Cooperative Living August 2016 - 3

InsideStory
" One day on the
water can do more for
your outlook on life
than a year in the
hospital, " says Ron
DeFreitas about the
therapeutic power of
fishing.
Amen to that.
If you've ever been bitten by the
fishing bug, you know what
DeFreitas is talking about. There's
something about the art of angling
(yes, we'll call it an art) that
unburdens the spirit. Like recharging
a battery, time spent fishing can
refresh the soul. And a soul refreshed
is one less encumbered by traumatic
stress of the sort that vexes wounded
service veterans.
Such are the thoughts behind
DeFreitas' creation - the Reel
American Heroes Foundation
(RAHF) - and the work it does on
behalf of wounded veterans.
And for his efforts on behalf of
wounded service veterans, Ron
DeFreitas was chosen by the electric
cooperatives of Virginia, Maryland
and Delaware to receive the 2016
Good Samaritan Award.
DeFreitas' story is all the more
poignant today because, in addition
to the work he does to help wounded
veterans, he has his own health
battles: stage IV metastatic prostate
cancer and Type II diabetes. He
speaks of his medical challenges
matter-of-factly, in a way that
indicates clearly his determination to
continue helping wounded veterans.
To this end, his family has pitched
in and gladly assists in the ongoing
spectrum of RAHF work, which now
includes development of a fishing-reel
system that will enable one-handed
anglers to enjoy the art of fishing.
DeFreitas is a real Good Samaritan.
And he's a real American hero. 
- Bill Sherrod, Editor
www.co-opliving.com
AUGUST 2016
Reader Photo: Ailee Farey
OUR MISSION
To inform you about your cooperative and its efforts to serve your energy needs; how to
use electricity safely and efficiently; and the people who define and enhance the quality
of life in communities served by electric co-ops.
CONTENTS
9 Virginia Conservation
Named the most outstanding organization of its kind
by a worldwide network of conservation professionals,
the Virginia Natural Heritage Program this year marks
its 30th anniversary.
14 Cover Story
Northern Virginia's Ron DeFreitas has developed a way
of using the magic of fishing to assist wounded service
veterans to recuperate and regain their lives.
Cover photo by Bill Sherrod.
38 Co-op Leaders
The retiring CEO of Shenandoah Valley Electric
Cooperative and the recently retired attorney for
Southside Electric Cooperative are recognized for their
contributions to electric cooperatives.
DEPARTMENTS
2 Viewpoint
4 Mailbag
4 Whatzit
5 History Mystery
6 Say Cheese
8 Happenings
10 Energy ROI
12 Currents
18 Your Co-op News
26 Energy Sense
29 Commonwealth Kitchen
30 Crossroads
34 Kids' Korner
39 Classified Ads
40 Rural Living
Visit us online at: www.co-opliving.com
Please recycle this magazine.
www.facebook.com/cooperativeliving
www.instagram.com/cooperativelivingmagazine
August 2016 | Cooperative Living | 1
The Cleveland Barrens Natural
Area Preserve in Russell
County is one of 63 preserves
managed by the Virginia
Natural Heritage Program.
IRVINE T. WILSON PHOTO
http://www.co-opliving.com http://www.facebook.com/cooperativeliving http://www.instagram.com/cooperativelivingmagazine http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living August 2016

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Cooperative Living August 2016
