Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson today opened a new Operation Outdoor Freedom facility solely dedicated to offering wounded veterans recreational opportunities free of charge. This new facility, located at Pine Log State Forest in Washington County, consists of 620 acres and a fully ADA-complaint building that can house and feed 12 veterans during outdoor events.
“Operation Outdoor Freedom is a unique way of connecting our wounded veterans with one another and with all the natural resources and outdoor experiences that Florida has to offer,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “Creating these recreational and rehabilitative experiences for Florida’s wounded veterans, free of charge, is the least we can do for those who have done so much for our state and nation.”
Created in 2009 and led by the Florida Forest Service, Operation Outdoor Freedom provides recreational and rehabilitative opportunities to wounded veterans on state forests, agricultural lands, and private lands throughout Florida at no cost. Operation Outdoor Freedom has hosted more than 500 events and served approximately 4,100 wounded veterans.
This new Operation Outdoor Freedom property will soon host recreational events, including deer, turkey, dove, and hog hunts; freshwater fishing, nearby saltwater fishing; and other recreation activities, such as kayaking, hiking, and camping.
Operation Outdoor Freedom now has eight facilities around the state solely dedicated to activities for wounded veterans. These facilities have bunk houses, outdoor kitchens, dining areas, fire pits, and restroom facilities. Operation Outdoor Freedom outfitted the facilities to accommodate the needs of every wounded veteran participating in the program.
More information on Operation Outdoor Freedom, including upcoming recreational opportunities, can be found at fdacs.gov/OperationOutdoorFreedom.
For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.
