Freedom Lodge Outdoors was started in 2023. The idea was a result of hours spent in the “Blind” with friends chasing Waterfowl. These moments always left lasting memories of Comradery, personal enrichment and a unique sense of community. We adopted a mission statement of “Helping Veterans Heal and Prosper” Freedom Lodge Outdoors’ main place of operation is in the Rice farming and Waterfowl stronghold of Delaplaine, Ar. In September of 2023 we purchased a house and began renovations to create a lodge atmosphere where we’ll run hunts during the Waterfowl season. Additionally, our local farmers / partners have given us access to prime agricultural fields for hunting.
In keeping with our mission to help heal, Freedom Lodge will provide an “all inclusive” hunt camp experience that will be coupled with nightly “Fireside Chats” to check in with the Veterans sharing the lodge each week. All inclusive means just that, FREE hunting, lodging and food. We are not guides, not paid for our services. We raise support throughout the year to fund FLO. This is by Veterans for Veterans.
Freedom Lodge Outdoors’ Team, resides in various places throughout the United States. The Team will continue to operate their local hunts, for Veterans, as part of the Freedom Lodge Outdoors banner.
Freedom Lodge Outdoors is a 501C3 ‘’non-profit”. Additionally, we have partnered with a local non-profit, the Lucky Fallis Foundation, and also conduct the Dylan Kennedy Memorial Hunt in Antioch, Il. Both young men left us too soon so we strive to raise awareness of Veteran Suicide.
DEDICATED TO MY DAD, RAY LOCKLEAR, VIETNAM, ARMY ‘66 - ‘68
For all for your stories and for making this dream come true.
ABOUT
MEET THE TEAM
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I served in the Navy for 24 years. First half of my career I was a Diver and last six shifted over to Warrant Officer retiring as a W-3 in 2008. I've been married for 35 years and have 4 kids. I am a passionate waterfowler with Geese being top of my list. I started Freedom Lodge Outdoors to couple my love of waterfowling and being with veterans. I'm so blessed to have friends / Veterans in my life to share this journey with.
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LT Warren Kennedy, MSC, USN-RetJoined United States Navy 1983, Jacksonville FL. Attended Bootcamp Great Lakes IL followed by Hospital Corpsman School then Fleet Marine force Medical Service school Camp Lejeune NC, Duty Assignments include MCRD Parris Island SC, USS John F, Kennedy CV-67, Naval Special Warfare Development Group, USS Philadelphia SSN-690, Naval Nuclear Power School Branch CLinic Orlando FL, Afloat Training Group Mayport FL, Commissioned 2004 after selection for and completion of the Interservice Physician Assistant Program at Fort Sam Houston TX and Naval Medical Center San Diego CA,
Served as Medical Officer Great Lakes RTC, while there deployed Afghanistan (OEF) 2006 to 2007, then Iraq (OIF) 2008-2009, Retired late 2014 after serving nearly 32 years,
Avid outdoorsman enjoying Fishing and hunting, especially waterfowl and whitetail deer.
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My name is Michael Campese and I live in Antioch, Illinois. I served from 2007-2015 in the United States Marine Corps. I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. I developed my hunting passion during my 2008 Iraq deployment and It has become an obsession ever since. I have been married for 10 years and have 5 beautiful children. I am passionate about God, Country, Family and the Outdoors.
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Raymond Moses, Staff/Volunteer, 28 year Navy veteran, Christian, wife is a veteran, two kids, son of a veteran. Lives in Greenville, TX. Volunteer with the Greenville Police Department, Christ Community Church and Freedom Lodge Outdoors. Hunts and fishes for every thing, hosts ferrel hog hunting in Texas.
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MCPO USN Retired
Served 1975 - 2005
Lives near Ottawa, Kansas
Hunts waterfowl. On water and fields. Private and Public.
Dylan Kennedy Memorial Hunt
April of 2021 the Freedom Lodge Outdoors family lost a young man very dear to our hearts. Upon returning from a 13 month deployment Dylan past away unexpectedly. It hurt deep. Dylan was an avid Hunter and Fisherman and embraced everything that was good about America. We miss him.
In November 2023, specifically Veterans Day weekend, the team put together the first annual Dylan Kennedy Memorial Hunt. We selected 20 Vets and paired them local volunteer goose crews to get them out on two morning hunts. Additionally, Delta Waterfowl donated blind bags and gun cases along with food for morning hunts. Saturday night the Veterans were treated to a banquet catered by Mission Barbeque. Each Veteran was given Memorial coins bring and a unique gift.
We hope to continue the event each year going forward. Most recently we partnered with the Lucky Fallis Foundation to bring awareness to Veteran suicide. Your donations towards this and other Freedom Lodge Outdoors events are sincerely appreciated.
SEE OUR GALLERY BELOW FOR PREVIOUS HUNT PHOTOS
Freedom Lodge Outdoors runs their Hunting operations primarily January to March. Each session will go from Wednesday till Sunday. Veterans will arrive after 2 (1400) on Wednesday with meet and greet, safety brief and hunting plans. We’ll do Morning and afternoon hunts Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The evenings, following dinner, will consist of “fireside chats”. Nothing too deep, just to connect with concerns and overall spirit. Sunday morning breakfast and departure.
All hunts will be in fields utilizing pits or skid type blinds. The fields could be flooded or dry fields. Heaters will be available as required. We invested in a large amount of quality decoys to zero in on success. Additionally, our conservation snow goose spread currently has 800 Full bodies and 500 socks. It will be set up 300 yards behind the lodge centered around a 24’ skid blind.
Veteran Teams of 5-8 hunters need to reach out on Facebook or contact Shannon or Ray directly. We currently do not have provisions for individual hunters.
Remember, the hunt with us is FREE. Hunting, Food and Lodging included. However, for scheduling purposes, you need to book.
Hunt With Us
Make a donation.
Please consider making a donation today. Your support means the world to us and those we serve. Thank you for considering our request.
To donate please contact Shannon Locklear at 847-404-3164
FREEDOM LODGE OUTDOORS
IS PARTNERED WITH
