Freedom Fidos

10/28/2024

Love what we do.

10/08/2024

We are grateful for the addition of three more sponsors for the Freedom Fidos 2024 Turkey Shoot Fundraising Event.
Columbus-Ft.Benning Shrine Club
3202 Edgewood Rd,
Columbus, GA 31907
(706) 561-5448
[email protected]
Thank you for the support and for everything you do for children.

_______________________________________________________________
Winn Dixie
https://www.winndixie.com/storedetails/columbus/ga?search=439
Thanks so much for your generous support.
________________________________________________________________
First People Bank
https://www.firstpeoplesbank.com/
Thank you for your support.
We appreciate all the awesome love you give Christiana Westbrook and Miss Nikita at the Hamilton, Ga, Branch when they come in there.

We appreciate all our other sponsors as well.
TouchTheTop
https://erikweihenmayer.com/
No Barriers
https://nobarriersusa.org/

Thank you all for your support. We are beyond grateful and excited about the exponential pace we are moving with ever increased dedication to our mission and to do more .
Matt, Brinks Burgess, and the Freedom Fidos Team

10/01/2024

We are excited to be asked to attend Orange Beach Freedom Fest this coming Friday and Saturday.
Would love for anyone who can to come out and see us doing what we do and enjoy the fabulous festivities.
There is something there for everyone.

https://www.gulfshores.com/events-calendar/annual-events-and-festivals/orange-beach-freedom-fest
https://www.orangebeachal.gov/429/Freedom-Fest

Mark your calendars for the 4th Annual Orange Beach Freedom Fest! The Freedom Fest will be a two-day event on October 4th and 5th at the Wharf. 

09/24/2024

09/21/2024

The Brinks Six Month Fence Panel Challenge:
Hi. I am trying to help reduce
my Dad's stress and help him get more sleep) so I can also get more sleep). I am asking for 20 people to commit to purchasing one panel per month for six months. This would create 20 panels a month, allowing the entire fence to be done in six months. This would allow my Dad to give me and the other Service Dogs in training the daily exercise we need, allowing my Dad not to be stressed about us(well,not me, really) running into the road.

I don't really understand what this is as it's not a treat or a pet, but my dad said to mention something about tax receipts, which can be provided.
Hugs, tail wags, and the amazing Brinks smile.

If you have any questions, you can reach our web support team by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1-800-430-3376

09/21/2024

Got machinery? LOL
Do you have a tractor or bulldozer?
At the Freedom Fidos facility, there is currently a big pile of burnt brush with metal in it,etc. We would like to have it moved with a tractor and a bucket or pushed farther down out of sight as it is an eye soar, and we have very interested donors with some huge opportunities.

I estimate this to be about an one hour job.

Thank you for your consideration and for sharing this post.

09/17/2024

Next week is a big building project at Freedom Fidos. Stacking the wins makes the Freedom Fidos Team and the pups happy. Win -win-win.
If you have a building being taken down we can use the materials- lumber-2x4's , 4x4's and any metal siding or roofing.

Borrowing an auger and a nail gun would also help us ALOT.

If you have a contact in the concrete industry who will donate concrete, we can use it.

If you share this post, we would be most grateful.
Much Gratitude
The Freedom Fidos Team and the pups

09/07/2024

Save the date.
Thank you to our Sponsors:
Touch The Top
No Barriers
Fuller Fire and Safety

09/06/2024

Yes, and how many times can a man turn his head
And pretend that he just doesn't see?
And how many ears must one man have
Before he can hear people cry?
Yes, and how many deaths will it take 'til he knows
That too many people have died?( 19 Veterans a day)
Bob Dylan
DAMN: Much more to do

09/04/2024

http://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3DNBJ8P8Y5SWN....

Check out our Amazon wish list. A pressing need, which is a monthly need, is Dog Shampoo and conditioner. Christiana Westbrook does an AMAZING job giving all our canines a bath every week, including their grooming, nails, and health and welfare. Four of the dogs we are training are Poodles, so their grooming requires constant attention. Christine does a spectacular job of making them look phenomenal.

Matt is the guy's guy focusing on the performance of the Service Dog and overseeing the organization while knowing the other stuff is very important, so I am grateful for Christiana Westbrook taking care of this area for the organization. Teamwork really does make the dream work.(oh ok, I'll admit it, you probably don't want me touching a pair of clippers.LOL)

Please don't tell anyone, but I have started looking forward to my weekly baths. Brinks. If they could now find a way to make my medicated shampoo not smell like a hospital, I would have liked it even better.

Thank You to so many individuals who have often, more than once, sent us items from our wish list. It helps us more than you know. We are disappointed when we can't express our thanks and send a thank you, so please let us know who you are when you send items.
Matt, Brinks, and the AWESOME Freedom Fidos Team.

09/04/2024

www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3DNBJ8P8Y5SWN?ref=cm_sw_em_r_un_un_d84st4TxjecRb.
Check out our Amazon wish list. A pressing need, which is a monthly need, is Dog Shampoo and conditioner. Christiana Westbrook does an AMAZING job giving all our canines a bath every week, including their grooming, nails, and health and welfare. With four of the dogs we are training being Poodles their grooming requires constant attention. Christine does a spectacular job of making them look phenomenal.

Matt is the guy's guy focusing on the performance of the Service Dog and overseeing the organization while knowing the other stuff is very important, so I am grateful for Christiana Westbrook taking care of this area for the organization. Teamwork really does make the dream work.(oh ok, I'll admit it, you probably don't want me touching a pair of clippers.LOL)

Please don't tell anyone, but I have started looking forward to my weekly baths. Brinks. If they could now find a way to make my medicated shampoo not smell like a hospital, I would have liked it even better.

Thank You to so many individuals who have often, more than once, sent us items from our wish list. It helps us more than you know. We are disappointed when we can't express our thanks and send a thank you, so please let us know who you are when you send items.
Matt, Brinks, and the AWESOME Freedom Fidos Team.

09/03/2024

Matt Burgess Bio,

After graduating from Bible College in 1992, Matt Joined the Military in 1993. His MOS was 11M Infantry, which he loved. While he was stationed in Kirchgoenz, Germany, his unit deployed to Macedonia and Bosnia. While in Bosnia, Matt watched his best friend be killed by a blast explosion. Matt also experienced two blast explosions while in Bosnia.

He received an honorable discharge from the Army in 1997. From 1997 to 2001, Matt created a successful tree service in Atlanta, Georgia. He also started out as a server and worked his way up to the manager of a restaurant.

He got married in 2001 and remained married until his wife passed away from a heart attack in 2022.

After witnessing the horrific events of 9-11, Matt wanted to serve his Country again, hoping his service would help enhance his resume as his lifelong dream was to be in Federal Law Enforcement.

He joined the National Guard Unit, 190th MP Unit, in Kennesaw, Georgia. He was sent to Reclassification School, where he graduated Second in a class of 110 soldiers. He was in prime physical condition and on his unit's list to be promoted to Sergeant.

Matt’s Unit Deployed to Iraq in 2003. Matt went through another blast explosion and also later learned he had experienced a reaction to the Anthrax Vaccination, creating 18 previously non-existent medical conditions. He went through a medical board and was medically retired from the Army.

Two years later, after losing his home, credit rating, and cars, he received his Permanent and total 100% VA Disability Rating, combat-related Special Compensation, and Social Security Disability.

Matt attended two technical colleges, learning how to work on boats and RVs.After deciding he wanted to obtain his college degree, he attended Gainesville State College, obtaining his Associate's Degree in Psychology. He then transferred to UGA, majoring in Psychology and Social Work. He desired to become a counselor in hopes of giving others what counselors had given him during the challenges he faced when he was retired from the Military.

In 2014, after the Creator, through Brinks, showed Matt his life’s purpose, Matt started Freedom Fidos, an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit that rescues dogs from shelters, trains them to be service dogs and provides them at no Cost to Disabled Veterans.

His Hobbies include riding his Motorcycle, time spent with his dogs-Most especially Brinks, reading, anything in the self-empowerment arena, Philanthropy, Brotherhood, and Sisterhood, especially when it involves coming together with shared values and a shared purpose to serve humanity and make our world better. That is his why and what lights him up.

He is very involved in Masonry and loves being a Chaplain in a few Lodges, a worshipful master, and the Worthy Patron Pro-tem in the Eastern Star, as these positions make him feel part of something bigger than himself.

He loves being a connector and highlighting all the good being done in the world. If his tombstone states, “He used his gifts and abilities to make the world a better place, " then he considers that a life well lived.

09/03/2024

Matt Burgess Bio,

After graduating from Bible College in 1992, Matt Joined the Military in 1993. His MOS was 11M Infantry, which he loved. While he was stationed in Kirchgoenz, Germany, his unit deployed to Macedonia and Bosnia. While in Bosnia, Matt watched his best friend be killed by a blast explosion. Matt also experienced two blast explosions while in Bosnia.

He received an honorable discharge from the Army in 1997. From 1997 to 2001, Matt created a successful tree service in Atlanta, Georgia. He also started out as a server and worked his way up to the manager of a restaurant.

He got married in 2001 and remained married until his wife passed away from a heart attack in 2022.

After witnessing the horrific events of 9-11, Matt wanted to serve his Country again, hoping his service would help enhance his resume as his lifelong dream was to be in Federal Law Enforcement.

He joined the National Guard Unit, 190th MP Unit, in Kennesaw, Georgia. He was sent to Reclassification School, where he graduated Second in a class of 110 soldiers. He was in prime physical condition and on his unit's list to be promoted to Sergeant.

Matt’s Unit Deployed to Iraq in 2003. Matt went through another blast explosion and also later learned he had experienced a reaction to the Anthrax Vaccination creating 18 previously non-existent medical conditions. He went through a medical board and was medically retired from the Army.

Two years later after losing his home, credit rating, and cars, he received his Permanent and total 100% VA Disability Rating, Combat related Special Compensation, and Social Security Disability.

Matt attended two schools learning how to work on boats and RV’s After deciding he wanted to obtain his college he attended Gainesville State College obtaining his Associates Degree in Psychology. He then transferred to UGA majoring in Psychology and Social Work with the desire to become a counselor in hopes to give others what counselors had given him during the challenges he faced when he was retired from the Military.

In 2014 after the Creator through Brinks showed Matt’ his life’s purpose Matt started Freedom Fidos, an IRS approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which rescues dogs from shelters, trains them to be service dogs, and provides them at no Cost to Disabled Veterans.

His Hobbies include riding his Motorcycle, time spent with his dogs-Most especially Brinks, reading, anything in the self-empowerment arena, Philanthropy, Brotherhood, and Sisterhood, especially when it involves coming together with shared values and a shared purpose to serve humanity and make our world better. That is his why and what lights him up.

He is very involved in Masonry and loves being a Chaplain in a few Lodges, a worshipful master, and the Worthy Patron Pro-tem in the Eastern Star, as these positions make him feel part of something bigger than himself. He loves being a connector and highlighting all the good that is being done in the world. If his tombstone states, “He used his gifts and abilities to make the world a better place, " then he considers that a life well lived.

09/01/2024

Sheree Mcnabb is the winner of the Freedom Fidos quilt raffle.
Congratulations Sheree. Thank you so much for your support of Freedom Fidos.
Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets for Freedom Fidos. We are beyond grateful. You all helped support our mission, and we always remember that.
We are grateful to Terri Richardson for making this amazing quilt for Freedom Fidos. Your skill is indescribable. Thank you for helping us help veterans and canines.

08/30/2024

After sending out a mass email regarding the upcoming Freedom Fidos Turkey shoot in November, within five hours, I opened my email to see that Freedom Fidos had received the funds from our first Sponsor, Touch The Top, which was founded by Erik Weihenmayer, the first blind Mountain Climber to reach the top of Mount Everest.

Backstory: In 2011, I received a letter from Syracuse University as I had gone through their Entrepreneurship Boot Camp program for Disabled Veterans.The letter included an application to a Program called Soldiers to Summits. If approved, this program takes Disabled Veterans, brings them to Colorado for two weeks, teaches them the basics of Mountain Climbing, and culminates in climbing a higher-elevation mountain later that year in December. The mountain chosen for our Year was Mount Cotopaxi, Ecuador.

I applied to the program and was accepted. After eating supper on the first day of the program, I went into the kitchen to help with dishes and found out the blind guy was Erik Weihenmayer. I would later find out who he was and his accomplishments. That moment ranks way up in some of my life's most impactful moments.

That servant leadership I witnessed on that day seems to have been effortlessly infused into the very core of my existence. I still love it when I exhibit it in any leadership role, including Freedom Fidos.

Quick side note, although relevant: Two years ago at a Scottish Rite event, I walked into the event, and there was a man who, in my opinion, might be the most accomplished Mason in the State of Georgia (3-page resume). With a smile on his face, there he was serving his Brothers their food. Another impactful moment for me.

Recently, at an event when I had the honor to help cook the food and serve the food to the attendees, with an inner smile, I said to myself, Thank You, Erik, thank you, Jim.

Back to the story: LOL:In December 2012, the Staff of Soldiers to Summits, including Erik Weihenemayer and 15( I think) soldiers, flew to Ecuador to climb a few lower-elevation Summits. This two-week period culminated in climbing Mt. Cotopaxi. Still, 14 years later, I remember so many of the group meetings, the things Erik said that inspired me, the personal conversations we had, and how I watched him be who he is day in and day out. With Erik( again, totally blind), I NEVER once heard a complaint from him.

He is one of the most positive, inspiring, uplifting, and quite humorous people I have ever met.For three days, most of us were struck with what we affectionately called the Coto virus, which sent us frequently to visit the porcelain altar. As I was going to the “alter” one day, I had to pass by Erik, lying in his bed and looking miserable. I asked him, “How are you doing, Erik.’? He smiled and stated, “ I am ok.” This became one of the many inspirational moments I experienced when I was honored to be around Erik.

With the help of my rope Team, I made it to the Top of Mount Cotopaxi—one of five soldiers who did. As I stood at the top of that Mountain after nine grueling hours of climbing in the freezing cold, slipping and falling, worrying about falling to my death if I slipped into a crevasse, I thought to myself, as I looked out into the sunlight and over the other beautiful Mountains, “ I will always remember if I can do this, I can do anything.

In 2014, after my Dog, Brinks, was used by God to show me my life’s purpose, I sent out a mass email stating my intentions to start Freedom Fidos. Within five minutes, I was shocked to receive an email from Erik Weihenmayer and my brother. Both of them said they totally supported my vision and wanted to help. Both of them have continued to fulfill what they stated so many years ago to this day.

I found it meaningful that 14 years later, when I again sent out my email today, Erik was the first to respond.

In 2014, I was honored to be interviewed by Buddy Levy, the Co-Author of the Book A Blind Man's Journey to Kayak the Grand Canyon: No Barriers. https://www.amazon.com/No-Barriers-Blind-Journey-Canyon/I hope you will read it.

I am mentioned in Chapter 15, and Chapter 16 is titled after a conversation I had with Erik. As I went back and re-read this Chapter, I found it comical that what I stated to Erik so many years ago is exactly what I needed to hear today. Events over the last few weeks left me facing challenges, and I needed to listen to my own message.

For many years, I had the deepest honor of opening for Erik and introducing him before he spoke at events.

In 2018, The Today Show wanted to interview Erik. In typical Erik fashion, he also wanted Freedom Fidos and me to be interviewed. Erik flew out to the Freedom Fidos facility, where we had a fantastic visit. ABC shot many hours of video, some of which were included in the segment that later aired on ABC.

We are so grateful to Erik Weihenmayer and Touch the Top for being our first sponsors for our 2024 Turkey Shoot. This is a continuation of the man Erik is, whom I am honored to call a friend, inspiration, and mentor. Although Erik will never say it and probably will be upset if someone does, this man is a celebrity, very well-known, and extremely busy. Yet, amongst all that, he was the first one to respond to my email.

I am inspired again more than words can describe. Erik, I love You, Brother. Thank you for everything you do to improve our world despite the adversity you have experienced. You inspire me, and I often think about you when I face life’s challenges.
Thank you for believing in me and your continued support of Freedom Fidos. I know you would want Freedom Fidos to,’ Keep climbing, be an alchemist, live with a NO Barriers mindset, and keep reaching the Summits of helping people.” We promise to do so.

Matt

08/29/2024

This is a little teaser for those of you who visit our storefront and see us at events, such as the Christmas Made in the South events.

We are so grateful for our great friend putting these baskets together for us and our great friend who made the quilts.

08/29/2024

07/25/2024

Home Made Quilt Raffle:
Tickets are $50- We are "selling" 40 tickets Only. We have 8 tickets left.
Payment links are included. If you purchase a ticket online, we need your phone number and name so we can add that to the ticket, which we will place in the bucket for you. The winner will be announced on our website.
If you would like to see this beautiful quilt in person it is at UniquExpressions, Coffee Shop & Cafe in Pine Mountain.
Brinks says thank you for helping share this post.

07/06/2024

Smoke Bourbon and BBQ will be serving delicious food from 11 to 8pm on the ! Come try our Blue Cord Burger. Everyday $1 from each sale goes toward Freedom Fidos. This veteran run organization trains service dogs for our wounded warriors all over the world. We are located in beautiful Uptown Columbus at 1047 Broadway.

Not Your Daddy's BBQ!