Union pride in the ranks of the International Union of Elevator Constructors comes in many packages. Whether wrapped in a sporting clays shoot, local fishing tournament or a conservation project, the message is clear when it comes to the camaraderie demonstrated by members of the IUEC brotherhood.
Cale Fuller, a dedicated member of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance and IUEC Local 10, is all over it when it comes to supporting outdoor sporting events and volunteering in his community. It’s hard to attend a USA event without running into Cale. Last year, he followed USA’s shooting tour up and down the East Coast and has even made the cross-country trip from his home in Beltsville, MD to attend USA’s annual Las Vegas Shoot.
Cale W. Fuller, Jr. catches his first catfish – his favorite fish.
While coordinating a fishing challenge for his fellow union brothers and sisters last fall, Cale made a call to a friend in the outdoors for help in lining up some nice prizes for the anglers who would turn out for his fishing challenge in Virginia’s Pohick Bay Regional Park. That call was to the USA, and we were only too happy to assist one of our avid members in getting union members engaged in the outdoors.
With help from dedicated corporate partners, USA provided a nice prize set-up that included a host of USA materials and giveaway items like DVDs of the USA’s Brotherhood Outdoors TV series and Buck filet knives.
“Your support…allowed us to make it an event to remember,” said Cale, adding that the weather made it a picture perfect day. “Everyone said the event was great and that USA did a great job and supported us beyond anything we could have foretold.”
A personal highlight for Cale was seeing his 4-year-old son, Cale W. Fuller, Jr. catch his first catfish – the boy’s favorite fish.
“He did cry as we released the 16 7/8” catfish, but the smile on his face said it all,” said Cale. “Knowing the work we put behind these events could provide this type of an experience for one of our members is the most satisfying feeling any sportsman could ask for.”
Passing on a love of the outdoors to the next generation is vital to the future of our outdoor heritage, which is why the USA has held a number of youth-focused Work Boots on the Ground projects like Take Kids Fishing Day and Get Youth Outdoors Day. By engaging both adults and youth, the IUEC Local 10 fishing tournament is another great example of passing on the heritage.
When Cale received the package of goodies sent by the USA to support the event, he wasted no time by using the materials right away, to educate incoming IUEC apprentices about the USA and assisted in the recruitment of new USA members.
USA is proud of its members who, like Cale, realize that coming out to an event is often the start of a long lasting and mutually rewarding relationship.
