Keith Pluta, an Air Force veteran turned firefighter, lives to serve. From fixing F-15s to saving lives on cardiac calls, he leads by example, helping neighbors and veterans alike. Through Utah Warriors hockey and Sounds of Freedom car shows, he raises funds for fallen heroes. As a realtor, he guides veterans to homeownership. Your votes can amplify his mission to uplift communities.

We asked Keith:

If someone wanted to follow in your footsteps, what would you want them to understand about sacrifice or service? Explain your journey, and how you learned that for yourself.

Here is what he had to say:

Failure is an essential part of the learning process—if you’re not failing, you’re likely not pushing yourself to grow. Too often, people try once, face a setback, and give up. In today’s fast-paced world, we’re conditioned to expect quick results, and that tendency is even more pronounced in younger generations. When setting goals, avoid making them so overwhelming that they feel unattainable. Instead, break them into manageable steps and take time to celebrate the small victories along the way. Progress is built through persistence, not perfection.