even pray for you if you want them to.

I will definitely go back and I highly recommend it.

Beautiful place for a great cause! Staff is very helpful and friendly.

I first heard about Soldiers Freedom Outdoors about a year ago, paricipating in two of their equine Obstacle Challenges. The facilities are first rate, staff and volunteers knowledgable and friendly. They host a number of Veteran's Retreats at the ranch each year at no cost to the veterans. One of my favorite non-profits!

Amazing place to be! Amazing place to volunteer. One of my favorite places in the world!

This is a beautiful place with a lake and horses and trails. The highlight might have been standing in a pasture and watching a group of 8 horses galloping together toward me. They stopped and surrounded me .... just watching, as if to say, "Welcome sailor!". Can't wait to return sometime soon.

I am amazed at how SFO caters to our Veterans and active duty. This is a place to where you can find yourself. Veterans can participate in retreats, family activities, at no cost to them.
I love being able to volunteer at SFO along with others. I feel I am giving back to our service members for all the sacrifices they made for all of us.
I recommend SFO to ever veteran and active duty as well as reserve.

This place is great. I always leave feeling relaxed and regenerated. Soldier Freedom Outdoors isn’t rigidly structured like some other retreats where you have to worry about being someplace at a certain time and your days are filled with a bunch of little classes. It’s about you having fun, meeting other veterans, and spending the day with some big hearted great people that feel a lot like family. I’ve never felt disappointed or dissatisfied with a visit.

Dan and his team (Jack) are fantastic they took me out a few times and put me in great plots to hunt. They not only guided me but also talked to me about day to day life. Soldiers Freedom Outdoors has remained in contact with me over the year just buddy checking in with me to see if I needed anything. Anyone interested in any activity involving the outdoors should get involved with these guys they truly go all out to make you time very enjoyable. To this day I can call them anytime and will always have support and I cannot thank them enough for that. They are your family and always have coffee and time to help you!!

Awesome group of selfless people who take time out of their own lives to help active duty and veterans alike. Everything from horseback riding, fishing and hunting to just someone to talk to and share some fellowship and camaraderie with. Truly a great organization!

I’d recommend this to any veteran. It’s helped my husband tremendously. It’s a great weekend away from the crazy busy world. A very peaceful calm and tranquil atmosphere. No pressure or schedule.

I have attended several veteran retreats at this organization and the staff went above and beyond to ensure all was ready when we arrived and the retreat was very well planned and staffed. The entire event was awesome with many options available for activity and to get out and enjoy life again. The accomodations were great and the food was simply delicious. I felt right at home from the get go and very much enjoyed the fishing, horses, and just being able to relax and enjoy life again especially with my fellow veterans and the great staff. This organization goes above and beyond to help veterans and provide a safe, peaceful place for our veterans to enjoy life again.

Having served 20 years in the military as enlisted then to officer and chaplain, I’ve participated in and facilitated multiple retreats. SFO has done an excellent job of creating a relaxed, peaceful environment where service members and veterans have the opportunity to truly connect with themselves and nature. It’s a place with no expectations that can quiet the “noise” in the mind and reminds us to slow down and breathe. The activities are offered and attendees can participate according to their own comfort level. SFO is a valuable, needed place of refuge and peace. A beautiful lake to fish, swim, ride a horse in or go tubing. Pristine nature trails to stroll, power walk, wheel, run or ride one of their sure footed horses. It’s a place that brings rest and refreshment to your soul.

This is a fabulous non-profit doing valuable and much needed work in our community

Soldiers Freedom Outdoors is a place of peace, tranquility, relaxation, and truly gives you a feeling of belonging. From fishing, hunting, horseback riding, hiking, or just laying around in a hammock, SFO has it all. I would highly recommend SFO.

I attended Florida Hunt 6 (a large metal detecting group hunt) in early 2020 on the property of Soldiers Freedom Outdoors. I not only greatly valued the history of the property, but was really impressed with how beautiful & relaxing it was out there. I can see why they use their property & amenities to help veterans and how therapeutic it is to use nature to accomplish this. Certainly a great organization that our country needs more of, especially in the era we're living in!

Dan DiMarco, Dennis and Gail DiMarco, along with Rachael Sickenberger, and other team members, have worked what I describe as an on going miracle for our Veterans.

Their weekend retreats transform Veterans who have experienced the traumas of military service. On each weekend retreat, Veterans experience a way of regaining balance on the back of a horse. Or they achieve new life sharing a weekend of fishing, hunting, as well and other things, and by sharing life, with fellow Veterans, over a meal.

Keep in mind that every second of the retreat is paid for by monies raised by this exceptional non profit! The Veterans are privileged to experience this transformational retreat 100% free of ANY charge.

Few charities, if any, are able to do so much with their donations. Every donor can be assured that their donations will be used exactly as intended for the good of those Veterans who benefit from this non profit.

This past weekend we had 7 lady veterans and one civilian (a veteran's daughter) as our guests. They all were from the Jacksonville area here in FL and I could easily discern they were from an urban environment and not accustomed to our country atmosphere. However, all of them were so excited, embraced their new environment and were anxious to explore everything.

We tell all our guests that that we do not have a specific agenda with rigid timetables, this allows our guests to relax totally and they are not pressured to do anything outside of their comfort level. If your want to ride, fish, hike, bicycle, walk, kayak or just snooze for hours, that's OK with us.

For most attendees, the big attraction is our horses. Some chose a casual walk around the round pen while others decided to go on a trail ride. It was great to see them bond with their animals, talking to them and grooming them. Some also got a great trail ride in our 6-passenger utility vehicle and cruised our trails and pastures with horses, cows and native wildlife. We served up some great barbecue and fellowship in the afternoon. That evening, there was a campfire where the ladies really got to know one another, shared their stories about their military service, their lives and personal things that they alone will ever know. On Sunday they had a great breakfast, more fellowship and were presented with plaques of gratitude for their military service. All had a great time and thanked the volunteers profusely. WE were the ones who were truly blessed to be able to serve them.

Thanks to ALL of our veterans!

My name is Colby. I served in the Marine Corps for 4 years. I served in North Carolina, California, Okinawa Japan, Thailand, and South Korea. I was able to attend one of the events sponsored by The Freedom Outdoors down in Wauchula Fl at Camp Shannon a few years ago. It was an amazing weekend fishing, hunting, and getting to fellowship with other veterans and service members. The attention to detail that went into the weekend was amazing. I knew instantly that I had to become involved in such a devoted cause to give back to those that sacrifice so much for us. I have since been on two other hunting events and got the opportunity to sponsor a fishing adventure here in the panhandle! Dan Dimarco and his crew are a cut above the rest and truly go the extra distance to give back to our military! The Freedom Outdoors is an excellent nonprofit that is truly focused on giving back, "Supporting our troops through outdoor adventures".

Semper Fi,
Cpl. Cone

Great group great people doing awesome stuff! I look forward to being further involved.

I am writing this letter to let you know what an amazing experience I have being involved with The Freedom Outdoors. I want you to know that being involved has become an important part of my life, and recovery.
The different events and opportunities with fishing and hunting have allowed me to set attainable goals, and successfully achieve them despite my injuries. I always look forward to the knowledge, laughter, experience, and the comradery that I share with the other Veterans whenever I participate in any of F.O.’s events.
I just want to thank everyone involved in making these events possible. I especially want to thank you Dan Dimarco because I understand how difficult it can be to logistically plan for bringing Vets and all their gear to Events. When coordinating with Boat Captains, Hunting Guides, Lodging, Gear and Chow. I understand the time and effort that you put into these events and I want you to know that the Vets truly appreciate and respect your effort. Keep up the good work. Thanks again and God Bless.

I am a disabled Veteran from UpState NY, recently medicaly Retired from the Army . Coming home was hard for me and groups of people where out of the question! I found Spending time in the Outdoors helped me with my "issues " that came home, in the spot of my soul i left in Baghdad. The Freedom Outdoors helped me "Set that Aside for a Few days ill remember a life time!.

One night sitting on the couch found The Freedom Outdoors, on the web. I sent Dan an Email and he contacted me with-in HOURS!!! Dan and I, shared emails and then chated on the phone with in a day or two . Freedom Outdoors, is an awesome group. I went on an awesome hunt in South Carolina , and had a blast first time high fence hunt! All expences paid UP FRONT ! Just all around good ,fun easy time.thanks again Dan , Ben and all the others at freedom outdoors that made this all come together ." And in around 30-45 day!!!

Tom Romano
Ret. US ARMY

I was introduced to The Freedom Outdoors about two years ago after my return from a deployment from Afghanistan. Dan Dimarco and his crew set up a veterans hunt during doe week in Florida. During the weekend activities Dan created a family feel and welcomed all veterans as if they were family. The hunt was very successful with several of the veterans taking home one if not two doe's. Dan also provided great accomidations for everyone in attendance.

Last year after returning from another deployment to the Middle East, Dan and The Freedom Outdoors provided another memory building hunt during Spring Turkey season in Florida. Even though I was not successful due to my inability to hit my target the hunt was great.

The service Dan and the The Freedom Outdoors provides is by and far OUTSTANDING. He truly takes to heart giving back to those who have sacrificed.

Thank you Dan.

R/
Will