Organization Builds Nature Retreat to Honor Fallen Marines and Support Veterans
The Freedom 13, a non-profit organization founded by Mark Schmitz, is building recreational retreats to honor fallen Marines and support veterans. Schmitz, who lost his son Jared in a suicide bombing in Afghanistan, aims to provide a place for military families and veterans to heal and connect with nature. The organization plans to construct 50 retreats across the U.S., each with 13 homes for veterans and law enforcement personnel. The first property in Bourbon, Missouri, features amenities like hiking trails and a shooting range. The initiative seeks to address mental health issues such as PTSD and depression among veterans. 
