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Troy VanBeek
Determined to make the world a better place, my uncle Troy is my role model in life. For as long as I can remember, I have looked up to him. As a child, I didn’t realize the impact he would or could have on my life, but as I grow older and more experienced, it is easy to see how lucky I am to have such a positive influence in my life. My uncle is one of the most dedicated, hardworking, and determined people I have ever met, while still being extremely kind and caring to everyone around him. Several years ago, Troy was an active US Navy SEAL. He served for 12+ years working elite security details in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. He traveled the world to protect our country. He risked his life every day to ensure that the people he loved could live a free and happy life. For many years, he put others’ lives before his own and never complained. His selflessness and dedication to serve inspire me to become a better person.
During the years of his active duty, I learned to cherish the time we had together. Few and far apart, I would get the chance to see my uncle and hear about his experiences. He often brought me pictures or souvenirs from the places he traveled. He was always very in love with nature and its beauty.
His love of nature, to this day, has not died. In 2006 when he returned home from his duty as a US Navy SEAL he was intimately aware of the issues surrounding carbon-based energy sources and wanted to pursue energy alternatives that could increase global security and create a healthier planet. This became his mission. Soon after his return, he founded the company Ideal Energy, which is a solar company. His company has become quite successful, yet he stays very humble. He has been invited to the White House three times and just recently returned from Paris where he was invited to participate in the United Nations Conference of Parties Climate Summit, known as COP21. One solar panel at a time, he is reaching his goal and completing his mission of creating a healthier planet. This determination for success and the hard work put in to get there is everything I aspire to be. He has taught me to be grateful for the life I live, the people I am surrounded by, and the world I live in. He has taught me to work hard and fight for what I believe in. He has taught me that no dream is too big and that I can be successful in anything I put the work into.
Submitted by Anonymous
