"Lifetime of Memories" for Employee in Fishing Event

"Lifetime of Memories" for Employee in Fishing Event

Recently, Compaq New England employee Dave Sullivan spent the day enjoying his favorite pastime - fishing. But the day was far from ordinary. In fact, he was part of a unique, first-time event: the Pro Bass Circuit sponsored by the New England Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Although the Compaq technical account manager often volunteers to help kids discover the joys of fishing, this was his first experience with adults. Approximately 30 vets and 30 fishermen with their own boats were on the Charles River in Boston.

Dave and Ken Mumford, the vet who shared Dave's boat for the day, had an "OK" haul that weighed in at 9.5 pounds for a five-fish limit, 12 pounds was the winning weight. Still, Dave, a five-time national tournament qualifier who competed in the American Bass Association National Team Championships, rated the day a perfect 10.

"This was one of the nicest things I've participated in in my fishing career," said Dave. "I take things like putting my boat in the water and hopping into it whenever I want for granted, but being with these guys was a reality check." Although the next "annual" isn't carved - organizers hope to make this a yearly- Dave has already volunteered. "I may have donated my time for a day, but I have a lifetime of memories," he said.