More Than A Mission

In the darkest of hours they were a blessing in disguise. To those who were crying out in despair, Team Rubicon became the answer to their prayers.

Hurricane Ian ravaged portions of the Southwest coast of Florida on September 28th, 2022, decimating enchanted islands abounding with rich history and priceless memories. Ian will go down as one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit the United States in decades. It has been declared the second deadliest to strike the U.S., falling just behind Hurricane Katrina which hit in 2005. It has been confirmed that 92 people lost their lives in Florida from Hurricane Ian.

The pictures and videos don't even begin to capture the full devastation left behind by Mother Nature's wrath. As residents in those affected areas tried to pick up the pieces and assess damages to their homes and belongings, Team Rubicon sprang into action. All too familiar with disasters, this was their time to carry out the mission that they do best. The non-profit organization was formed back in 2010 when one Marine Corps Veteran named Jake Wood gathered up eight of his friends to offer assistance to the thousands of survivors in Haiti after the country was struck by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake. With the military training and expertise that each volunteer possessed, that gave this team the advantage to come to the rescue of those that needed help the most but were unable to get back up on their feet. And so started the legend of Team Rubicon. This veteran-led humanitarian organization serves global communities before, during and after disasters and crises. They live by the motto, "Our Service, Commitment and Impact must be limitless, taking the instinct of doing a simple good and making it a reality."

The response to Hurricane Ian has been nothing short of amazing. There are 325 Team Rubicon volunteers working diligently in the disaster-stricken areas. The mission will continue until at least the end of November. This is expected to be the largest response in their 12-year history. These Greyshirts responders as they are known as, have been gutting out homes, putting tarps on roofs and providing sawyer and debris removal services in Charlotte, DeSoto, Lee, Polk and Volusia counties in Florida. As of October 19th, the group had completed 250 work orders across the counties. Not only is this operation life-saving to Floridians in need of recovery and a desire to return to normalcy, but, it is just as satisfying and rewarding to the members of Team Rubicon as they find a sense of purpose, identity and community in the services they undertake.

Not only are the members of Team Rubicon on the ground in Florida but they are also helping the people of Ukraine and Puerto Rico residents still reeling from the damages of Hurricane Fiona. However, this brave and selfless team of veterans cannot go the path alone. They need all of our help.

Monetary and volunteer donations are greatly appreciated. Become part of the 'Support Squad' fueling the Ready Reserve Fund so this widespread assistance can continue to be possible. The Ready Reserve Fund is critical in order to maintain the heartbeat of the organization which includes trainings, volunteer engagements, "low-attention" disaster response operations and The Rebuild Program. Be a part by attending or contributing to the upcoming fundraiser, "Salute To Service" Gala which is set to take place in New York City at The GlassHouse on November 3rd, 2022.

With as large a heart as you can have, Team Rubicon never wants anyone to feel as if they are alone. Jake Wood, Co-Founder of the organization, sums it up quite eloquently,"If we treated each other every day like we do after disasters, we'd live in a truly special place." One recent article gives you the extent of the warmth, love and immense goodness of Team Rubicon and definitely is a heartwarming read, "Two First-Time GreyShirts Take on One Last Wish". As a Floridian, thank you Jake and team for all the good that you are doing for the state of Florida.

Photos Courtesy of Team Rubicon Facebook Page.