There’s no doubt time spent in the great outdoors is therapeutic. But when Allan Lutes and his lifelong friend Rick Briggs set out to invest in recreational property, they didn’t know how much of an impact they would have on the lives of those who have served our country.
Finding the Perfect Property
Nestled in the hardwood forests of the remote town of Brooklyn, MI, sits Camp Liberty. Spanning just under 140 acres, the property has become a haven for veterans and their families to enjoy a multitude of outdoor recreational activities.
“I consider it my personal mission to help other people, and this is just a way that I am able to give back,” says Allan Lutes, president and co-founder of Camp Liberty. “When Rick and I were initially looking at the property, we felt that if we were going to make such a significant investment that it would be wise to figure out a way to use it to help people and have them enjoy it too.”
Having served in the Air Force as a Major and working closely with the Brain Injury Association of Michigan, Rick recognized the need for more veteran rehabilitation programs in the area.
“We founded Camp Liberty and our charity as a way to thank veterans for their service, and outdoor recreation was a way educate on traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorders,” said Allan. “Since then, we’ve been able to counsel and assist many veterans in seeking treatment for those injuries. And we’ve also been able to provide them with a place of refuge to spend time with their families and find support from other veterans.”
Allan and Rick selected the property because of its location. The camp is in close proximity to a large hospital in Ann Arbor, MI, and as well one of the most progressive brain injury and treatment facilities in the country. With the Detroit Metro Airport also nearby, the location of Camp Liberty was ideal.
“It really was an ideal property. It has over half a mile of river frontage, as well as hardwood forests and open fields that make it perfect for a variety of recreational activities.”
Creating a Place of Refuge
The property also boasts over two miles of groomed trails that are accessible to those with mobility challenges, as well as eight wildlife viewing blinds of which three are fully handicap accessible. There is an archery range on site, and plenty of opportunities for fishing. The camp also provides equipment and gear to visitors for hunting and fishing if needed. The on-site lodge can be rented out for different events or family getaways and features a fully accessible terrace and fire pit.
The spacious lodge at Camp Liberty is ideal for a family getaway. Visitors can also enjoy a fully accessible terrace with firepit outside.
Located in Jackson County, Camp Liberty provides veterans with the opportunity to hunt in one of the most sought-after locations in the state. With more trophy bucks taken in Jackson County than in any other county in Michigan, the Camp Liberty deer hunting program is by far the most popular activity offered on the property. The deer hunts offered in September and October are also exclusive to disabled veterans. Deer aren’t the only thing harvested at the camp, however. Visitors to Camp Liberty can also participate in spring turkey hunts, coyote hunting, and pheasant hunting.
Currently, there are around 100 volunteers who help run the Camp Liberty charity, serve on their board of directors, and help maintain the property and groom the trails among many other things.
“It’s important for people to know that none of us are getting paid to do this. We do this purely because we want to,” says Allan. “The biggest payoff is when we get to have a disabled veteran come out to our property and see them be successful in their hunt, or just impact their life in a positive way.”
Supporting our Local Communities and Veterans
Having already been familiar with GreenStone, Allan knew they were one of the few lenders who would offer financing for recreational vacant land. “I served on the board of directors for our local builders and remodelers association with Ashlee, who later helped us get the financing we needed for the vacant land from GreenStone,” said Allan. “Ashlee is very knowledgeable about rural land loans and the value of agricultural property. GreenStone was very supportive of our efforts, and worked with us to ensure we received the best interest rate possible so more dollars could go towards our program and helping veterans.”
“Allan has a vast understanding of the building industry, in addition to what the needs of our veterans are,” remarked Ashlee Guerrero, vice president of lending at GreenStone. “I’m grateful I’ve had the opportunity to work with Allan on this cause and support those who have served our country.”
“With the relationship that we’ve built with GreenStone, we really have no reason to look elsewhere to different lenders,” says Allan. “Our mission is to keep supporting our local communities and continue to broaden our outreach to veterans who are seeking the unique tranquility of the great outdoors.”
Owner and co-founder of Camp Liberty Allan Lutes stands with VP of Lending Ashlee Guerrero who helped ensure they received funding and support they needed to make Camp Liberty a success.
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