I was studying for a second Master’s degree in emergency and disaster management when a classmate mentioned Team Rubicon. I’ve been a first responder since 2002 and deployed on several disaster responses in the U.S. but had never heard of them. So I did some research and what I found, I really liked.
Team Rubicon was about veteran reintegration, merging the skills of trained first responders with veterans, and had an edgy flavor that spoke to me.
So I signed up online and soon heard from Klebe Brumble and Shane ValVerde, managers in Region 6. They both welcomed me to the organization and we instantly hit it off, sharing excitement about our education and background. Within a few weeks, I was on my way to New Orleans for a response to Hurricane Isaac, my first TR operation.
That’s where it all started for me but by no means does it end there. Since I came on board in August of 2012, I’ve contributed to a number of TR responses, both domestic and international, in a response ands support roles.
During each and every response, I meet more members of TR Nation and it reinforces that I’m surrounded by “my people.” I am inspired by the energy, the fortitude, the service, and the fellowship. I feel that each time I am with my TR family, I am learning, growing, and most of all, fulfilling my personal life mission to be of service to others.
In addition to serving as the Region 6 Planning Manager for TR, Christa López works at the University of Texas at Austin as the Associate Director of Student Emergency Services and owns her own business.
