Who We Are

Outdoor Freedom Network (OFN) has two primary missions – veterans and children in need of outdoor access as well as activities that support community and social good.  We accomplish this through five programs – Patriots Challenge, Deep East Texas High School Fishing, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, The Texas Fallen Heroes Memorial Wall and The Lakes Area Toys for Tots Campaign.  Each year OFN touches the lives of thousands of veterans, children and their families.

Outdoor Freedom Network (OFN) was established in 2007 by Terry and Connie Sympson at Jackson Hill Park and Marina.  OFN opened their doors to soldiers in medical transition suffering from PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. The first OFN program, Patriots Challenge, was established to create opportunities for Veterans in need, and their families, to recharge their healing and enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Sam Rayburn in Deep East Texas. 

We discovered the amazing power that time in the outdoors and, in particular fishing, has for trauma and depression recovery.  The Patriots Challenge program is considered an important part of the healing process. Over time, we expanded to provide for those suffering from other forms of trauma and to offer them a chance to take a breath of fresh air, lose track of time, and reconnect with nature.

Washington Irving said it best: “There is certainly something in angling that tends to produce a serenity of the mind.”