The Freedom 13

Building recreation retreat camps all over the US for veterans & law enforcement & their families to use like an AirBnB for a week at a time.

[The Freedom 13 @Freedom13Camps]

@HawleyMO Thanks so much Josh

[The Freedom 13 @Freedom13Camps]

Hardest damn day of the year...Hard to believe it has already been 5 years.
Five years.
Five years ago today, August 26, 2021, a suicide bomber at Abbey Gate in Kabul took my son, LCpl Jared Schmitz, from me — along with 12 of his brothers and sisters in service.
There are moments in life that divide everything into before and after. For me, this was that moment.
Five years have passed, but there isn't a day that I don't think about you, Jared. I think about the life you should still be living. The places you should have gone. The memories we should still be making. I wonder who you would be today and what you would have accomplished.
I would give anything for one more conversation. One more hug. One more chance to hear your voice and tell you how incredibly proud I am to be your dad.
But since I can't have that, I will spend the rest of my life making sure your life, your sacrifice, and your name are never forgotten.
We are still fighting for answers.
We are still fighting for accountability.
We are still fighting for justice.
And through The Freedom 13, we are building something that will outlive all of us — Healing Camps where our veterans, law enforcement officers, Gold Star Families, and their loved ones can come together to reboot, reset, recharge, and heal.
Every home we build. Every veteran we help. Every family that finds peace there. Every life that is changed will carry a piece of your legacy with it.
Jared, this is all for you.
You were only 20 years old, but the impact of your life will reach generations of people you never had the chance to meet.
Five years later, the pain hasn't disappeared. I've simply learned how to carry it while turning that pain into purpose.
As long as I have a voice, I will speak your name.
As long as I have strength, I will fight for justice.
As long as I am here, I will build your legacy.
I love you, son. I miss you more than words could ever explain.
LCpl Jared Schmitz
United States Marine Corps
Killed in Action — Abbey Gate, Kabul, Afghanistan
August 26, 2021
Your legacy lives on.
We will never forget. 📷
#jaredschmitz #AbbeyGate #neverforget #thefreedom13 #RememberThe13 #HonorTheFallen https://t.co/1SKnq69rgG

[The Freedom 13 @Freedom13Camps]

Please share our video on all of your socials. We want the world to remember...
The time is upon us...the 5th year anniversary of the tragic bombing at the Abbey Gate in Kabul, Afghanistan happened. The Freedom 13 created a video with some previously never released clips. We will forever document this terrible tragedy that never should have happened. August 26, 2021 we lost 13 brave American souls including my son. Please say their names and never forget them...
LCpl. Jared M. Schmitz, U.S. Marine Corps
LCpl. David L. Espinoza, U.S. Marine Corps
LCpl. Rylee J. McCollum, U.S. Marine Corps
LCpl. Dylan R. Merola, U.S. Marine Corps
LCpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, U.S. Marine Corps
Cpl. Hunter Lopez, U.S. Marine Corps
Cpl. Daegan W. Page, U.S. Marine Corps
Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, U.S. Marine Corps
Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, U.S. Marine Corps
Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, U.S. Marine Corps
SSgt. Darin T. Hoover, U.S. Marine Corps
PO3 Maxton W. Soviak, U.S. Navy
SSgt. Ryan C. Knauss, U.S. Army
Please support the efforts one family is taking to turn a tragedy into a triumph. Visit https://t.co/1SKnq69rgG

[The Freedom 13 @Freedom13Camps]

@DonaldTrumpJrQ2 B

[The Freedom 13 @Freedom13Camps]

@CapitalVissionX 16

[The Freedom 13 @Freedom13Camps]

Update on the upcoming Angels of Abbey Gate Memorial Ride and Trivia Night. https://t.co/CV1aJvfWf6

[The Freedom 13 @Freedom13Camps]

Today, here in Wentzville, MO July 8th is forever known as Marine LCpl Jared Schmitz Day. Today is the day Jared went to MEPS downtown was sworn in and left for Camp Pendleton to place his feet on the yellow footprints. Today marked the day my son began his lifelong journey of becoming a US Marine and proudly serving his country. He was murdered while saving others and living his dream with honor, courage, and commitment. In 20 short years this young man impressed me beyond words. We all love and miss you buddy. Rest easy son; til I see you again ~ Dad
#neverforget #heroes #thefreedom13 #TilValhalla #semperfi https://t.co/1SKnq69rgG

[The Freedom 13 @Freedom13Camps]

Banned in Germany, Elon Musk has posted the entire movie for free. The migrant issue will cause citizen vigilantism to spike. This movie will spark the movement. CITIZEN VIGILANTE. Watch.
https://t.co/87lfzYw7Fh

[The Freedom 13 @Freedom13Camps]

I am often asked if I support this war in Iran and there is not a number BIG enough to answer with! That's a HELL YES from me! Iran has been the the #1 supporter of terrorist proxies all over the globe. Iran ultimately is responsible for funding the cowardly suicide bombing at the Abbey Gate that took my son and 12 other servicemembers. Do not misconstrue what I am saying here. The Iranian people as a whole are good people I am only speaking about the Regime.
The Regime has held the Iranian people hostage for more than 40 years....killed thousands of protesters... killed our military men & women for years... via their paid proxies, but the good news is, it will be soon coming to a screeching halt....thanks to our incredible US service men & women who are systematically destroying this snake... piece by piece. This is history in the making my friends and I believe that if a nation chants death to America, you are a fool not to believe it. Prayers for our shitkickers and a free Iran!!

[The Freedom 13 @Freedom13Camps]

If you were not at the Salute Our Troops Gala you missed the debut of the wonderful endorsement we got from Gary Sinise.

[The Freedom 13 @Freedom13Camps]

Today would have been my son Jared’s 25th birthday.
Instead, it’s his 5th Heavenly birthday.
Five years since a knock on the door shattered our world.
Five years since 13 American service members — including my son, Marine LCpl Jared Schmitz — were killed in the Abbey Gate suicide bombing on August 26, 2021.
Five years of birthdays celebrated at a gravesite instead of around a kitchen table.
Jared should be 25 today.
He should be building a life.
Maybe starting a family.
Arguing about sports.
Laughing too loud.
Living.
Instead, we bring flowers.
We bring flags.
We bring memories.
And we bring the unbearable weight of what should have been.
Jared didn’t die doing something reckless.
He died doing what Marines do — protecting others.
Standing between evil and innocent people who just wanted a chance at freedom.
That was my son.
He was 20 years old.
He had his whole life ahead of him.
And he ran toward danger so others could run away from it.
There are 13 families who live this reality every single day.
Thirteen empty chairs.
Thirteen birthdays that don’t look the way they should.
Thirteen legacies that deserve to be remembered — not just today, but always.
Jared,
You should be 25 today.
Instead, heaven is celebrating you.
We miss your laugh.
We miss your sarcasm.
We miss your presence in our house.
There isn’t a single day that goes by that you aren’t thought about, spoken about, carried with us.
You are not just a headline.
You are not just a date in history.
You are our son.
And while evil took your life, it will never take your legacy.
Because of you, we fight for our veterans & law enforcement.
Because of you, we stand for accountability.
Because of you, we make sure your name — and the names of all 13 — are never forgotten.
Happy 25th Birthday, Jared.
Happy 5th Heavenly Birthday, Marine.
Until we see you again.
Semper Fi. 📷 ~ Dad

[The Freedom 13 @Freedom13Camps]

Tomorrow is the last day to get your Gala tickets for our Salute Our Troops Gala Feb 27th, 2026

[The Freedom 13 @Freedom13Camps]

Last handful of days to get your gala tickets to our Salute Our Troops Gala

[The Freedom 13 @Freedom13Camps]

Since we are no longer organizing the Pub Crawls (just got to be way too time consuming) we wanted to extend an invitation out to all those who have attended our Pub Crawls in the past and even those who didn't to come out to the Marine LCpl Jared Schmitz Birthday Bash. Don't miss the birthday party of the year! Come help us celebrate this amazing HERO on Wednesday February 25, 2026 (Jared's actual birthday) at Town Square Pub N Grub and enjoy live music from RUSSO & CO from 6-10pm

[The Freedom 13 @Freedom13Camps]

SAVE THE DATES ! Be a part of something bigger #NeverForget #thefreedom13 #Military #lawenforcement

[The Freedom 13 @Freedom13Camps]

It is my distinct honor to introduce you to The Freedom 13's Salute Our Troops Gala keynote speaker Adam Smith. You will not want to miss his speech guys! https://t.co/CV1aJvfWf6

[The Freedom 13 @Freedom13Camps]

Looking to back a wonderful mission? Learn more at https://t.co/CV1aJvfWf6

[The Freedom 13 @Freedom13Camps]

Save the date! Saturday June 6th.....push yourself like never before.....you won't regret it. The Freedom 13 Muddy Banks Brewing #runforacause #ultramarathon #marathon #marathontraining #freedom #Veterans #LawEnforcement

[The Freedom 13 @Freedom13Camps]

Happy 27th Earthly Birthday and 5th angelversary, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS CORPORAL HUNTER LOPEZ. You will never be forgotten sir. THANK YOU for your service KIA AUGUST 26, 2021 in Kabul, Afghanistan. #AbbeyGate #NeverForgotten #kabul13 #NeverForget #thefreedom13 https://t.co/G7yVC4YkNp

[The Freedom 13 @Freedom13Camps]

Now that we have made it past the holidays our The Freedom 13 Salute Our Troops Gala tickets are starting to roll out quicker than ever. Do not wait too long to get yours. You can also buy a table of 8 and a score a free ticket that way. This will be a night to remember! At least 2 of the other 13 Gold Star Families will be in attendance! Huge keynote speaker! Live & Silent auctions, Music, drinks and plated dinner ALL included in your ticket purchase. Photos are just some of the auction items that will be going home with some lucky winners!
Autographed bottle of our very own Jared Devil Dog Bourbon signed by President Trump
Autographed Freedom 13 flag signed by President Trump
Autographed bottle of our very own Jared Devil Dog Bourbon, Freedom 13 flag and UFC gloves signed by UFC Champion Conor McGregor
Autographed bottle of our very own Jared Devil Dog Bourbon, 8.5x11 performing photo and rare Kid Rock collector "Badass" beer brand autographed by Kid Rock
A bucket list type trip to Turks Caicos in your very own house right on the beautiful water that sleeps 18!
Many more items will be up for grabs! Silent auction items will be available to be bid on online, but not the big live auction items you have to be there to bid on those. Can't wait to see everyone there! Tickets, Tables & Sponsorships can be found at https://t.co/1SKnq69rgG