Members
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Leah and Free Spirit
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Leah (Captain): I have been around horses almost all of my life. I own a Pinto mare, Sierra, who is a wonderful drill and parade horse and Rio, a grade Quarter Horse, who has joined the team this year and also Cody's Last Buck aka Free Spirit, who I've ridden in drill for 5 years (he and I were part of a drill team that won the 2006 National Championship). I started this team to support our troops and honor our veterans in a unique way because I appreciate so much the sacrifices all our servicemen and women have made for this country. My family has a lot of military background. My dad served in the Navy on the USS Canberra, my brother was Navy Reserve, 2 great uncles (one whose uniform we are using) were WWII Army Veterans, along with many uncles and cousins who have served in the Armed Forces. This team has been a blessing and I give all the glory and praise to God and my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. |
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Marybeth and Cricket
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Marybeth (Co-Captain): My TWH mare, Cricket, is my dream come true. I use Cricket mostly for trail riding, but she also enjoys doing drill and parades. She is very laid back and likes having kids ride her, especially my children. I have quite a few family members that are retired and active duty military including my father (Navy), my brother and his wife (both active Navy Commanders), and 3 uncles (2 Navy, 1 Air Force). My father-in-law served in the Air Force and my Grandfather-in-law served in the Army-Air Force during WW II. I am glad to be able to honor the military personnel in my family, as well as all others that serve, both past and present by being a part of the 4 Freedom Equestrian Team. |
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Kathi and Gracie
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Kathi (Secretary): I have loved horses ever since I can remember and began working with them in my twenties. I am currently the proud owner of a Tennessee Walker, Salvation's Amazing Grace. My father served in the Marine Corps and my husband served in the Army. My brother-in-law and a friend both served in the Iraqi War. I am fully aware of the sacrifices made by those who serve our country and I am extremely grateful for them. I have joined the 4 Freedom Equestrian Team as a way of showing my appreciation to those who have given and continue to give so much to ensure not only freedom for those who live in this country but also to try to bring that same freedom to other peoples that are being oppressed |
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Linda and Foxy
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Linda (Treasurer):
I have always been around horses, thanks to my daughter, Leah and
granddaughter, Brittany, but I have only co-owned a couple of ponies
with Leah. I have closely supported Leah in her drill riding and
gladly became a member of this team to help her in supporting the
U.S. Military and our veterans. I had many family members that have
served in the military: my husband-Navy, my son-Navy Reserve, my
brother-Marines, two uncles-Army during World War II, plus many
others. I am proud of this team and their mission.
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Lynda and Shrek
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Lynda: I live in New Paris, OH with my husband and child. I ride my horse Shrek or Hank with the Team. We have horses goats, dogs, and lots of other animals. I feel strongly about what our team does and that all military personal should be recognized and honored. The 4 Freedom Team is a great way for me to show my support. |
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Kay on Jett
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Kay: I have a Tennessee Walking Horse named Jett, that is a wonderful trail and parade horse. The only member in my family that has served in the military is my brother, who was in the Navy. I greatly appreciate all that serve, and have served, in the military and am honored to be part of this team. |
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Leah on Duke
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Leah S.: I have been riding horses for many years and eventually fell in love with Show Jumping. I have two OTTB's (Thoroughbreds), Itty Bitty, who I've competed with Cross Country / Eventing and Duke, my team horse. I have a great respect for the Armed Forces and am very proud of my wonderful boyfriend, Chris, who has recently joined the Air Force ROTC. |
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Dana and Sierra
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Lorelei and Dancer
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Lorelei: I helped Leah start 4 Freedom in 2006 as her Co-Captain, along with my beautiful QH mare, Dancer and my cousin's horse, Foxy.....we greatly enjoyed showing our support for the men and women of the Armed Forces. In 2008, I moved to SC to take a teaching position. I have had many family members who have served in the military throughout history and I'm very blessed to still be able to occasionally come back and ride with the team |
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Austin and Thunder |
Austin: I have been around horses for about 3 years now and riding for about 2 and a half. My horse, Thunder, is a 14 year old Missouri Fox Trotter and he is very laid back. HE LOVES PEOPLE! We have been together for about 3 months now and already we have an unbreakable bond. My dad was an MP (Military Police for the Army) and I plan to follow his steps! Out of high school I plan on joining the United States Army and receiving a degree in whatever I think is right at the time (as of right now it will be aviation). Then I'm going into the Air Force/Coast Guard to fly either helicopters or my absolute favorite airplane, the C-130! I am very excited to be a part of this wonderful team! That's all anyone really needs to know about me!
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Becky and Shrek |
Becky :I have had a life long love of horses! When I was a teenager I had a half-Quarter horse/ half-Arab Palomino named Beau. I have experience in English, western, jumping, trail, dressage and many other styles of riding. Although I have been "out of the saddle" for many years, it is wonderful to have found a group that encompasses two of the greatest things in life, horses and the love/support of our military! I have been in the Air Force for 14 years now, am third generation military (grandfather was in the Navy during WWII and my father was Air Force), have many other family members and friends in the different services, and I truly support and love what all of our past, present, and future military members have done and will do for this country! I hope to contribute greatly with this group towards the spreading of awareness and supporting of our military troops! God bless America and God bless our troops and loved ones! |
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Alea on Blue Jeans |
Alea: I've been riding horses since I was young, I got my first horse at the age of 10 and have had one pretty much since then. I can't imagine life without them. I own a 5 yr old Appaloosa, his name is Blue Jeans. He is a lot of fun to work with and a joy to have. I plan on working with him so he can be part of the team as well. I have a lot of respect for the men and women that are serving/have served this country. I'm super excited to be part of this team! |
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Sondra |
I started riding roughly 11 years ago, but have not ridden much in the last couple years. I'm happy to be a part of the 4 Freedom Team, because it's a great way to honor and show my support for those who have served our country past and present. My grandpa is retired Air Force, my other grandpa served in the Army during WWII (POW for 8 months in Germany), my dad served in the Army during the Vietnam era, my uncle also served in the Army, my brother served in the Marines, and my boyfriend Travis is a SSgt in the Air Force Security Forces, has been to Iraq, and is currently stationed in Mississippi. I'm very proud of them and thankful to all the men and women who serve or have served in the Armed Forces for their courage, sacrifice and dedication to our country. We are the land of the free because of them, the brave! |
Honorary Members
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Mark |
 Rod |
 Todd |
| Rod Stanley, US Army Specialist(Ret.)I served as a Military Police Officer in California, and Germany. My duties were mostly garrison patrol duties, but I also served as an AWOL apprehension officer while in California. I was part of a rapid deployment unit while assigned to the 212th Military Police Company and was activated during the military conflict in Grenada. I am currently enjoying retirement following nearly 26 years as a Police Officer. I'm happy to be helping out the team as Ground Crew. | ||
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2010 MVP: Marybeth Norton 2009 MVP: Amy Bush 2008 MVP: Kathi Davis 2007 MVP: Cindy McCray
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A W A R D S
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2010 Most Improved Darian Lucas 2009 Most Improved Marybeth Norton 2008 Most Improved: Jess McCray
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