BOURBON, Mo. – The father of one of the 13 U.S. Marines killed in the Afghanistan bombing is working to help veterans and military families.
For Mark and Jaclyn Schmitz, the parents of a fallen Marine, a piece of property near Bourbon, Missouri, is the first step in bringing an outdoor oasis to life.
“Today we closed on our first Freedom Camp in Bourbon,” Mark said. “There’s 171 acres and two houses on the property already. Plenty of hunting opportunities. Stocked fishing lake; two miles of worth of riding trails for hiking or riding side-by-side. We’re turning this into a little slice of heaven.”
About 80 miles southwest of St. Louis is where 501c3 nonprofit The Freedom 13 has established this Missouri Freedom Camp, also known as Jared’s Camp. Mark’s son, Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz, was one of 13 Marines killed in the Kabul, Afghanistan bombing.
Not long after his death, Freedom 13 was created and a vision to create a place for veterans began.
“This will be more like the mess hall where the veterans and their families come together for that camaraderie and meals,” Jaclyn said. “Besides the outside, this would be one of those gathering places.”
“We wanted to create something that would carry on our son Jared’s legacy,” Mark said. “He’s looking over my shoulder right now and, God, love him. I hope he’s proud us; I’m insanely proud of him.”
There are two homes on the property at present. Mark and Jaclyn would like to add 11 more residences. They’re hoping to secure corporate sponsorships before year’s end.
It’s easy to see the nonprofit group’s vision for this Missouri Freedom Camp and 49 more across the county.
“I do feel that he looks down on us and I pray we’re fulfilling his mission,” Jaclyn said. “He was taken very early from this Earth. Whatever our piece is to be the extension of him. We would love to extend and be that and, more than anything, we want Jared to be proud of us.”
Mark and Jaclyn Schmitz hope Jared’s Camp, the first Missouri Freedom Camp, will open to veterans and their families sometime over the next two years.
