Cooperative Living August 2016 - 16

CoverStory | by Mary Howell, Contributing Writer
Good Samaritan Award recipient
uses rods and reels to rebuild lives
Reel American Heroes founder sees 'fishing as therapy' to give back to our nation's veterans.
L
ike the healing heroes served by the
organization he founded, Ron
DeFreitas enjoys the tranquil promise
of fishing, of casting a line to see what he
might catch.
But this year's Good Samaritan Award
winner has cast his line farther than
most, creating a nonprofit organization
that offers free outdoor recreational fishing
opportunities for wounded and
disabled veterans.
" One day on the water can do more
for your outlook on life than a year in
the hospital, " DeFreitas observes.
The Good Samaritan Award is presented
annually by the electric cooperatives of
Virginia, Maryland and Delaware to
someone whose good deeds have
benefitted others in a way that may not
have been widely recognized.
DeFreitas received the award in June at
his home in Northern Virginia. It was
presented by Larry Howdyshell, chairman
of the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware
Association of Electric Cooperatives
(VMDAEC) board of directors, and
Richard Johnstone, VMDAEC executive
vice president.
DISABLED VET'S POSITIVE
OUTLOOK INSPIRES IDEA
DeFreitas, a Northern Virginia Electric
Cooperative (NOVEC) member, was
inspired to form the Reel American Heroes
Foundation (RAHF) six years ago, after
volunteering at a local " Take a Vet
Fishing " event. There, DeFreitas witnessed
a disabled veteran's positive outlook on life
despite the limitations of being a double
amputee, and vowed to do more.
He started his quest by soliciting
donations, " a dollar at a time, " at local
sporting goods and fishing retailers.
DeFreitas also contacted Lew's, a Missouribased
fishing tackle company known for
its American Hero Program.
" Lew's pledges a portion of all sales
of its American Hero rod and other
products to support organized programs
14 | Cooperative Living | August 2016
Richard Johnstone (left) and Larry Howdyshell (right) present the Good Samaritan Award to
Ron DeFreitas at his Northern Virginia home.
At the 4th Annual RAHF Tournament, volunteers (from left) Nelson Martinez, Dave Fletcher,
George Byers, Ron DeFreitas and Jason DeFreitas present Silver Star recipient Christian Brown
(seated, front) with an autographed B.A.S.S. Elite Series pro jersey as a thank-you for his service.
that help our nation's veterans return to
enjoying outdoor recreational activities, "
he explains.
DeFreitas then contacted Virginia
military bases and hospitals, offering to
provide servicemen from all branches of
our nation's armed forces an opportunity
to get out on the water for fun and
competition.
Shortly after gaining 501(c)(3)
nonprofit status in 2010, RAHF hosted its
first bass tournament. This event benefited
www.co-opliving.com
PHOTO COURTESY RAHF
BILL SHERROD PHOTO

http://www.co-opliving.com

Cooperative Living August 2016

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