2007 - Present We began hosting active duty military members and their families to free stays and fishing trips on Sam Rayburn Lake. We began working with other small groups to host soldiers in transition many suffering from symptoms of PTSD and TBI. Other events includes Crappie Fishing for Veterans, Wounded Warrior Weekend 
2009 - Received the Presidents Volunteer Service Award
2010 - We founded Patriots Challenge  bass fishing tournaments to help raise money for our events and programs.
2012 - Joined the Honor and Remember Campaign and flew the first Honor and Remember Flag at our Patriots Challenge Championship
 2013 - Honor and Remember adopted as Texas State Flag for our Fallen on Memorial Day by Gov. Rick Perry.
2014 - Outdoor Freedom Network expanded its focus to include competitive fishing for kids by hosting the first Sam Rayburn National High School Open fishing tournament and the Deep East High School Fishing Series. This Series Commemorates the Service and Sacrifice of our Veterans throughout the season including the annual Texas Fallen Heroes High School Championship.
2014 - Began working with the VA Hospital in Dallas to provide therapy trips for patients including PTSD patients, Lady Veterans and Foster Home Veterans.

OFN began Project Guardian Angel to help at risk children in San Augustine County, Texas. The program helps provide assistance to these children in conjunction with the local Government and other charitable organizations.
2015 - Launched the Texas Fallen Heroes High School Fishing Championship with the 78 Jasper and 113 Lufkin American Legion Posts.
2015 - Outdoor Freedom Network received the American Legion State of Texas "Enhance the Lives of the Disabled" Award.
2016 - OFN received the American Legion's National Award for the "Enhancing the Lives of the Disabled" presented at the 2016 American Legion National Convention.
2019 - OFN received the Community Service Award for San Augustine County
2022 -
OFN received the Community Service Award for San Augustine County





  

NOTE FROM OUR FOUNDER

JACKSON HILL PARK AND MARINA IS HOME TO 114,000 ACRES OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FRESH WATER IN AMERICA, BIG SAM RAYBURN LAKE IN THE HEART OF THE DEEP EAST TEXAS FOREST COUNTRY. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC YEAR AROUND WITH A FOUR LANE DEEP WATER BOAT RAMP, LODGING, RV SITES AND PRIMITIVE CAMPING JACKSON HILL IS ABOUT FISHING, FUN, FOOD AND FAMILY AND IS ALSO HOME TO OUTDOOR FREEDOM NETWORK A 501 (C) (3) PUBLIC CHARITY THAT  BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER TO BENEFIT OUR MILITARY MEMBERS PAST AND PRESENT, THE DISABLED, CHILDREN AND OUR  LAKE AREA COMMUNITIES. PLEASE TAKE YOUR TIME TO GO THROUGH OUR WEBPAGE AND IF YOU LIKE WHAT YOU SEE CALL US FOR A RESERVATION OR MAKE A DONATION TO OUTDOOR FREEDOM NETWORK TO HELP US SERVE THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED AND SACRIFICED FOR US.

OUTDOOR FREEDOM NETWORK

HISTORY


"In 2007 we opened our doors to soldiers in medical transition suffering from PTSD and traumatic brain injuries to thank them for their service. We had no idea of the power that access to the outdoors and especially fishing would have on the healing process, but we found out quickly and have been blessed to witness Mother Natures nurturing embrace and healing for those who have suffered trauma at war and at home. Washington Irving said it best:

"THERE IS CERTAINLY SOMETHING IN ANGLING THAT  TENDS TO PRODUCE A SERENITY OF THE MIND"


Terry Sympson


CONNIE AND TERRY SYMPSON WELCOME YOU TO DEEP EAST TEXAS

                                                          AND BEAUTIFUL LAKE SAM RAYBURN


Fishing and time in the great outdoors is one of the most powerful forms of therapy. It can only be described as a primal form of meditation and healing

"There is certainly something in angling that tends to produce a serenity of the mind " - Washington Irving