Connectivity and community inspire engineering tech Curtis Vacha

Curtis Vacha creates light. In his position as an engineering tech with Alliant Energy, he works with customers to set up new gas and electric service. As a volunteer—at the VFW, the Masonic Lodge, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and in his community – he brings a different kind of light.

Vacha feels he benefited from a fortunate upbringing, with supportive coaches and hunter education instructors. That’s what drives him to spend his time helping the next generation as a hunting education instructor at the DNR. He’s not just working to get kids excited about trap shooting and hunter education; he’s helping make it possible for any kid to participate. Earlier this year, he established a charitable organization, Iowa Grant Sportsman Club, to promote safety.

“It’s a great feeling when you see a kid pass a hunter education course in person,” he said. “Many of them are so excited –not only because they passed the course, but because they’re opening a new chapter in their lives and growing.”

As he helps the next generation, he’s fueled by those who were doing this work before him. “When I volunteer next to others who are older, they light up as well. I believe the reason they light up is because a younger generation is helping. It gives them a good feeling that they will be able to pass their torch, and the good work they have done will continue after they retire.”

Vacha, who has been with Alliant Energy since 2014, constantly seeks new experiences, whether with his friends and family or by pursuing additional education. He’s currently working on a master’s degree in project management and always finding more ways to help his community, whether that’s as a board member for the Village of Livingston, or as the neighbor who’ll mow your lawn when you can’t.

“We can make things better,” he said. “And it’s rewarding to see projects come together that the community benefits from.”

Photo caption: Engineering technician Curtis Vacha enjoys using his energy for volunteer efforts. He works a fish fry for the Masonic Lodge in Platteville. He’s also a volunteer at the VFW, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and in his community. Earlier this year he established a charitable organization, Iowa Grant Sportsman Club, to promote hunting safety. (Photo courtesy of Curtis Vacha).