THE FREEDOM AND HOPE FOUNDATION The Freedom and Hope Foundation is a South Carolina non-profit organization that was

incorporated on June 1, 2010 to provide fishing and hunting activities as recreational therapy for our wounded warrior military, both active duty and veterans and children with life-threatening diseases.

The inspiration for our organization came from a National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) Wheelin' Sportsmen catfish roundup in Newberry County in 2005. What began as a single fishing event escalated into 18 fishing and hunting events in 2009 with most of them being co-sponsored by South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). The concept blossomed after assisting United States Forest Service (USFS) and Quail Unlimited in a mobility impaired quail hunt in 2007 and hosting our first South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Mobility Impaired deer hunt that year also.

It became apparent that a local structure was needed for guidance and fundraising to sustain the programs, and the Freedom and Hope Foundation was created.

The Freedom and Hope Foundation provides free meals, overnight accommodations and local guided hunts, fishing, and Track Chair events on Lake Murray, nearby private ponds and private land.

The Freedom and Hope Foundation has provided opportunities for our Wounded Warriors and Children of life threating diseases an outlet to live and breath in the great outdoors, doing something they love and giving them inspiration to live to see another day.

THE MESSAGE

LAYING THE FOUNDATION

The Freedom isn’t Free Lodge was built on faith, perseverance and no money. All Terry had was land, a sink and hero's. As time progressed building materials were donated and the hard work of many volunteers. Thanks to that hard work and dedication of the volunteers and supporters the dream that Terry had to bring this dream a reality was completed in June 2012.

MEMORIAL HUNTS FOR OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS • Specialist Thomas Caughman • LT. Ryan Rawls • Specialist Frank Barbee • LT. Jesse Baker

Memorial Wall Of Honor

WOUNDED WARRIORS

CHILDREN

TRACK CHAIRS

HOSPITALITY AND FRIENDS

Christmas Everyday

NEWS

Taylor Kearns WIS 10

“Wins Emmy”

PROSPERITY, SC (WIS) - "Support the troops" and "thank a veteran" are phrases you hear all the time, but a Newberry County man is living those words by taking the handicapped and war-torn into the great outdoors. The small pond in Newberry County is a long way from Iraq, but no matter how far she travels, Sgt. Althea Wynn will always carry the reminders. "You see so much over there, sometimes you just can't handle it," said Wynn. Today, though, Wynn's mind isn't on the pain or the PTSD. Today the catfish have her hands full. "I'm not leaving South Carolina without a fish!" she exclaimed. Wynn and her fellow soldiers from Fort Gordon, Georgia are the guests of Terry Cotney, retiree who is anything but. "I got hooked on helping these needy folks and these soldiers," said Cotney. Cotney has spent the last few years organizing fishing trips and hunts for special needs groups and wounded veterans. On Wynn's trip, he enlisted the help of the Lake Murray Seniors bass club, one of many groups to hear Cotney's call to service. "It's all about God and country, so this kill two birds with one stone," Cotney laughed. A common sentiment, but few have taken it so far. In a modest, rented building in Prosperity, the Freedom Isn't Free Lodge serves as housing for visiting groups -- and as a memorial. Pictures of fallen South Carolinians flank a coffin flag, what Cotney points to as the heart of the operation. "I just thank God for that flag, for what it stands for, and I love that dear old flag," said Cotney. If the flag is Cotney's motivation, the vets' happiness is his compensation. "The credit I get is the thank you these guys give," said Cotney. "It's very humbling." And very moving. Ask Cotney about past hunts, and the tears come as fast as the stories. "To see a grown man cry, 60-year-old man cry and say thank you, it makes it worthwhile," said Cotney. "It's not about the money." "For us it's just getting out being able to get away from the barracks," said Wynn. "A lot of times you don't think people care but they do." "We need to show our appreciation," said Cotney. "We see signs everywhere that say support our troops, well actions speak louder than words." If that's true, Cotney doesn't need to say a thing. A charity bike and boat run is being held near the lodge on June 12 to help keep the lodge open. For more information, contact either Danny McIver at 803-944-9265 or Becky Wicker at 803-944-1322.

TESTIMONIALS Dear Terry,

I want to thank you for the opportunity to come out and hunt with all of you on Saturday. I really did have a great time. The value of being with my fellow veterans who have been through similar ordeals and share a purple badge of honor is priceless. I am very thankful for organizations like yours. I am interested in helping organize your next one and all you need to do is let me know what I can do to help. Maybe next time I won't loose my shirt tail...haha. Have a great and wonderful day, and once again, Thank You. Jeff Boyles

Good Day Sir, My name is Hector Berry, I attended your hunting event on the 8th and the 9th of October. I had a great time hunting and I really enjoyed your hospitality. My father and I was successful with killing a 90 pound doe the first day, but I wasn't lucky the second day. But over all I had a great time and I hope to be out there again. Hopefully I will be there next weekend for your other hunting event. Mr. Terry, This is SSG Berry, I just wanted to say once again going out there was a blessing. This was my first hunt ever and having my son made it even better. Also using a muzzle loader now I am sold on that type of gun. It makes the hunt more challenging "one shot one kill." A million thanks to the community and yourself for all you do for the WTB. Finally thanks again for letting us stay in the lodge it is a great pleasure not to have go and set up lodging at a Hotel. See you soon and God Bless.

Dear Mr. Cotney, I apologize for this taking so long to reach you. I have been running behind since we came and hunted with you and all the great people of the Freedom Isn't Free Lodge. First off I wanted to thank you and all the volunteers that made that the most memorable hunt that I have ever been on. The kindness we were shown and the hospitality I don't believe could be matched anywhere in the world. Unfortunately my memory is not what it used to be so I do not remember the names of all the great people who sponsored this event nor do I remember the names of all the volunteers that helped us, but I want them to know that they deeply touched the lives of the veterans that were able to attend the hunt. It is with the utmost love and respect the I say THANK YOU to all of you that made it possible for us to join you for this event. As I now live here in South Carolina if I can ever do any thing to help you in future endeavors such as this please feel free to call me. If I am able I will help in any way! Very Respectfully, SSG LESTER LANE

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

The Freedom and Hope Foundation has been operating with a very limited budget for several years. We are asking for your support so the foundation can continue its mission and provide more Hunting, Fishing , and Track Chair Trail Rides for those Warriors and Children in need.

Remember Freedom isn’t Free, it came with a price and we are helping those that paid that price.

Member and Contact Information

Executive Director - Terry Cotney

Board Members

Dean Fellers - Chairman

Ed Lundeen - Vice-Chairman

Gene Fellers - Secretary

Nichole Turnipseed - Treasurer

Rev. Dr. Derald Edwards

Jamie Cassell

Andy Garrett

Joe Wright

Hampie Caughman

Phone: 803-271-1861, email: scbeco@bellsouth.net