Arkansas Freedom Fund - Who We Are
Our logo represents the core of who we are and who we serve:
Arkansas: Symbolizing where we originated and the veterans we work for.
KIA Memorial: Honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we cherish today.
Purple Heart: Representing those wounded in combat, who displayed courage and resilience in the face of great adversity.
Family: A reminder that behind every warrior is a family. Their support is crucial, and they bear the weight of their loved one’s sacrifice, whether they face the heartache of a loss or the daily challenges of physical and emotional wounds.
POW/MIA Emblem: Honoring those still missing who may never return home. It reflects our commitment not only to the current generation of veterans but to all who have served, recognizing the lasting impact on their families and loved ones.
Each symbol speaks to our unwavering support for veterans and their families, past, present, and future.
Arkansas: Symbolizing where we originated and the veterans we work for.
KIA Memorial: Honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we cherish today.
Purple Heart: Representing those wounded in combat, who displayed courage and resilience in the face of great adversity.
Family: A reminder that behind every warrior is a family. Their support is crucial, and they bear the weight of their loved one’s sacrifice, whether they face the heartache of a loss or the daily challenges of physical and emotional wounds.
POW/MIA Emblem: Honoring those still missing who may never return home. It reflects our commitment not only to the current generation of veterans but to all who have served, recognizing the lasting impact on their families and loved ones.
Each symbol speaks to our unwavering support for veterans and their families, past, present, and future.
The Arkansas Freedom Fund (AFF) is proud to announce its certification through the **ADVA Verified** program, a joint initiative between the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs and the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office. This certification ensures that nonprofits serving veterans in Arkansas, like AFF, are fully compliant with the state’s filing requirements, providing transparency and accountability in our mission to support veterans across the state.
The Founders of The Arkansas Freedom Fund
Founded by Mark Leonard, with Don Kennedy and Fred Stuebe as founding board members in September 2010, the Arkansas Freedom Fund (AFF) was created in response to the lack of veteran nonprofits and organizations actively serving Arkansas veterans. After coordinating the Arkansas portion of the Wounded Warrior Project's Soldier Ride from 2005 to 2009, it became clear that there was a need for ongoing veteran support in the state. Through their leadership and the backing of generous sponsors, AFF has grown into a leading organization, providing crucial programs and resources to veterans across Arkansas.
Mark Leonard
US Air Force |
Don Kennedy
US Army |
Fred Stuebe
US Marine Corps |
The Arkansas Freedom Fund (AFF) is committed to supporting our military, veterans, wounded veterans, and the families who share in both the triumphs and sacrifices of those who defend our freedom.
We are a non-partisan, non-political organization, and we do not endorse any political candidates. While we are non-denominational, we firmly support one nation under God and honor the diversity of our U.S. military, made up of all Americans.
Our mission is to help Arkansas veterans lead active, healthy lives by encouraging outdoor activities and physical engagement. In addition, we assist charitable organizations in Arkansas that support military members, veterans, and their families. Our goal is to ensure that Arkansas veterans have access to the support, guidance, and resources they need and deserve.
We recognize that while government and state programs provide valuable assistance to veterans, there are areas where they fall short. When it comes to the health and well-being of our veterans, AFF seeks to bridge that gap. We also direct veterans to additional resources outside our realm when necessary, helping them navigate the broader support network.
We understand that strong family support is essential, both during and after military service. Without it, the servicemember’s career and post-service rehabilitation can suffer. AFF strives to ensure that families receive the resources they need to remain strong and unified during the challenging transitions veterans face.
Our primary focus is on rehabilitative and recreational outdoor events that facilitate recovery and reintegration. These programs include cycling, golfing, fishing, hunting, hiking, martial arts, and other activities designed to get veterans outdoors and active, regardless of their physical ability. We offer adaptive equipment such as bikes for cycling, carts for golfing, and stands for hunting, along with guided fishing excursions. No veteran is left alone in pursuing their goals!
It's important to note that the term "Wounded Warrior" refers to a person who served this country with honor and sacrifice. While we are sometimes asked about our relationship to the Wounded Warrior Project, we are not affiliated with them. However, we share a mutual understanding of the needs of our veterans and work toward the same goals: supporting those who have sacrificed for our country.
Join us as we strive to meet the needs of Arkansas's servicemen and women. Be a part of our mission, and grow with us. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of veterans and their families.
We are a non-partisan, non-political organization, and we do not endorse any political candidates. While we are non-denominational, we firmly support one nation under God and honor the diversity of our U.S. military, made up of all Americans.
Our mission is to help Arkansas veterans lead active, healthy lives by encouraging outdoor activities and physical engagement. In addition, we assist charitable organizations in Arkansas that support military members, veterans, and their families. Our goal is to ensure that Arkansas veterans have access to the support, guidance, and resources they need and deserve.
We recognize that while government and state programs provide valuable assistance to veterans, there are areas where they fall short. When it comes to the health and well-being of our veterans, AFF seeks to bridge that gap. We also direct veterans to additional resources outside our realm when necessary, helping them navigate the broader support network.
We understand that strong family support is essential, both during and after military service. Without it, the servicemember’s career and post-service rehabilitation can suffer. AFF strives to ensure that families receive the resources they need to remain strong and unified during the challenging transitions veterans face.
Our primary focus is on rehabilitative and recreational outdoor events that facilitate recovery and reintegration. These programs include cycling, golfing, fishing, hunting, hiking, martial arts, and other activities designed to get veterans outdoors and active, regardless of their physical ability. We offer adaptive equipment such as bikes for cycling, carts for golfing, and stands for hunting, along with guided fishing excursions. No veteran is left alone in pursuing their goals!
It's important to note that the term "Wounded Warrior" refers to a person who served this country with honor and sacrifice. While we are sometimes asked about our relationship to the Wounded Warrior Project, we are not affiliated with them. However, we share a mutual understanding of the needs of our veterans and work toward the same goals: supporting those who have sacrificed for our country.
Join us as we strive to meet the needs of Arkansas's servicemen and women. Be a part of our mission, and grow with us. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of veterans and their families.