Editor’s Note: This story was originally published on April 10.
HISTORIC TRIANGLE — “Ten Questions with” is a series that allows readers to get to know local business leaders, volunteers and community members in the Historic Triangle.
This week meet Patrick Soderholm:
What is your job title and description?
Tidewater Chapter Coordinator for Heroes on the Water. We take active duty, retired, and disabled veterans along with firefighters, police officers, and first responders out kayak fishing.
Who do you interact/work with regularly?
Veterans of all kinds and firefighters and policemen. And passionate local volunteers.
What is something about your organization most people wouldn’t know about?
Our organization provides a relaxing experience and environment for our everyday heroes to enjoy nature spend time with their family members and make new friends through kayak fishing.
How do you define success?
Success is reaching that one veteran that is struggling with one thing or another and getting them on their first fish.
What is your most successful accomplishment to date?
Taking over the chapter after the global pandemic and getting things back on track and putting on a successful event with 50 people.
What piece of advice would you give your younger self?
Invest in yourself and surround yourself with good people and you will go far. Also when you hear about Google and Amazon, invest as much money as you can! LOL!!
How long have you lived in the Historic Triangle?
I grew up in Williamsburg and graduated from Jamestown High School. The Navy took me away for some time but my wife and I have enjoyed settling down in York County and raising our four children here.
What is your favorite part of living here?
It’s a small-town feel with loads to do and offer. An hour to the beach and two to three hours to the mountains, and all the American history you could ever want.
What do you do for downtime/to relax?
I kayak fish, that’s what’s great about my position in this organization, I get to serve others and do my favorite pastime, fish!
What is the next step in your journey?
Continue to raise awareness about the healing properties of nature and being on the water. Also, offer a great outlet to those heroes that put their lives on the line every day for us. Please check out our website www.Heroesonthewater.org and feel free to donate to the Tidewater Chapter so we can continue to provide great events to our local heroes and their families. For upcoming events please follow us on Facebook at Tidewater Chapter Heroes on the Water.
Do you want to learn more about your community and the people that live and work in the Historic Triangle? We are looking for people with interesting jobs, super volunteers, or community leaders to showcase. Reach out to let us know if you (or someone you know) would like to be considered for Ten Questions.
