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UTU member honors paralyzed veterans
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UTU member honors paralyzed veterans

Union Pacific conductor and UTU member Scott Burns' latest fishing story isn't about the big one that got away. It's about the privilege of serving others.

This summer, Burns volunteered his time, equipment and boat as a captain during the Paralyzed Veterans of Americas (PVA) Lone Star Shootout bass-fishing tournament on Lake Ray Hubbard in Garland, Texas.

In addition to assistance provided to these paralyzed veterans and their families, the PVA sponsors a variety of local and national competitive sporting events, including bass fishing tournaments, wheelchair basketball leagues, skeet and trap shooting competitions and wheelchair bowling.

Burns drew his fishing partner, William Smith of Edmond, Okla., at the pre-tournament meeting hosted by Bass Pro Shop of Garland for the two-day event.

The daily routine consisted of team partners meeting in the Bass Pro Shop parking lot at 4:15 a.m., where volunteers from nearby military installations assisted each paralyzed veteran into the boats, then stored the wheelchairs until the teams returned at the completion of each day's competition.

After their fish were weighed and photographs taken, teams returned to the staging area where volunteers would assist the veterans out of the boats and back into their wheelchairs to prepare for the evening meal and activities.

"It was an honor and my sincere privilege to be teamed up with William for this PVA tournament," Burns said. "He is a serious tournament fisherman, and it was a true inspiration to see him, along with all the other paralyzed vets, give their best efforts throughout this demanding two-day event.

"I was humbled and blessed to be a small part of such a worthwhile event, Burns said. "This is the first PVA event I have participated in, but plan to be among the first to register for this tournament next year."

A veteran and reservist, Burns expressed his appreciation to UTU Local Chairperson Danny Rampy and his fellow members of Local 439 at Tyler, Texas, for their interest and support.

The local helped pay the tournament entry fee and travel expenses. Burns also provided several unique UP items to Smith, along with a UTU pin.

"Both Union Pacific and the UTU were well represented as William proudly wore a 'UTU Yes!' pin on his new Union Pacific visor the entire weekend," Burns said.

He has since participated in a second tournament in October at Truman Lake, Mo.

"The honor was mine," Burns said.

scott_burns_william.jpg

UTU conductor Scott Burns, left, with William Smith

November 11, 2010

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