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Recent Stories
Roku Launches 13-Episode Series “Team Rubicon”
Want to watch Greyshirts GSD on the big screen? Here’s how.
They Asked, I Told
A veteran reflects on his love of service, his separation from the military just before Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, and finding a new family in the TRibe.
Disaster Response and Humanitarian Aid Volunteers Named Greyshirts of the Year
Domestic and international deployers earn top honors from Team Rubicon.
Volunteers Recognized with 2023 Spirit of Service, Impact, and Downrange Awards
Team Rubicon recognizes nine Greyshirts at annual leadership conference.
Fire in the Belly and an Epic Flood
A Greyshirt reflects on getting the chance to help a group of neighbors intent on helping themselves.
Three Years After Hurricane Laura, Two Sisters Come Home
On May 12, Team Rubicon welcomed home the 27th family in its Gulf Coast Rebuild program.
Beyond the Headlines: Rebuilding Communities After Low-Attention Disasters
In storm-plagued Selma, LADs have become a way of life. Now, volunteers are rebuilding homes in hopes of helping the community better withstand future storms.
Reflections
Fire in the Belly and an Epic Flood
A Greyshirt reflects on getting the chance to help a group of neighbors intent on helping themselves.
Mucking Hope in Flooded Detroit
A Greyshirt reflects on helping return a home to habitable for a homeowner in Motown, and what volunteers uncovered along the way.
One Small Favor
Greyshirts apply a little ingenuity to answer a Hurricane Ian survivor’s tiny wish.
In Storm-Ravaged Malawi, a Dose of Hope
A nurse battling malaria, cholera, and chronic health concerns in southern Africa after Cyclone Freddy gets a taste of her own medicine.
I Was A Lone Wolf. Then, California Flooded
A U.S. Marine Corps veteran reflects on volunteering for her first disaster response operation and finding a place in the TRibe.
For Love of Selma
A Greyshirt and avid student of the Civil Rights Movement history reflects on responding to the January 2023 tornadoes in Selma.
A Vietnam Veteran Reflects On Service, Then and Now
Team Rubicon Greyshirt John Ruehle reveals why he joined the Marines, being injured in battle, and how and why he serves his country in 2020.
The Stories We Tell Ourselves Matter
Applying for the Clay Hunt Fellowship Program (CHFP) was something I felt that I needed to do. As a black woman and a U.S. Marine, I am always conscious of the systemic racism my fellow Americans and I have experienced, even after fighting for and serving our country. But, I also needed help transitioning from … Read More
Care during COVID-19: A Physician’s Greyshirt Experience
It was late in the evening after another busy shift in the emergency department. I grabbed my bag, a now-cold cup of coffee, and headed towards my car. I was physically and emotionally drained, but as I flipped through news articles, all centered on the COVID crisis, I wished I could do more. The week … Read More
Finding Father Figures in Grey—and Man Glitter
On her first operation as a sawyer, one Greyshirt planned to sit back, be a spotter, and let the guys make the chips fly. Two Greyshirts ruined that plan. Lucy Loftus reflects on finding father figures in Team Rubicon.
After Losing My Father, a Greyshirt Steps In
When I saw a job posting in July of 2019 for a major gifts officer based out of Atlanta, GA for an unnamed nonprofit that “serves communities by mobilizing veterans to continue their service, leveraging their skills and experience to help people prepare, respond, and recover from disasters and humanitarian crises,” I was very intrigued. … Read More
LG Gets Plugged In on Houston Rebuild
Laura Barbieri of LG Electronics recently volunteered with a group of fellow LGE employees at the Houston Rebuild and she had a lot to share about her first experience with Team Rubicon. If you know anything about the Lone Star State, you know the phrase “Don’t Mess With Texas.” This famous epithet definitely rings true for Team … Read More
History & Culture
From Kentucky to Ukraine, Veterans Spend 2022 in Service
For Veterans Day, a look at some places veterans have been applying their experiences in the military to disaster relief and humanitarian aid this year.
During Disaster Relief, Change Your Socks
What does “change your socks” mean? Greyshirt and veteran Pat Ross reveals what’s behind the Team Rubicon adage, and how a military term took on new meaning.
What Memorial Day Means to Me
U.S. Navy Veteran, Greyshirt, and Team Rubicon CEO Greyshirt Art delaCruz reflects on celebration, mourning, and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
A “Swiss Army Knife in the Field” Named Volunteer Leader of Year
A disaster response volunteer who served everywhere from the Navajo Nation to Haiti took home Team Rubicon’s 2022 Leader of the Year award.
Disaster Responders Earn Leadership Awards
Volunteers known for GSD were recognized at Team Rubicon’s annual leadership conference.
The Birth of Team Rubicon’s Grey Shirt
Team Rubicon’s co-founder reveals the inspiration and meaning behind Team Rubicon’s modest grey uniform.
Stories of Service
The Special Effects of Veterans Serving Veterans
For disaster survivors who are veterans, help that comes from a fellow veteran can be easier to accept. For the volunteers, it can be extra special to give.
Above and Beyond: Veteran Volunteers Go From Sawyers to First Responders
While doing disaster relief in Texas, a Greyshirt saw team takes on a tarping job and ends up saving a life.
Soot, Sawing, and the Chance to Serve One Who Served
For National Volunteer Week, three volunteers reflect on time spent helping a Midwest community recover from a rare and deadly wildfire.
The Birth of Team Rubicon’s Grey Shirt
Team Rubicon’s co-founder reveals the inspiration and meaning behind Team Rubicon’s modest grey uniform.
A Midwest Deployment, and an Extreme Double Date
Two married couples and one engaged couple serve on the same Team Rubicon strike team together during Operation Heartlander, in Nebraska.
To Volunteer on Thanksgiving, It’s Chainsaws Over Forks
Nine Team Rubicon volunteers on why they spend their holidays doing disaster relief—and how they give thanks while in the grey.
COVID-19
Volunteer Returns to Home and Service at the Navajo Nation
A member of the Big Water Clan finds community and the chance to serve within the four sacred mountains.
To End Vaccine Hesitancy, Rely on America’s Most Reliable
In America, veterans hold the key to ending the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vaccination Volunteer Gets Needled by a Friend
While helping stand up a mass vaccination clinic in Portland, one Greyshirt gets vaccinated by another.
Here Come the Reinforcements
Vaccinated and free to serve again, formerly at-risk disaster relief volunteers get back to heavy lifting.
Mid-Deployment, Responding to a Different Type of Disaster
When two Team Rubicon volunteers assisting with Hurricane Sally relief stop to assist a motorist in need, a life is saved.
What to Expect When Volunteering at a Vaccination Clinic
Ever wonder what really happens at a COVID-19 vaccination clinic? Team Rubicon volunteers tell all and explain what to expect when volunteering.
Partner News
Small Gifts, Big Impact
When it comes to disaster relief, everyday philanthropy—like rounding up purchases at checkout—is having great effect.
Team Rubicon Expands Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief Operations Globally
Veteran-led humanitarian organization increases international medical support and disaster response efforts.
Beyond the Veterans Day Discounts, Corporations Find Ways to Engage Veterans
From talent software that translates military experience to paid time off for volunteer service, these five companies offer unique programs for veterans.
Corporate Volunteers Heed the Call of Disaster Relief
From rebuilding hurricane-damaged homes to building resilient cities, how individuals and groups can use service to improve communities and corporate social responsibility.
Vaccines, Veterans, and the Chance to Serve Again
Six veteran organizations on how, and why, they united to help vaccinate America.
Team Rubicon and PXG Announce “Two Million Dollar Challenge” for Hurricane Laura Relief
Los Angeles, CA (September 4, 2020) – Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster relief organization, announced today a “Two-Million Dollar Challenge” for its Hurricane Laura relief effort. The challenge was issued by PXG founder and CEO Bob Parsons, a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam War Veteran. Through PXG, a company dedicated to developing high-performance golf equipment and … Read More
From the Field
Fire in the Belly and an Epic Flood
A Greyshirt reflects on getting the chance to help a group of neighbors intent on helping themselves.
Mucking Hope in Flooded Detroit
A Greyshirt reflects on helping return a home to habitable for a homeowner in Motown, and what volunteers uncovered along the way.
One Small Favor
Greyshirts apply a little ingenuity to answer a Hurricane Ian survivor’s tiny wish.
In Storm-Ravaged Malawi, a Dose of Hope
A nurse battling malaria, cholera, and chronic health concerns in southern Africa after Cyclone Freddy gets a taste of her own medicine.
I Was A Lone Wolf. Then, California Flooded
A U.S. Marine Corps veteran reflects on volunteering for her first disaster response operation and finding a place in the TRibe.
For Love of Selma
A Greyshirt and avid student of the Civil Rights Movement history reflects on responding to the January 2023 tornadoes in Selma.
CHFP
Clay Hunt Fellows Program Announces Base Camp 11
Meet the 12 veterans joining CHFP in spring of 2023.
Clay Hunt Fellows Program Announces Base Camp 10
Meet the 12 veterans joining Team Rubicon’s Clay Hunt Fellows Program second cohort of 2022
Fellowship Leads Veteran Out of the Desert and Onto the Mountain Top
A U.S. Marine reflects on how the Clay Hunt Fellows Program changed—and maybe even saved—his life.
Meet the First Cadre of 2022 Clay Hunt Fellows
Team Rubicon inducts 12 U.S. military veterans into Base Camp 9
The Journey has Begun for Fellows of the CHFP Base Camp 8
Fellows of the Base Camp 8 cohort of Team Rubicon’s fellowship program for military veterans are stepping off on a professional development and self discovery journey. Meet the veteran fellows.
Introducing the New Clay Hunt Fellows Program Logo
In 2011, Team Rubicon decided to honor how early-Greyshirt and Marine Corps veteran Clay Hunt committed his life to serving others by creating the Clay Hunt Fellows Program. Since then, the Program has evolved and grown in countless ways, including to more than 150 Fellows graduated. After a decade of service, and as the Program … Read More
In the Grey
Snowbirds Volunteer on Hurricane Ian Response
After getting to know the Florida Gulf Coast and the people affected by a 2018 hurricane, a Greyshirt couple decides to step into the arena when Ian strikes in 2022.
One Soul at a Time
During a community service project, Greyshirts help uncover the Black history of a Pennsylvania town.
Emergency Preparedness a Must, Even for Disaster Pros
Because disasters aren’t taking a holiday, even Greyshirts and first responders need emergency plans. And disaster kits.
Father’s Day in the Grey
Meet some of this year’s dads and kids spending their time doing disaster relief.
From Volunteering for Wildfire Cleanup to Until Death Do Us Part
A lucky second chance, a discovery of shared core values, and one incident commander in a kilt unites a pair of Greyshirts.
Their Meet Cute? A Flood
For two Team Rubicon volunteers, stepping into the arena turns into a lifetime commitment.
Education
#BePrepared: Social Media Could Save Your Life During a Disaster
Real-time updates and emergency alerts to safety check-ins, here’s how to use Twitter and other platforms to prepare for, monitor, and stay safe during any severe storm.
Defining LADs: The Making of a Low-Attention Disaster
Understanding what makes a disaster a LAD and why it matters to affected communities and the people who serve them.
Tornado Alert Apps Offer Instant Warnings Anywhere, Anytime
Easy-to-use emergency alerting systems can deliver warnings to those in a twister’s path faster and with greater localized precision.
5 Ways to Prepare for a Tornado
Low-cost to no-cost, these budget-friendly tornado prep tips can help anyone be better prepared for, and recover from, a twister.
Wildfire Mitigation Strategies Return to Their Roots
From the ancient art of controlled burning to thinning forests and ad campaigns, fire suppression tactics are doing an about face—and coming of age.
Top Fire Mitigation Strategies to Help Protect Any Home
From applying fire retardant to removing fuels, these strategies can help any homeowner protect their property from wildfire.