WISH LIST

Team Rubicon established a “Groan Index” on this mission, to measure how sore we feel at the end of each day. We also discussed a “yawn index”, for our early morning starts.

Perhaps everything I strive to prioritize in life falls into two categories: The value of work, and the value of neighbors to each other in time of need.

That’s what I love about volunteering. It stands as a witness to the value of labor, independent from a paycheck. Team Rubicon not only works hard for free, but also works smart, by innovating in the field, to solve problems that others leave untouched. For Operation Roll Tide Part Deux, we not only belayed each other over pitched roofs to patch them, but also belayed logs that weighed hundreds of pounds down steep inclines. This is because after disaster, heavy equipment can be in short supply. But when we do gain access to the heavy equipment, you can bet we will find a way to use it that the engineers never imagined. That goes for front end loaders, ATV’s, and our personal pickup trucks. Anything to move debris.

Volunteer work also showcases the value of people to each other in the face of crisis. “Redistribution of wealth” is a fine phrase to start a fire in national politics. But when it comes down to a household that has been shattered from natural disaster – when it is no longer abstract economics but simple human decency – there is no question about what should be done. I am not wealthy, but I have the time and know-how. I am going to redistribute what I have in plenty to those who lack. I can serve my fellow Americans, and Americans can serve the world. To me, that’s part of what “bridging the gap” is about: going to where there is the most need.

And I know that we will not always be the lucky ones who are spared from disaster. How many are in your crew?

Team Rubicon wrapped operations in Alabama this weekend, as thousands of volunteers poured into tornado-stricken areas. Alabama is still highly mobilized, on the heels of the historic storms that tore through the state last April. Many storm victims from 2011 now “return the favor” to their neighbors.

-Thomas Hudson
TR photographer and volunteer

“Is this 5551 Hudson Drive?” I had to repeat myself over the loud “BEEP BEEP” of heavy machinery backing up next door. “Is this 5551 Hudson Drive?”

She paused for a few seconds, lost in her thoughts. “Why, I’m not sure. So much has happened. It’s just so overwhelming.” She struggled hard to hold back a flood of tears.

At that moment it hit me. Before arriving, I read all the reports for this tornado on Google News, which weren’t many. This was my first disaster response mission, and I didn’t know what to expect. More than 200 homes were hit, I had read. But the tornado that tore through Clay, Alabama, took away this woman’s home, and scattered everything on the yard. Now the destruction had a face.

As she turned around to hide the tears I told her we would look around the house to see how we could help. She turned toward me again, gave me a big Southern hug and thanked us. Some things cannot be broken by a storm.

-Aubrey Arcangel, U.S. Army, Iraq War Veteran

I am always impressed at how the community pulls together during times like this; equally impressive is how huge our “community” in Alabama has become. Team Rubicon has done much for the people here and as a fellow Alabamian I will always be grateful for their work and mission.

I look forward to watching and working with Team Rubicon in the future as it continues to grow and reach out to people in need. It is a true honor to serve with these men and women.

-Dane Williams, U.S. Army, Afghanistan and Iraq

The volunteer turnout today really impressed me. It was heartwarming to see some of the victims of the April tornadoes come to “repay the favor” to others in the community after this disaster. Members of a church we worked at rallied together to clean up the property, and past members came to help. The strength and poise of the people affected inspired me. Even though they lost their homes, their optimism continues to carry them through the difficult times.

-Rachel Elsey, disaster volunteer

I missed Team Rubicon’s inaugural domestic mission in Alabama last year because of a series of storms that tore through my own state of Arkansas, one of which crushed my truck. I feel privileged to be able to take my new truck to volunteer in Alabama after this latest round of storms.

I love Team Rubicon. You can’t find a more motivated, versatile group of volunteers anywhere. The timeliness of the Rubicon mission is well tailored for our generation. I will follow them wherever they go, and contribute every way I can.

-Thomas Hudson, disaster volunteer and photographer

For more information on the Know Relief Happy Hour, check out www.KnowRelief.org.

Casey Jones, Army veteran
Marc Hampton, Army veteran
Derrall Escobar, Army veteran
Andrew Mohr, Army veteran
Philip Fields, Marine Corps veteran
Tom Hudson, civilian photographer
Rachel Elsey civilian relief volunteer
Aubrey Arcangel, Army veteran
Dane Williams, Army veteran

TEAM RUBICON – ‘AUCTION FOR ACTION’ BENEFIT AUCTION from Brilliant Images on Vimeo.