TEMPLE TERRACE, Fla. — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced today a historic donation to Operation Outdoor Freedom, a program dedicated to providing recreational and rehabilitative opportunities for wounded veterans throughout Florida. The $100,000 donation, believed to be the largest in the program’s history, was made by Dale McClellan and family at a ceremony held Friday at Tampa-based M&B Products.
“Florida’s veterans have sacrificed so much for our freedoms, and it’s now our duty to repay that debt in every way we can. Operation Outdoor Freedom offers these heroes not only a chance to enjoy the beauty of our state but also a place for healing and connection,” said Commissioner Simpson. “This historic contribution will make a tangible difference in the lives of our state’s wounded veterans, and we’re incredibly grateful to the McClellan family for their generous support. We look forward to honoring their service by continuing to provide them with these life-changing opportunities.”
Operation Outdoor Freedom, supported by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and led by the Florida Forest Service, offers wounded veterans no-cost access to outdoor recreational and rehabilitative activities. Since its inception in 2009, the program has hosted over 900 events and served approximately 6,400 veterans.
Dale McClellan, whose family has deep roots in Florida’s dairy industry, is the owner of M&B Dairy in Citrus County. He grew up around Tampa’s Sunny Brook Dairy, a facility owned by his grandparents, and in 1987 he launched M&B Products, reopening the plant to continue his family’s legacy of supporting the agricultural community.
Operation Outdoor Freedom has eight dedicated facilities around the state designed to accommodate the needs of wounded veterans. These facilities feature bunkhouses, outdoor kitchens, dining areas, fire pits, and restroom facilities to ensure comfort during activities such as hunting, camping, fishing, clay shooting, and other outdoor recreation events.
More information on Operation Outdoor Freedom can be found at fdacs.gov/OperationOutdoorFreedom.
For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.
###