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BROTHER DUBBED
PEOPLE MAGAZINE
ANGEL

April 2001 IBEW Journal

It takes a village to truly appreciate the kindness of Brother John Paul Sullivan. Or, more specifically, an Indian reservation. The telephone lineman from Whitman, Massachusetts, was featured in a recent issue of People magazine for his dedication to a disadvantaged South Dakota tribe of Lakota Indians. He also appeared in December on the "Dr. Laura" Schlessinger television show as "Someone You Should Know."

People dubbed him an "angel" in its December 18 issue because Brother Sullivan, a member of IBEW Local 2222, Boston, has been watching over the 20,000 residents of the Pine Ridge Reservation. Each year since 1995, the Verizon splice service technician has made the 2,000-mile, three-day trip to visit the people who honor him as one of their own.

Brother Sullivans story is as inspiring as it is unlikely. One day 10 years ago, suffering through a divorce and struggling financially, he browsed in a Native American craft store and was drawn to a brochure seeking sponsors for children on the Indian reservation. Brother Sullivan sold his Beatles CD collection and a favorite photo of John Lennon to pay for four-year-old Isabel Marshalls school supplies, clothing and other necessities.

But Brother Sullivan, 50, found his generosity could benefit more than one child on a reservation known for its poverty and homelessness. Soon he adopted the entire group, sending money and care packages throughout the year until 1995, when he rented a truck and delivered his packages. Now each Thanksgiving, he personally shepherds furniture, clothing and other supplies to the tribe.

Brother Sullivan, whose mother, Katherine "Betty" Sullivan, was a telephone operator and member of Local 2222 until her death in 1981, has motivated others in his Boston community. His daughters, Lauren, 13, and Christie, 11, have gotten into the spirit, occasionally accompanying their father on the trip to South Dakota.

Other members of the Brotherhood have been particularly helpful, donating clothing, bicycles, diapers and cash. The local also donates $500 annually to Brother Sullivans efforts.

"People in this local have been unbelievable," Brother Sullivan said.

The tribe has adopted him as a member and addresses him by his Lakota name, "Canku Waste," which means "hes on a good road."

"Its not like I have a secret talent," Brother Sullivan said. "I believe I was meant to do it."