October 12, 2012
Nashville, TN— Retired Local 361 Iron Worker and longtime Union Sportsmen’s Alliance member John Sferazo was honored for his extraordinary contributions to conservation at the Field & Stream Heroes of Conservation gala on October 4 in Washington, D.C.
One of seven finalists for the national award, Sferazo was profiled in both the June and October issues of Field & Stream magazine and received a $5,000 conservation grant to help fund his imperative conservation projects. He was joined at the gala by AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, Electrical Workers Director of Construction and Maintenance Jerry Westerholm, USA Executive Director Fred Myers, UIG President Chris DeCaigny and several other guests.
Nominated by the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance, Sferazo was a natural fit for Field & Stream’s Heroes of Conservation program. Currently in its seventh year, the program honors individuals involved in grassroots projects to preserve the land, water and wildlife vital to sportsmen’s pursuits.
After suffering physical and emotional trauma as a Ground Zero volunteer on 9/11, Sferazo has worked to provide free hunting opportunities for disabled first responders and veterans. With the support of 30 organizations, his nonprofit group American Greenlands Restoration Inc., has turned a former 1,000-acre asphalt plant site in Maine back into a thriving forest habitat. “Being outside gave me an outlet, and I wanted to give others the same,” he said. “It’s the right fight, at the right time, for the right reason.”
“We were honored to nominate John as a Field & Stream Conservation Hero,” said USA Executive Director Fred Myers. “This award helps showcase our members’ commitment to conservation on a national platform and inspires others to get involved in the fight to preserve and protect America’s outdoor heritage. John is a true American hero and an inspiration to everyone who meets him.”
The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance brings together union members, like Sferazo, from around the country, who are willing to volunteer their time and expertise to tackle conservation projects that improve and enhance public access, wildlife habitat and outdoor experiences for communities across America. To find out more or to get involved with a project in your area, visit http://www.unionsportsmen.org or contact Thom Ellis at 615-831-6744.
The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) is a union-dedicated outdoor organization whose members hunt, fish, shoot and volunteer their skills for conservation. The USA is uniting the union community to expand and improve hunting and fishing access and wildlife habitat while also developing mentoring programs for the next generation of sportsmen and women. For more information, visit http://www.unionsportsmen.org or http://www.facebook.com/unionsportsmen.
