I volunteer every year to help RAHF. While the foundation is 100% nonprofit, the rewards for the warriors (Heroes) and volunteers are priceless. While we volunteer to help give the Heroes a day of therapy through fishing, they touch our lives far more. Helping our wounded Heroes to have a normal day, a day of laughter and fellowship, and have it go beyond that day is priceless. I will be there in 2019 again, doing my small part to help.
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I had the honor to be a volunteer this past year at the event out of Northern Virginia. A truly well run event. But the real pleasure was seeing the wounded warriors and how much this day meant to them. Besides what I experienced as a land volunteer, traffic control as boaters launched and parked, I got to listen to the stories of the warriors as they talked to each other and the volunteer boaters. I was given the privilege of going out onto the water to see first hand the interaction between boater and warrior. I saw the eyes of the warriors and how much fun they were having, leaving their worries behind for now. One wounded warrior came last year as a participant and returned this year as a boater, wanting to share the experience with other brother and sister warriors. Moving was each story, each single one about being normal for just this one day. The site as fish were we and awards presented. I will be back again next year, and the next, and... We owe them so much, and this is a small thing to help them. We need to do so much more.
This is a great organization from the Board to the Volunteer. A dedicated group that cares deeply about our Heroes who have given so much to this country. I have seen many frowns turn to smiles after a day on the water of fishing and fellowship.
I have been associated with
Team RAHF for eight years and have enjoyed every moment.
I've had the privilege of fishing their annual tournament the past few years and what a blessing it is to help take the wounded veterans out on the water! What they do for the veterans is amazing! Great organization that's ran by greater people!!
I had the privilege to fish this tournament several years ago as a disabled Vietnam veteran and was truly amazed by the way this tournament was run and the time all of those involved in this organization put into it every year. Since I fished it that year I was so impressed I have taken my boat down every year and taken a wounded warrior out on my boat. Until you've experienced this tournament you have no idea the amount of tackle each veteran receives (which they get to keep afterwards) the meal they put on, the prizes they give away and the faces of the veterans that they put this on for. I can honestly say I am proud to be on the Reel American Heroes state fishing team and am also privileged to be a part of this family's organization.
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Last year I had the privilege to be invited to fish the reelamericanheroes fishing tournament as a disabled Vietnam Veteran and I learned first hand what a fantastic and giving orginization they really are.It was truly a life changing experience for me to see how this tournament was run and the effect it had on the wounded warriors who participated in it .They showed our heroes a day out that I am sure none of them will ever forget and I know I won't. The fishing tackle and Prizes they gave out were phenomenal, the food afterwards was fantastic and the fellowship was very emotional. I can't say enough about this orginization and the things they do for the veterans and wounded warriors and their families. Keep up the great work you are doing I look forward to fishing your tournament this year and taking a wounded warrior out on my boat .
I have had the pleasure of being involved with the great organization for a long time. My first trip to the annual festival I brought my longtime friend and Vietnam veteran who lost his leg to service with me as my personal hero we had such a great time that he now brings his bass boat along to help out the cause. I have been a team pa member for a while and have taken vets in need of therapy out throughout the year by means of the reel American heroes Foundation and Ron DeFreitas runs a class act and I am proud to be his brother from another mother
RAHF is an awesome group that do good things for our veterans. They are caring and do exactly what they say they will do to help our veterans out! They truly care and will do whatever needs to be done.
There are so many great things to say about this organization. I have been fishing this tournament for four years as a wounded vet. RAHF goes all out for us from the food to the prizes. Everyone involved makes you feel welcomed and it for that day I feel happy. Thank you RAHF!!!!!
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As a disabled vet myself, this organization truly brings to heart what it means to give to our HEROES. No one knows the troubles these men and women go through on a daily basis both mentally and physically. Being able to fish and to take their mind off of their ailments and injuries and to have FUN is what makes this organization a TRUE 100% give back to our HEROES!!!! Thank you RAHF for what you do!
What an awesome Foundation. I have been a boater volunteer for the last 4 years. Enjoy spending time with the heroes and listening to their stories.
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This would be my fourth year fishing the real American Heroes tournament. I got to say this is it has to be one of the best put together veterans event that I've ever been a part of. I enjoy being a boater and listening to the stories of the vets and our heroes on the water.
So many great stories and life long friends made through RAHF. I have been both a wounded veteran fisherman and now boater. It has been so rewarding to help other vets get out on the water and fish. The group of people who work so hard to make this tournament possible do it at no benefit to themselves. I am extremely grateful for RAHF and how it has positively impacted my life.
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The RAHF is a absolutely fantastic organization led by some of the kindest/selfless folks I have met. I have fished their major tournament 4 times, and consider it one of the best events held for wounded warriors. I have made great friends through this event that I regularly fish with and spend time with. As a wounded warrior I have had many opportunities to do different events and network with non-profits. RAHF is definitely one of the best!
Can not say enough GREAT things about RAHF!! They are absolutely GREAT men and women behind the scenes making this one of the best experiences I've ever had! They are very caring and LIVE UP TO THEIR WORD!! I had the pleasure of experiencing an event and winning a trip with a Pro Angler Shaw Grigsby!! They set everything up for me and I was able to have the greatest times of my life! They truly care and go out of their way to make you smile!!! Can not recommend them enough! Love you guys!
Reel American Heroes Foundation is the real deal!!!! As a 2 time combat wounded Army Airborne Ranger Infantryman, my standards are high. RAHF fits the bill. I am proud and honored to be a part of such a great organization. I fished my first event years ago as a wounded veteran. I never felt more honored or humbled by any other organization's events. Only RAHF did that for me. It felt like family. I knew then that this was the only veteran's non- profit that I would be involved with. Donations are always needed for our veterans as well as volunteers and boaters. A truly satisfying time with great people.
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First of all, Reel American Heroes Foundation is the real deal. The money, donations, sponsor prizes, etc. goes back to the veterans who participate with RAHF. I am an Army veteran who has been wounded several times who suffers from PTSD, TBI, and many other physical ailments as a 100% Permanent and Total Disabled Veteran through VA. RAHF is family and you feel that as soon as you register for the tournament. I fished the annual RAHF tournament as a wounded warrior several years ago and I have never felt more respected, honored, and humbled as I did that day. I saw and spoke with veterans who truly needed this event as did I. From there on RAHF has had my support. I have become a boater for the event as well as a Team RAHF member who regularly takes my fellow vets out. Bass fishing was a big part of my recovery as it is today. It has given me the mission , the excitement for things again, focus, an adrenaline rush (as I used to jump out of planes for a living while in the military), peace, a sactuary, and many more things....fishing has helped to save my life quite honestly. RAHF has given me a purpose again and has been a big part in saving me. Truly first class operation. I was encouraged by my doctors to join another organization before I became involved with RAHF. I was disgusted by how things were done. Took my wife to one other event and have never attended another event with them nor will I ever do so. A volunteer who is a mutual friend of founder, Ron Defrietas, and myself asked me to my first event and truthfully I did not want to attend. I was done with veteran non-profits. This mutual friend kept insisting so I registered and am so glad I did attend. They have helped me so much and I love to share this with others. Fishing is some of the best therapy a veteran can receive. It is good for the mind, body, and soul. I am so proud to be a part of this family. Ron is a good man who truly cares for veterans. The board members also believe in the mission. I encourage all to be involved with RAHF. The veterans who come out to our events gets treated like kings. They receive about $450 of fishing tackle to include a Lews American Hero rod/reel combo, tackle box full of great baits, and much more like Hoo Rags. And the comraderie ...... priceless. I will not associate my name with any other veteran non-profit. Attend an event, donate money, donate time.....it is an amazing event. Good times that touches all involved.
The Reel American Heroes Foundation is providing recreational therapy to our amazing veterans. Ron DeFreitas and his team have put together these events to get our heroes back on the water and enjoy some fishing, relaxation and camaraderie.
This Foundation is 100% about the Heroes who have served our country and for that I am proud to support Ron and the RAHF.
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Reel American Heroes Foundation is a fantastic organization that focuses on veterans getting the opportunity to recreational fish.
I have participated in many fishing auction that have focused not he RAHF. This is a class act organization which deserves top recognition in their efforts to support out veterans.
This is a great organization that helps our military and veterans. As a volunteer I look forward to being able to assist them again this year. To see the Veterans and Military service members who take part in these tournaments forgetting for just one day any problems they may be experiencing is wonderful. The gear that they receive gives them a chance to continue to get out and continue being out in the great outdoors. They also make new acquaintances that can share their experiences and give them additional support.
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This is the Best Military and wounded hero organization I’ve been lucky to now call a family. The whole organization is here to help give Veterans an amazing experience in and off the water. Like a lot of military members we love our outdoors and RAHF helps us get to experience that around people who share our love and experience with our backgrounds. I will be apart of this group for years to come... Thank you RAHF for all that you do for our Veterans
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I have ben able to be apart and be supported through this amazing organization for the past 2 years now and have found that their ability to help the veterans through the amazing sport of fishing weather it be getting wounded vets out on the water with one of their many volunteer boaters, providing the fishing equipment with the wonderful venders and small business owners who make their lures by hand, or to be there as a support to the families and veterans if they need any kind of help. The Reel American Heros Foundation has an amazing staff and volunteers backing our veterans and all for just the fact that they want to help out in anyway possible. I love being apart of this family. Thank you all for everything you do.
I have been volunteering my time with the RAHF for the last eight years. I do not know who enjoy's it the most, the warrior or me. I have had the most interesting people in my boat and to see their smiles when we are lucky enough to do good is as good as winning a major tournament. I feel blessed to be able to be a part of this organization and to be able to give something back to those that have given so much. That is why I make monthly donations and look forward to every year's event.
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I have fished all but one of the Reel American Heroes tournaments. I applaud the tireless efforts put forth by all of the volunteers that put on this special day. I fish several different trails and I always arrange my schedule to include Reel Americans Heroes.
From the time you are introduced to your draw partner until the end of the tournament there is a feeling that is unexplained when you see the enjoyment on the faces of the warriors that have seen so much devastation. I have not fished one yet that the warrior did not express their heartfelt gratitude.
I have fished several Wounded Warriors events as well, but the professionalism, organization, and presence of so many top Pro Anglers give a thumbs up to Reel American Heroes and Ron DeFreitas.
I hope that we can continue to bring a profession event each year in this area and expand to other areas of the U.S. because there are warriors in need across this nation.
Keep up the good work and do not fail to call upon me for any help. Randy Quesenberry
Reel American Heroes Foundation is one of the best and most active groups to work with that helps our active duty Military and Veterans get out on the water for recreational therapy! A great volunteer base and enthusiastic people throughout every level of the organization! Money in this organization is managed extremely well and stretched to provide every participant the best possible experience! Great group to be a part of!
Great organization to be involved with. Nothing is more humbling than getting to work with some of our nationals heroes who sacrificed so much!
