
Blog
Recent Stories
Spring in the Air and Hope on the Horizon
On his first national deployment with Team Rubicon, a Chicago volunteer tilled soil, supported a COVID-19 vaccination clinic, and witnessed the pandemic’s effects at the Navajo Nation.
Artists and Athletes Put Talents to Work for Disaster Relief
From custom kicks to pop hits, three creators raise the bar on raising funds to serve Americans in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.
Forward Watch, April 2
As of this week, Team Rubicon has volunteers responding to needs in over 20 states and readying to deploy internationally to respond to growing infections of COVID-19.
Gruff and Grizzled Greyshirts Gripe at Grinding from Home
Team Rubicon reports on formerly at-risk volunteers returning to active duty after getting needled by colleagues.
Disaster Responders Prepare To Take On Tornado Season
Seasoned relief volunteers reveal what to expect in the hours, days, and weeks after a twister strikes, and how to prepare to serve in its wake.
Meet the Clay Hunt Fellows of Base Camp 6
Welcome these 12 military veteran Greyshirts as they embark on a six-month curriculum of self-discovery and leadership training.
Reflections
The 91-Day Greyshirt
How I went from sign-up to the Navajo Nation’s longest-serving volunteer in just three months. We all have our own Team Rubicon journey. Mine goes from thinking I didn’t belong to becoming a comms lead in a matter of months. I grew up wanting to serve in the military. My father was a Marine, … Read More
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.
Finding the Tribe That Always Has Your Back
Vietnam veteran Mahlon Mason reflects on military service then, service to country now, and belonging to the TRibe that always has his six.
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.
History & Culture
Artists and Athletes Put Talents to Work for Disaster Relief
From custom kicks to pop hits, three creators raise the bar on raising funds to serve Americans in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.
Gruff and Grizzled Greyshirts Gripe at Grinding from Home
Team Rubicon reports on formerly at-risk volunteers returning to active duty after getting needled by colleagues.
In the Middle of Crisis, Women Rise Up
Lorey Zlotnick reveals how this veteran-led disaster relief nonprofit is challenging the expected and changing the narrative for women.
A Legacy of Survival and Selflessness
In honor of Black History Month, Team Rubicon recognizes Jabbar Gibson, a 20-year-old who rescued a busload of evacuees from New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
To Vaccinate America, Look to Veterans
America’s military veterans have long been on the frontlines: it’s time to mobilize them to help end this pandemic
A Legacy of Courage Under Fire
In honor of Black History Month, Team Rubicon recognizes America’s Black firefighters who overcame prejudice and systemic racism to protect their communities.
Stories of Service
Finding Hope on Church Street
A Greyshirt who responded to Hurricanes Laura and Delta in Lake Charles, LA, reflects on the homeowner who gave him the gift of a lifetime.
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.
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.
For One Family, Iowa Derecho Brings ‘Saints and Angels’
In clearing wind storm debris, Greyshirts win the hearts of a Cedar Rapids couple.
2020 TRLC Award Winners – Monika Barber receives ‘Getting Greyshirts Downrange’ Award
Learn about the recipients of 2020’s TRLC Award Recipients here. Congratulations to our ‘Getting Greyshirts Downrange Award’ recipient Monika Barber, serving out of the Southwest region.
2020 TRLC Award Winners – Apree Clicque receives ‘Impact’ Award
Learn about the recipients of 2020’s TRLC Award Recipients here. Congratulations to our ‘Impact Award’ recipient Apree Clicque, serving out of the South Central region.
COVID-19
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.
To Vaccinate America, Look to Veterans
America’s military veterans have long been on the frontlines: it’s time to mobilize them to help end this pandemic
Weather Bullies US Cities, but Not Vaccination Volunteers
Greyshirts from Texas to Wisconsin braved bitter cold and wild weather this week to get shots done.
Vaccines, Veterans, and the Chance to Serve Again
Six veteran organizations on how, and why, they united to help vaccinate America.
Partner News
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
“Trust” and the Incredible Impact it Drives
How unrestricted funding helps Team Rubicon meet dynamic needs.
New Partnership Drives Disaster and Coronavirus Relief Efforts
With help from Hertz, volunteers travel thousands of miles to deliver meals and COVID-19 medical aid during the first six months of 2020.
Volunteers Help Bring Coronavirus Testing Sites to California
Team Rubicon and Verily team up on their first coronavirus testing sites in California. The free coronavirus testing sites, located in LA, San Francisco, and Lake County, will expand across the state later this month.
Penske Media Corporation Launches “Hail the Heroes” Initiative Alongside Team Rubicon to Raise Funds for COVID-19 Relief
May 7, 2020 (New York, NY) — Today, at 7pm ET, in a round of virtual applause, Penske Media Corporation (PMC) launched “Hail the Heroes,” a thank you initiative to raise funds for Team Rubicon and their efforts around the COVID-19 crisis. Leaders from across PMC’s portfolio of media brands, including Rolling Stone, Variety, WWD, and Deadline, have joined together with luminaries in the … Read More
From the Field
Spring in the Air and Hope on the Horizon
On his first national deployment with Team Rubicon, a Chicago volunteer tilled soil, supported a COVID-19 vaccination clinic, and witnessed the pandemic’s effects at the Navajo Nation.
Finding Hope on Church Street
A Greyshirt who responded to Hurricanes Laura and Delta in Lake Charles, LA, reflects on the homeowner who gave him the gift of a lifetime.
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.
The Survivors, and Gift, That Changed Me
A Greyshirt reflects on delivering food, resources, and one very cool toy chainsaw to a family in Florida.
Getting a Shot to Get Back in the Field
A Greyshirt reflects on how a life-saving opportunity—getting the COVID-19 vaccine—means the opportunity to serve survivors.
Out of Scrubs and Into a Grey Shirt
On his first deployment, a surgeon in Arizona goes from the frontline to managing the vaccination traffic line.
CHFP
Meet the Clay Hunt Fellows of Base Camp 6
Welcome these 12 military veteran Greyshirts as they embark on a six-month curriculum of self-discovery and leadership training.
Greyshirts Roll Out to Address Ignored Hurricane Survivors
“I thought of the family being disappointed a fourth time,” says Greyshirt Eric Dunn, “I couldn’t let that happen.”
Welcome the Clay Hunt Fellows of Base Camp 5
Meet these 12 military veteran Greyshirts as they embark on a six-month curriculum of self-discovery and leadership training.
Meet Basecamp 4 of the 2020 Clay Hunt Fellows Program
These 13 military veterans have been selected for newest cohort and will take part in six months of self-realization and leadership training.
Meet the Newest Cohort of 2020 Clay Hunt Fellows
12 veterans will undertake six months of leadership and disaster response training as they become the newest cohort in the Clay Hunt Fellows Program.
Team Rubicon Names New Cohort of 2020 Clay Hunt Fellows
Meet the 12 newest veterans to serve as Clay Hunt Fellows.
In the Grey
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.
Love in the Disaster Relief Air
For Valentine’s Day, Team Rubicon looks back on some of our favorite love stories—conventional and not.
Five Ways to Go Grey on Black Friday
Here’s how to turn the biggest shopping day of the year into a do-gooder’s holiday from the comfort of the couch or within the community.
Out of the Cockpit and Into the Disaster Zone
Grounded during the pandemic, pilots turn to disaster relief and volunteer service.
A Greyshirt Who Goes Above and Beyond
All Greyshirts have a life outside the grey. Bob Bledsoe’s happens to be in the cockpit of a Boeing 767 for FedEx.
Education
Disaster Responders Prepare To Take On Tornado Season
Seasoned relief volunteers reveal what to expect in the hours, days, and weeks after a twister strikes, and how to prepare to serve in its wake.
To Survive a Tornado, Get Low
Every year Team Rubicon volunteers respond to tornadoes across the US. With an above-average tornado season on the forecast, here’s how to prepare for and survive a twister.
A Legacy of Courage Under Fire
In honor of Black History Month, Team Rubicon recognizes America’s Black firefighters who overcame prejudice and systemic racism to protect their communities.
Put an End to the Social Injustice of Disaster Relief
Jake Wood, Team Rubicon founder and CEO, and Wes Moore, CEO of Robin Hood, on how disasters have amplified inequity and social injustice in the U.S. more than ever before.
For Corporations, Disaster Preparedness is All About Employees
From deploying emergency responders to creating emergency relief funds, American companies find new ways to respond to disasters at home.
How Prepared are YOU for: An Earthquake
Although escaping an occurring earthquake may not be an option, here is what you can do to prepare for when things start to get shaken up.