Habitat for Humanity build reflection from Army Veteran JC McGreehan
I’ve always celebrated Veteran’s Day the same way every year. I celebrated it much in the same fashion as I celebrate President’s Day or Columbus day- by doing nothing. For me, it has always been a day of closed banks and mediocre parades. I’m not, by any means, against the idea of Veteran’s Day. It just has never really rang home for me.
That all changed on 11-11-11. On that day I was introduced to what Veteran’s Day truly symbolizes. I had the opportunity to continue my service to the citizens of this incredible country by taking part in a coordinated nation-wide build with Habitat for Humanity. My particular location was NYC but there were simultaneous builds all over the US.
You may ask how this ties into Veteran’s Day and the answer is this- I did it with fellow veterans. In the military, you develop instant bonds with fellow service personnel. You develop the same ideals and work ethics. All of that culminates into incredible outcomes. I was fortunate enough to witness this once again with Team Rubicon on 11-11-11.
My experience transitioning to the civilian community left me longing for this type of environment. I constantly struggled with being in situations where the work ethics, leadership, sense of belonging and teamwork was lacking. Out of despair, I finally convinced myself that this is just how things are and my experiences in the military were a thing of the past.
Team Rubicon has completely changed my outlook on life; a new and refreshed perspective with familiar themes. Being alongside the best citizens this country has to offer, effectively accomplishing a goal and developing life long bonds this weekend has made this Veteran’s Day that most productive and rewarding one of my lifetime. For me, the humanitarian acts that TR performs are merely a positive byproduct of the overall mission- filling a burdensome void within veterans.
I hope supporters of Team Rubicon understand that by supporting TR you are not just ensuring that the logistical aspect of the mission is fulfilled but you are bridging the gap for all veterans who return to the civilian world. You are giving purpose, identity, continued service and fulfillment to individuals who so desperately yearn for those intangible ideas.
I personally want to thank every service member for their sacrifices, the selfless dedication of Team Rubicon volunteers and to the supporters of Team Rubicon who give us an outlet for our values that we uphold so strongly.
-JC McGreehan
Team Rubicon
Region III Coordinator
Very well written, JC. It was great to have the privlidge to work along side you and other Team Rubicon members again – keep up all the great work!