For its second cohort of 2022, Team Rubicon welcomes 12 veterans to the Clay Hunt Fellows Program, a personal development program that promotes continued service within the veteran community. Now in its ninth year, the CHFP provides each fellow with a six-month curriculum of personal growth and self-discovery.
Kim Brooks
Woodbridge, VA
United States Marine Corps
Kim served in the United States Marine Corps for 13 years, leaving as a Sergeant. She obtained her professional certification in Security Plus from Northern Virginia Community College. She currently works as a department head for the Training and Education Command (TECOM). Kim volunteers with the Semper Fi/America’s Fund and the Marine Corps Base Quantize volunteer program. Enduring Eagle—Team Rubicon’s operation helping resettle Afghan refugees—was her first operation and she considers it to be her most impactful experience with Team Rubicon.
Favorite quotes: “Village cooperation and responsibility to the village,” “sharing and caring,” and “respect for elders and others,” —Athabascan traditional values
Fun fact: Kim really loves white water rafting.
John Buckley
Colorado Springs, CO
United States Air Force
John served in the United States Air Force leaving as an Airman First Class. He received his bachelor’s degree in Emergency and Disaster Management from the American Military University and is currently the Emergency Preparedness Manager for Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant. Humble Monk—Team Rubicon’s response to flooding caused by wildfires in New Mexico—was his first Team Rubicon operation. He also volunteers with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. John loves the familial feel that Team Rubicon provides and that Greyshirts are accepting and friendly no matter your background and personality.
Favorite quote: “If a man does his best, what else is there?” —General George S. Patton
Fun fact: John is an amateur race car driver with a few trophies and championship titles.
Kristin Dwyer
Beaverton, OR
United States Air Force
Kris served in the United States Air Force for four years leaving the service as a Senior Airman. She received her bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Linfield College and currently works and volunteers through Kaiser Permanente. Kris has been a member of Team Rubicon for eight years and calls the camaraderie of a military family the most impactful part of the organization.
Favorite quote: “If you want to make everyone happy, don’t be a leader, sell ice cream. ”—Steve Jobs
Fun fact: Kris knew her husband for only a week before they got married. They have been married for 26 years.
Bianca Huntsman
Lawton, OK
United States Army
Bianca served in the United States Army for 11 years leaving as a Captain. She graduated from the University of Texas-El Paso and received her master’s degree in Health Care Administration from Park University. She is currently transitioning out of active duty. In addition to Team Rubicon, Bianca also volunteers with Benavidez Patterson All Airborne Chapter 82nd Airborne Division Association. She is looking forward to the camaraderie of the Fellowship and Team Rubicon.
Favorite quote: “There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed.” —Woodrow Wilson
Fun fact: Bianca was the first female to join her middle school football team and was the outside linebacker on the defense side. They were district champions that year!
Jarad Modaber-Alvarado
Laurel, MD
United States Army
Jarad served in the United States Army for almost five years. He recently earned his bachelor’s in Emergency Health Services from the University of Maryland-Baltimore County. He is also a nationally registered paramedic. His first project with Team Rubicon was a wreath pick-up at Arlington Cemetery, but the experience that has had the biggest impact on him has been the Afghan resettlement. He really enjoyed getting to help families set up in their new homes and seeing their excitement.
Favorite quote: “If we all do a little, together we do a lot. Please continue to make a difference, no matter how small, every day. Because there is only one way forward—together.” —Steps Ascending: Rise of the Unarmed Forces by Matthew Griffin and Leo Jenkins
Fun fact: Jarad likes to collect welted leather shoes and boots.
Timothy Mollock
Thornton, CO
United States Navy
Tim served in the United States Navy for 30 years retiring as a Master Chief Petty Officer. He received his bachelor’s degree in Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University. Tim currently serves as the Denver Metro Planner and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, The Cajun Navy, and The Children’s Hospital Colorado. Tim’s first operation was Enduring Eagle which helped Tim confront and recover from some very unrealistic stereotypes and biases he had towards the people of Afghanistan.
Favorite quote: “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” —Jackie Robison
Fun fact: While visiting Vatican City, Tim high fived the Pope as he rode past him.
Richard Patterson
Topeka, KS
United States Army
Richard served in the United States Army for 20 years, retiring as a Sergeant First Class. He received his master’s degree in Information Technology from Capella University and currently works for the Department of Veteran Affairs taking care of the network for the state of Florida. Richard is currently serving as the Topeka City Administer, and volunteers with the American Legion Post 421 and the Shawnee County-Regional Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD). His first operation was Amberjack, Team Rubicon’s response to Hurricane Michael, but cites its Hurricane Laura response, Operation Crying Eagle, as one of the most impactful moments on his Team Rubicon journey.
Favorite quote: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” —Mahatma Gandhi
Fun fact: Richard is normally reserved, but likes a challenge, and it tends to not end well. He describes himself as a rebel in sheep’s clothing.
Edward Ruebensam
Yorkville, IL
United States Army
Ed served in the Army and the Army Reserves for 18 years and retired as a Sergeant. He attended Moraine Valley Community College. He currently works in logistics as a courier and on the docks. When not volunteering as the North Branch Deputy Logs, supporting operations, you will find him at the Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry helping with their food distribution program. Ed has never been to an operation but constantly provides logistical support from the background. His favorite thing about being a part of Team Rubicon is learning from everyone.
Favorite quote: “Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You do not have to have a college degree to serve. You do not have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” —Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Fun Fact: Ed has scored a perfect game in bowling.
Eric Sanderson
Hilliard, OH
United States Navy
Eric served in the United States and the Naval Reserves for 28 years retiring as a Commander. He received his bachelor’s in Finance from the University of Miami. When not cutting trees or instructing chainsaw 1 classes, he volunteers as the CEO of “Search and Rescue Ohio,” the Mid-Ohio Foodbank, and at a local golf course. Eric has previously held the Deputy State Administrator position for Ohio. His first operation in Panama City, FL, lasted for a total duration of four weeks. He credits the most impactful part of Team Rubicon to Greyshirts sharing stories over campfires regarding the immense challenges that they have faced and how the organization saved their lives.
Favorite quote: “As we lose ourselves in the service of others, we discover our own lives and our own happiness.”—Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Fun fact: Eric shares the exact birthday with country superstar Faith Hill. Despite this fact, she has managed to overcome this and has gone on to have a highly successful career.
Jennifer Tanner
Avondale, AZ
United States Navy
Jen served in the United States Navy for four years leaving as a Petty Officer Second Class. She received her bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Health with an emphasis on trauma. Jen’s first operation with Team Rubicon was Crying Eagle. She really enjoys working with people from the same yet different roads of life, because it helps her know that she is not alone in her journey.
Favorite quote: “But when you give to the needy, do not let your right hand know what your left hand is doing.”—Matthew 6:3
Fun fact: Jen is covered in tattoos, yet you cannot see any.
Roy Villareal
Clinton Township, MI
United States Marine Corps
Roy served in the United States Marine Corps for seven years and left with the rank of Corporal. He attended Wright University and Sinclair Community College receiving his bachelor’s in Biological Sciences and his Associates in Biology. He is a nationally registered Paramedic and a Certified Flight Paramedic and volunteered at a “Reach Out Clinic” in Dayton, OH. Roy’s first event with Team Rubicon was a service project working at the Queen City Kitchen, the oldest soup kitchen in Cincinnati.
Favorite quote: “Without community service, we would not have a strong quality of life. It is important to the person who serves as well as the recipient. It is the way in which we ourselves grow and develop.” —Dorothy Height
Fun fact: Roy took piano lessons from second grade to high school graduation. He hated it at that time but is now grateful that his mom made him take them.
