Veteran-led humanitarian organization, Team Rubicon, has been bringing relief to people affected by natural disasters since 2010 both in the United States and around the world. Their latest effort is helping Kentuckians impacted by last month’s severe flooding by removing the debris from the storm, repairing homes, and tending to residents in need of assistance. According to Morning in America, Army veteran and Team Rubicon incident commander Jarrett Brown shared that they try to help those who are uninsured or unable to help themselves, and many people are left speechless when Team Rubicon volunteers show up ready to help.
Brown told Morning in America that Team Rubicon is scheduled to remain in Kentucky through the first week of September, but added that as long as they have volunteers who can stay and help, their work will continue as long as it is needed. The mission of Team Rubicon’s work in Kentucky is to help clear out all of the destruction so that people can focus on rebuilding their homes. Brown explained, “we shed a lot of tears with these homeowners coming into some of these communities here in Kentucky, they thought they were forgotten. And Team Rubicon comes in and they give them that hope and that light to be able to rebuild their lives.”
Team Rubicon is made up of volunteer veterans and first responders who are eager to continue helping people in need before, during, and after crises or natural disasters. According to Team Rubicon, the nonprofit seeks to “provide our veterans with three things they lose after leaving the military: a purpose, gained through disaster relief; community, built by serving with others; and identity, from recognizing the impact one individual can make. Coupled with leadership development and other opportunities, Team Rubicon looks to help veterans transition from military to civilian life.”
With the principles of tenacity, impartiality, accountability, collaboration, and innovation, Team Rubicon is helping to alleviate suffering and restore dignity to those whose lives have been impacted by a disaster. Focusing on those who may not be financially or physically able to help themselves, Team Rubicon arrives with the blessing of being able to provide assistance for relief, recovery, and rebuilding. Having engaged in 785 field operations, 1.2 million hours spent deployed in disaster response, and nearly 30,000 volunteers in the last ten years, Team Rubicon’s work has no boundaries as they remain committed to their mission to bring hope and relief to those who are suffering.