FEATURED EMPLOYEE: Braeden Veeneman – Former air cadet, current project engineer, potential World Record holder
V3 project engineer Braeden Veeneman has never been one to shy away from a challenge. In fact, this self-described “sports nut” admits that his competitive streak started early.
“When I was 4 years old my parents put me into Karate. I got all the way up to brown belt (junior black belt). I also played soccer competitively until age 16,” he said.
That unwavering drive fueled Braeden through youth sports programs … and into the air cadets.
“Civil Engineering was actually my fallback plan, I originally wanted to be a pilot,” he said. “I was in the cadets throughout junior high and high school, and had plans to go to the Royal Military College of Canada for aeronautical engineering.”
Braeden spent several years completing courses on citizenship, leadership, physical fitness, general aviation and solidifying his interest in the activities of the Canadian Forces. Then came the official college application process.
During the testing phase Braeden learned that his eyesight wasn’t 20/20. He could either have corrective vision surgery – but be required to sit out a year – or chart a new course. Never one to settle for the sidelines, he decided to apply to the University of Alberta for education and civil engineering. On with Plan B.
Today, Braeden serves as a project engineer in V3’s Edmonton office, working on various land development and infrastructure improvement construction projects around Alberta, Canada.
But don’t be fooled by his resume of academic and career accomplishments, this engineer is still just as athletic as he is bookish. Braeden plays soccer, ball hockey, golf, snowboards … and regularly challenges his colleagues to “friendly” games of foosball.
Even more impressive: He’s put his passion for athletics to work for causes that are near and dear to his heart.
“My cousin was born with Spina Bifida and has been involved with the Alberta Sledge Hockey League from a young age,” said Braeden. “The sport allows people with disabilities to play hockey. After watching him play, and occasionally participating in ‘friends and family’ games, I joined the Edmonton Adaptive Sports Association team a few years ago.”
His team, the Storm, played in 7 tournaments over the past 3 years, bringing home an impressive 4 gold and 3 silver medals.
“It’s been a great way to stay active, spend time with my cousin, and help raise awareness about Spina Bifida,” he said.
Braeden also enjoys participating in various sports-themed charity events. For example, last September played in the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s “World’s Longest Baseball Game.” The game lasted 72 hours (237 innings), raised more than $250,000 for the foundation, and is currently being verified for the Guinness Book of World Records.
Decades of competitive experience have surely been a positive force in Braeden’s life. Spend just a few minutes with him and you’ll agree: He’s equal parts brains, brawn, and heart.