Camp Lockett Legacy Fest
ft. the Ready and Forward Revival
Armed Forces Day | May 16, 2026
Legacy Fest 2026 is the first annual Armed Forces Day celebration held at Historic Camp Lockett — a 400-acre military landmark once home to the 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers. This flagship event marks the beginning of a long-term revival effort aligned with the County’s official Camp Lockett Master Plan, transforming the site into a regional hub for veterans, military families, and the Mountain Empire community.
A Historic Revival Begins Here
Legacy Fest 2026 will bring together veterans, active-duty service members, military families, regional leaders, and community partners for a powerful day of celebration, remembrance, and forward momentum.
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This inaugural event features:
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Live music and headline performances
Military and first responder presence
Buffalo Soldiers history and equine elements
Family and kids activity zones
Veteran, nonprofit, and community organization tents
Local vendors and food
Visual previews of the long-term Camp Lockett revival initiative
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This event serves as the official launch point for the reactivation of Camp Lockett as a community, recreation, and resource hub.
Camp Lockett:
A Site of Extraordinary Military Heritage
Camp Lockett is one of California’s most significant military sites — the final home of the legendary 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers, and a symbol of resilience, service, and American history.
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Today, the site sits underused and unappreciated.
Legacy Fest 2026 aims to change that.
Our mission is to breathe life back into this historic property, beginning with Armed Forces Day 2026 and expanding into long-term programs that serve the Mountain Empire and the broader veteran community.
Regional Interest. Community Enthusiasm.
A Revival with Purpose.
The Camp Lockett revival has already generated early momentum, including engagement and expressed interest from:
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Congressman Issa’s office
San Diego County leadership
Buffalo Soldiers organizations
Local fire, DoD, and public safety partners
Veteran and military family groups
Community and business leaders across the region
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Legacy Fest 2026 represents the first major milestone in fulfilling the County’s Camp Lockett Master Plan.
A Historic Opportunity
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We are currently selecting the Founding Presenting Partner for the inaugural Legacy Fest — an organization or brand that wants to anchor this historic revival and be recognized as the catalyst for the reactivation of Camp Lockett.
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A limited number of major partners will join us in shaping this monumental first year.
STAY CONNECTED
Stay connected as we share upcoming announcements, media features, community events, and the next stages of the Camp Lockett revival.
FOLLOW THE REVIVAL
Legacy Fest 2026 is just the beginning.
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Ready and Forward
Transforming 400 historic acres into America’s Forward Operating Base for Heroes
Serving 1,000+ veterans, first responders & families by 2026.
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In partnership with community leaders, veteran organizations, and local agencies across San Diego County.
The Historic Camp Lockett Grounds (Campo, CA)
Home of the 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers
Welcome to Ready and Forward​​
America’s Forward Operating Base for Heroes
400 acres activated
Historic military grounds revitalized for community, wellness, and heritage programs.
Launching May 16, 2026
Inaugural Camp Lockett Legacy Fest
Armed Forces Day, Campo, CA.
1,000+ Heroes & Families Served Annually
Annual impact goal across veterans, first responders & local community.
Located on 400 historic acres in Campo, CA — the former home of the 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers
Ready & Forward is building a national destination for healing, leadership, and community impact.
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We serve veterans, first responders, service families, and the Mountain Empire community through equine programs, wellness initiatives, community events, heritage education, and outdoor recreation.
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Our mission: To honor America’s heroes by creating a place where families can reconnect, communities can thrive, and history is kept alive for future generations.
About
America’s Forward Operating Base for Heroes
Ready and Forward Camp Lockett (RAF) is a veteran-established nonprofit dedicated to honoring and serving our Nation’s heroes—veterans, military, first responders, law enforcement, and the local community. Located on 400 historic acres in Campo, California, the former home of the 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers, RAF carries forward their motto Ready and Forward as our call to action.
Our Mission
At Ready and Forward Camp Lockett (RAF),
Our mission is to honor and serve our Nation’s heroes—veterans, military, first responders, law enforcement, and our local community—by providing a sanctuary for healing, growth, and connection. Guided by the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers who once stood on these sacred grounds, we carry forward their motto, Ready and Forward, by delivering holistic programs that restore body, mind, and spirit; foster camaraderie; build life skills; and create meaningful opportunities for service and purpose.
Our Vision
Empowering Heroes.
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Supporting Community.
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Advancing Humanity.
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Fulfilling
Legacy.
Our vision is to transform historic Camp Lockett into America’s Forward Operating Base for Heroes: a thriving, one-of-a-kind resource where our Nation’s heroes and their families find healing, fellowship, and renewal; where the next generation discovers resilience, leadership, and purpose; and where the legacy of the past inspires a stronger future.
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We envision a living community where equine-assisted healing, outdoor recreation, trade and agricultural programs, youth sports, wellness, and cultural preservation come together—advancing lives, strengthening society, and ensuring that those who served are never forgotten, but forever empowered to move Ready and Forward.
A United Mission at Camp Lockett
Ready and Forward Camp Lockett (RAF) and the Camp Lockett Event and Equestrian Facility (CLEEF) share more than just land — we share a vision. Together, we are committed to fulfilling the Camp Lockett Master Plan and transforming this historic property into a thriving community resource for heroes, families, and future generations.
CLEEF has been a faithful steward of Camp Lockett, preserving its history and advancing its mission through equestrian programs, events, and community engagement. Their dedication has laid the foundation for RAF to join in expanding the vision — building holistic healing, wellness, recreation, agricultural, and leadership programs designed to serve our Nation’s heroes and the local community.
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As sister nonprofits, RAF and CLEEF stand side by side:
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United in purpose — honoring those who came before us.
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Rooted in history — carrying forward the legacy of the 10th Calvary Buffalo Soldiers.
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Driven by impact — creating lasting change on this sacred land.
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Together, we are transforming Camp Lockett into America’s Forward Operating Base for Heroes: a living legacy of resilience, service, and hope.
Planned Initiatives, Programs, and Facilities
Engagement and Support
Outreach
Our outreach programs will connect heroes with local resources.
Education
Educational workshops for skill development.
Support
A holistic space providing a variety of healing modalities.
Retreats
Retreat destination where participants will be housed in the original buildings from when Camp Lockett was an active installation.
Outdoor Leadership
Located in the Cleveland National Forest, where the Pacific Crest Trail begins, and Lake Morena is only a short hike away, RAF will host survival and various outdoor leadership workshops for both youth and adults, heroes and community.
Wellness Facilities
A full state-of-the-art wellness gym with various studios that will serve not just our heroes, but the local community. Some of those studios include: rock wall, pilates, spin, martial arts, yoga, hydrotherapy, and re-establishing what used to be a swimming pool as a full aquatic facility, providing various life-saving and changing opportunities. We also plan to construct a military obstacle course to train and teach our future heroes and to give our current and past heroes the ability to keep their swords sharp.
Youth Sports Complex/Programs
Constructing a new turf sports complex for the Mountain Empire Region. While primarily for youth sports, we envision our heroes benefiting from these facilities as well.
Gun/Archery Range
Providing recreational and camaraderie opportunities for our heroes. Enhancing public safety and handling fundamentals for our community.
Community Events
Camp Lockett Legacy Fest, Equestrian Events, Community Workshops.