CEO and Founder of Veterans Lodge, Julie Smith, and DeFuniak Springs Mayor, Bob Campbell, with other local, state and federal officials will join to celebrate the groundbreaking of Veterans Lodge on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at noon. Veterans Lodge will be located at southeast corner of I-10 and Highway 331 in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Refreshments will be served Immediately following the groundbreaking.
Veterans Lodge is an unprecedented and significant commitment to the present and future welfare of our veterans dedicated to helping these brave men and women heal in both mind and body.  It is a project never undertaken by either public or private groups. The first ever Veterans Lodge Community will be built in DeFuniak Springs, FL.
Envision a community where veterans come together to support each other and take the important steps needed to set them on a path toward a successful and productive future. The Lodge will be a place where Veterans become financially independent, physically sound and psychologically fit by creating a welcoming atmosphere, free of judgement and replete with inspiration and opportunity.
Veterans Lodge aims to provide: Patient Rehabilitation, Post-secondary education, Job training for specific skills requested by affiliated employers, Cutting-edge research and development for frontal head injuries and PTSD, while lessening the burden on government through Private institutions, Temporary (up to 6 months) housing, Long term wellness care, and Holistic family therapy. 
Veterans Lodge is a 200-acre tract of land consisting of:  the Battalion Lodge Cabins, the Regiment Lodge, RV Campground, the Brigade Lodge Recreational Facilities, a Rehabilitation and Research Facility, Chapel and Gardens and miles of walking and running trails. Surrounding the Lodge is the 1200-acre Veterans Crossing, a veterans-focused mixed-use development composed of single-family housing, apartment living, hotels, restaurants, job retraining facilities, distribution centers and commercial and light industrial businesses. www.veteranslodge.org.
Many organizations, financial institutions and government leaders have played a role in developing this project.  Partners of Veterans Lodge include: Prime, Inc, Killian Construction Co., EDSA, Healthmark Regional Medical Center, Merrill Pastor & Colgan Architects, Morgan Stanley, Wavecrest Securities, Lecom School of Dental Medicine, CareerSource, City of Defuniak Springs, Walton County Board of County Commissioners and Emerald Coast Technical College.
Supporters include Resort Quest, Hilton Sandestin Beach & Golf Resort & Spa, Hertz, Palace Casino Resort, The Preserve Golf Club, Southern Galaxy Wine & Spirits of Florida, Yuengling, Rum Runners, South Walton Florida, TSP Screenprinting, Copy Systems Business Center, Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, Acme Oyster House, Outta Here, Regus, Buffalo Rock, Donut Hole and Showtime Events.