Ready and Forward
Helping Heroes + Community Thrive.
Note: Ready and Forward Camp Lockett is just beginning its journey as a nonprofit. While some features already exist, most of what you see here represents our vision for the future—a roadmap we’re excited to share with partners, funders, and our community.
Welcome to Ready and Forward
Camp Lockett (RAF)
America’s Forward Operating Base for Heroes
Welcome to Ready and Forward Camp Lockett, a sanctuary built on historic ground where the 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers once stood with honor, courage, and resilience. Today, we carry forward their legacy with the same motto they lived by: Ready and Forward.
At RAF, we exist to serve veterans, military service members, first responders, law enforcement, and our local community. On 188 acres in Campo, California, we are building a one-of-a-kind destination where heroes and families can find healing, strength, camaraderie, and purpose.
From equine-assisted healing, retreats, and holistic wellness to recreational opportunities, agricultural and trade programs, and youth sports, our vision is to provide the tools and community needed to restore lives, honor legacy, and invest in the next generation.
This is more than a nonprofit.
This is a movement of resilience, fellowship, and hope.
Whether you are here to learn, connect, or support, we welcome you to join us in this mission. Together, we move Ready and Forward.
About
America’s Forward Operating Base for Heroes
Ready and Forward Camp Lockett (RAF) is a veteran-established 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to honoring and serving our Nation’s heroes—veterans, military, first responders, law enforcement, and the local community. Located on 188 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.
Supporting Community.
Advancing Humanity.
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.
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.
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.
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
We plan to provide educational workshops for skill development.
Support
We plan to offer a variety of healing modalitites to those in need.
Retreats
We plan to host retreats and various workshops 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 have the opportunity to host survival and various outdoor leadership workshops for both youth and adults, heroes and community.
Wellness Facilities
We plan to establish a full 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 have the vision to construct a military obstacle course to train and teach our future heroes and give our current and past heroes the ability to keep their swords sharp.
Youth Sports Complex/Programs
We plan to construct a new turf sports complex for the Mountain Empire District and Campo. 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
Fundraising Concerts, Campo Days, Equestrian Events, Community Workshops.
Upcoming Events
