November 1, 2013
WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, November 5th, just days before Veterans Day, the White House will honor Robin Eckstein as 1 of 12 local heroes who are “Champions of Change.” The event will celebrate American veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan who are doing extraordinary work to advance clean energy and increase climate resilience and preparedness in their communities.
In a Presidential Proclamation on National Energy Action Month, President Obama challenged the Nation to build a clean energy economy and increase energy security. Noting that we now import less oil than at any point in the past 20 years, the President stressed the need to keep moving forward to protect these gains and fuel growth for decades to come. Additionally, the President’s Climate Action Plan maps out a way to drive advancements in the energy sector, add thousands of jobs to strengthen the American economy, and lead efforts to address climate change globally. The President has stated that developing clean energy technology and preparing for the effects of climate change are crucial to ensuring America’s continued growth and the health of future generations.
Upon returning home from service, many veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan have continued to utilize their specialized skills and experiences to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy, make communities more resilient to the effects of climate change and improve our nation’s energy security. Through the course of this event, these Champions will share their stories and details about their work.
The Champions of Change program was created as an opportunity for the White House to feature individuals, businesses, and organizations doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities.
The event is closed to press but will be live streamed on the White House website. To watch this event live, visit www.whitehouse.gov/live at 10:00 am ET on November 5th. To learn more about the White House Champions of Change program or to nominate a Champion for a future event, visit www.whitehouse.gov/champions.
Robin Eckstein, Veteran and Advocate
Appleton, WI
Robin Eckstein is a combat-disabled Army veteran who serves as a member of the Truman Defense Council and volunteers locally for veteran’s organizations. While serving in Iraq, Robin was a truck driver and experienced the real cost of fossil fuel usage in our military. In 2009 she joined Operation Free, a coalition of veterans and national security agencies campaigning for comprehensive clean energy reform. During this time she advocated for clean energy and climate security at hundreds of engagements around the country. Robin and her fellow Operation Free veterans brought a new voice to the climate change debate by giving firsthand accounts of their time in Iraq and discussing how clean energy and climate change affect American soldiers at war on a personal level. She continues to work with the Truman National Security project, speaking out on the importance of a clean energy future and bringing awareness to the national security implications of climate change.
