Marc Baker

United States Army

Marc Baker served in the Army for 24 years. He attended the University of Management and Technology and the American Military University and holds a master’s degree in criminal justice with a concentration in homeland security and a certificate in emergency management. In addition to Team Rubicon, Baker volunteers with the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and is transitioning to a career in emergency management. Reflection on Service: “Service to me is the giving of yourself to something greater without expectation of anything in return.”

Glomani Bravo-Lopez

United States Marine Corps

Glomani Bravo-Lopez served in the Marine Corps from 2005 to 2009. He attended Fayetteville Technical Community College and Pratt Institute, and earned his bachelor’s at Brooklyn College. Bravo-Lopez works as deputy chief of staff for New York City Council Member Stephen Levin and volunteers at West Brooklyn Waterfront Mutual Aid. Reflection on Service: “Service means helping others and putting the needs of others before myself and knowing that I will grow and help others grow by doing so.”

Iris Bruton

United States Army

Iris Bruton served in the Army for three years. She attended Tarrant County College and the University of Texas at Arlington; and she has a degree in Real Estate. Bruton works as the client assistance manager for Meals On Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County. She also volunteers with the Texas Girls’ Choir, the food bank, and the Trinity Collaborative, Inc., which raises funds for the local Trinity River, surrounding parks, and community programs. Reflection on Service: “Through service we are able to connect with our fellow humans on a deeper level. We have an opportunity to use our time and talents to provide hope to those who in need of compassion. The effort of service provides a fulfillment that cannot be replicated by any other activity.”

Eric Carrasco

United States Marine Corps

Eric Carrasco served in the Marine Corps for five years. He has attended Houston Community College and holds an Associate of Science degree. Carrasco is a certified firefighter 1 and 2 and an emergency medical technician. He holds numerous FEMA training certifications, including for mass casualty, hazmat, and active shooter incidents. Reflection on Service: “Service gives purpose while making someone’s life a bit better, so it’s a win-win.”

Alyssa Dawson

United States Air Force

Alyssa Dawson served in the Air Force for three and a half years before attending Colorado State University where she received a B.S. in marketing and strategic communications. Dawson currently works as a contract intranet administrator for Team Rubicon and also volunteers with other veteran-led service organizations. Reflection on Service: “Team Rubicon’s acceptance of me gave me a safe place to breathe. I was a new mom struggling with post-partum depression on top of PTSD from the service, and just felt like there wasn’t anything left in life except to eat, sleep, repeat. The ability to volunteer and serve again saved me—service is how you reconnect when you feel lost. Serving is how you make yourself bigger, stronger, smarter, and more resilient. Serving is how you find your place in the world, one small step—one kind deed—at a time.”

Brandon Foster

United States Marine Corps

Brandon Foster served in the Marine Corps for three years and seven months, then attended Lane College and Kapiolani Community College, and became a certified emergency medical technician. Now, Foster is an EMT by night and a stay-at-home dad by day. Reflection on Service: “To me, service means helping others in an altruistic capacity and helping to create better, more cohesive community.”

Dan Huvane

United States Marine Corps

Dan Huvane, who served in the Marine Corps for more than 24 years, attended Villanova University where he earned a B.A. in marketing. Huvane has successfully completed the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, as well as the Public Affairs Officer Qualification course and the Joint Sr. Public Affairs course at the Defense Information School. Currently, he works in home contracting project management and communication strategy and design. Reflection on Service: “There is no greater good than to give of your time, effort, and energy to help your fellow human beings in crisis. Disasters bring about the best and the worst in people, we say…and I see a lot more of the best. I’m amazed time and again by all those who put their lives on hold to answer the call to service.”

Preston Lyons

United States Navy

Preston Lyons served in the Navy for 10 years, then earned his bachelor’s at Colorado State University. Now, Lyons works as a firefighter and paramedic.

Lyons has been a Greyshirt for seven years and serves as the Denver metro deputy city manager. His first deployment was on Operation What the Flood, providing flood recovery assistance to the town of Longmont, CO in 2013. Lyons says his most meaningful experience with Team Rubicon has been serving as Denver’s membership coordinator.

Reflection on Service: “Service is doing things for others without the expectation of receiving anything in return. Providing a service to those in need because of the simple understanding that we all must support, provide for, and protect each other as a community and as human beings.”

Elizabeth Pereda

United States Marine Corps

Elizabeth Pereda served in the Marine Corps for 12 years. She has attended the University of Southern California and Biola University and holds master’s degrees in nonprofit leadership and intercultural studies. Pereda now works as a social economy research analyst. Reflection on Service: “Service to me means putting yourself second and doing it with joy, always. It is not just something I do, it’s way of life.”

Chris Sherwood

United States Army Reserve

Chris Sherwood served in the Army Reserve for 20 years. He attended Georgia Southern University and graduated in 1995 with a B.A. in journalism. He now works as an analyst and he is a member of Team Red White and Blue. Reflection on Service: “Service means being empathetic, doing simple good, and ensuring we answer the call for all of our citizens when hope seems lost and they have nowhere to turn. Not because it’s the easy thing to do, but because it is the right thing to do. Clay Hunt’s legacy will forever be at the core of who we are. We served our nation in uniform once, and now more than ever, we need to step up to the new challenges and answer the call at home.”

Alandra Swords

United States Marine Corps

Alandra Swords served in the Marine Corps for two years and four months. Now she volunteers at Benton County Fire District #4 providing logistical support Reflection on Service: “Service is more than just action, it is intent. I may not be able to eliminate pain and suffering or loss, but I can do what I am capable of to help mitigate or repair the damages that have been done both physically and emotionally. The world sees enough tragedy to last a lifetime, but a single act of kindness and the assistance of a stranger can make a world of difference. I want to be one of those who makes that difference.”

Rich Veith

United States Army

Rich Veith served in the Army for eight and a half years. He attended Norwich University and has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Now, he volunteers with the Mannington Volunteer Fire Department. Reflection on Service: “Any act of service, no matter how small to you, may mean the world to the one you serve.”

David "Scott" Blackketter

United States Coast Guard

David Blackketter served in the Coast Guard for 27 years and holds a bachelor’s degree in emergency and disaster management from the American Military University.

Blackketter has been a Greyshirt for a little under a year and his first deployment was Kick the King in Garden Grove, CA. In the short time since that op, he has been contracted by the Field Leadership Team and he stepped up to serve as the Deputy Planning Coordinator for Orange County. Blackketter says the most impactful thing about volunteering with Team Rubicon is “serving alongside like-minded individuals who are determined to give their best every day and GSD!”

Reflection on Service: I truly believe that helping others, in any capacity with no expectation of receiving anything in return, has a tremendous impact on the world. It sets a positive example for others to follow and it provides hope in the face of despair.

Courtney Castillo

United States Army

Courtney Castillo served for six years in the Army and is currently a team member at Kenyon International emergency training and consulting. She’s finishing up an associate degree of applied science in homeland security and emergency management from Central Texas College and in her free time volunteers with Serve the City and The Mission Continues.

Castillo has been a Greyshirt for one year and her first deployment was on Operation Hana Holokai performing wildfire mitigation for a community on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Her most memorable experience with Team Rubicon was watching a fellow Greyshirt on deployment stick up for one of the town’s most vulnerable citizens. She says, “It made me so proud that we have these strong, amazing individuals in this organization, and to also be a part of it.”

Reflection on Service: Service is helping others in need; no matter who they are, where they come from, status, gender, disability, or ethnicity. Our incident commander on an operation once asked, “does it matter who opens the door?” My immediate thought was no, I just want them to allow me to help them.

Samuel Danna

United States Army

Samuel Danna served in the Army for three and half years and now works as a security consultant. He holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations from the University of Iowa as well as a Global Information Assurance Certificate. Danna also volunteers with FourBlock, helping veterans transition into civilian careers and accomplish their professional goals.

Danna joined Team Rubicon less than one year ago and has yet to deploy but speaking with fellow Greyshirts about their experiences has made him more eager than ever to get on an operation.

Reflection on Service: For me, service is having the self-awareness to subdue your own personal needs and, in an effort to lead, putting the needs of your team, community, or peers above all else.

Russ Fincher

United States Coast Guard

Russ Fincher served a combined 12 years of active and reserve duty in the Coast Guard performing small boat rescue. After leaving the military, he earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from Susquehanna University then worked as a laboratory manager and cancer researcher. Now, Fincher works for the FBI where he is assigned as a computer forensic examiner at the New York Field Office. He is also a member of the FBI’s Hazardous Evidence Team and Rapid Deployment Team. The volunteer organizations he’s involved with include his church, Boy Scouts of America, the Catholic Youth Organization, Garden City Basketball, and he used to be a volunteer firefighter.

Fincher became a Greyshirt a little after COVID-19 broke out in the U.S. and his first engagement with Team Rubicon was self-deploying as part of Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Since joining, he has become the logistics lead for the Long Island Metro area. About his experience with Team Rubicon, he says, “I am continually impressed by TR’s Greyshirts’ ability to get to YES and respond to help forgotten people in impossible circumstances.”

Reflection on Service: My closet is filled with a lifetime of ‘service uniforms’—from the military, coaching, law enforcement, scouting, and firefighting. Some are elaborate and decorated with ranks and awards, but one is just a simple grey shirt. That shirt reminds me that service is not about awards and recognition, it’s about humbly using my talents to help others who can’t help themselves with food, water and shelter. Service is that ‘fierce instinct to help’ which gives me and Team Rubicon its purpose.”

Ananias "AJ" Hill

United States Air Force

Ananias Hill served 15 years active duty and three years as a reservist in the Air Force. Today, he works as an emergency vehicle dispatcher at Buckley Air Force Base, receiving aircraft emergency notifications and responding with appropriate personnel and equipment. As well, Hill is working towards a degree in cybersecurity management and policy at the University of Maryland Global Campus.

Hill has been a Greyshirt since 2017 and his first deployment was on Operation Strike It Rich in his home state of Missouri. He says that being able to serve his own community as he was making the transition out of the military is the most meaningful experience he has had with Team Rubicon. 

Reflection on Service: Service is a connection that I share with my father and brother. Serving and doing the work that others cannot do is a characteristic that my father instilled in my brother and me at a young age. My father is the key role model in my life and being able to follow in his footsteps as a serviceman in the U.S. armed forces was the greatest accomplishment of my life.

Sarah Huibregtse

United States Navy & Army National Guard

Sara Huibregtse served for a combined six years in the Navy and the Wisconsin Army National Guard. She holds degrees in computer science and education from Capella University, Cardinal Stritch University, and Lakeland College. When she’s not in her grey shirt, Huibregtse works as an assistant professor of computer science and volunteers with the American Legion and Team Red, White & Blue.

Huibregtse has been a Greyshirts since 2018 and enjoys watching interactions in the Ohio Facebook group because it reminds her of her relationships with military connections. She says, “It doesn’t matter how long it’s been since we last spoke, we are always able to pick up like no time has passed.”

Reflection on Service: Service can be applied at many levels within a community, but for me, the most important service we do is at the individual level when we take a moment to truly sit, listen, engage, and support an individual. Being present in that moment allows us to get to the heart of the community by engaging with one person at a time to ensure that they know they personally matter to the community.

Keith James

United States Army

Keith James served in the Army for 14 years and is now a student at Southern New Hampshire University. In addition to serving with Team Rubicon, he also volunteers with the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

James has been a Greyshirt since 2017 and has deployed 13 times. His latest deployment was on Operation Kick the King where he worked at one of the Verily COVID-19 testing sites in California. On the experience with Team Rubicon that means the most to him, James has this to say, “Every time I think I have the found the experience that has had the biggest impact on me, a bigger impact is always happening. TR is always impacting experiences in everyone’s life in a different way, every time you put on a grey shirt, talk to a Greyshirt, or watch a Greyshirt sweat. Being a Greyshirt has been the biggest impact on me and serving with some of the greatest humans willing to see the best in humans and not the bullshit.”

Reflection on Service: Service means being there to help anyone without anything in return and just always paying it forward with a reward that the future will be a better world with happy people.

Kevin Johnston

United States Army

Kevin Johnston served in the Army for four years and now works in the field of external affairs. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Dickinson College and a master’s degree in international relations from St. Mary’s University. In addition to serving with Team Rubicon, Johnston also volunteers with Rugged Saints and Habitat for Humanity.

Johnston has been a Greyshirt for four years. In that time, he has volunteered for multiple trainings with Team Rubicon and partnership events with The Mission Continues and the Fairfax Fire Department. He has also served on the Houston Rebuild and says that working there has been his most meaningful experience with Team Rubicon.

Reflection on Service: To serve is to help those who cannot help themselves.

Barry Pemberton

United States Army

Barry Pemberton served in the Army for 25 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in emergency and disaster management from American Public University and now works protecting the country’s critical infrastructure from terrorism. In addition to volunteering with Team Rubicon, Pemberton is also a member of The Mission Continues and Team Red, White & Blue. 

Pemberton has been a Greyshirt for four years and currently holds the roles of Midwest Territory core operations cadre lead and Indiana deputy state administrator. His first deployment on Operation Country Roads in West Virginia was also his most impactful experience with Team Rubicon. He says, “The second I arrived it was like being back with my Brothers and Sisters, and I needed that badly.”

Reflection on Service: Service to me is what makes life worth living. You help out people on their worst day and treat them how you would want them to treat your family if the roles were reversed.

Andrei Roberge

Canadian Army

As a Canadian, Andrei Roberge is the first Canadian Clay Hunt Fellow. Roberge served for 20 years in the Canadian Army and now works at the Team Rubicon Canada headquarters. He attended the University of Manitoba where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, and he’s currently completing his master’s degree in disaster and emergency management at York University.

Roberge has been a Greyshirt for a year and half, and his most memorable moment has been launching his first operation during only his second week with Team Rubicon Canada. “It was great to be able to make quick decisions at the HQ level in order to help those in need,” he says “It was also an amazing introduction to some of the volunteer leadership. And the great teamwork from that operation is maintained to this day.”

Reflection on Service: Service is doing something for others, period. There are no hidden motives. You’re not doing it to get promoted, to get another job, or to look good in front of someone. Service is something that involves you having to sacrifice and give something for others (time, resources, etc…) that can never be fully repaid.

Kristina Sawyckyj

United States Navy Reserves

Kristina Sawyckyj served five years in the Navy reserves. She studied at Seattle University and now works as a licensed nurse. In addition to volunteering with Team Rubicon, Sawyckyj is an intern at a homelessness advocacy and outreach group.

Sawyckyj has been a Greyshirt for three years, but it wasn’t until COVID-19 hit that she felt motivated to deploy on Operation Kick the King. Volunteering at one of Team Rubicon’s food support events made a serious impact on her. “The people who we serve are so happy to get help and so thankful,” she says. “In May-June, I spent most of my time simply waving and saying ‘welcome.’ The relief in someone’s eyes when they ask you if anyone can get food and you say yes … it brings a peace over my soul.”

Reflection on Service: Service means giving of yourself to help others and the community, as an act of your soul. My elders instilled service in me when I was little, and I have been able to instill service in my kids, as well. A person’s soul needs for them to provide service to others, no matter at which level they can. The act of service is accepted at the level where a person is.

Nate Slavik

United States Navy

Nate Slavik served in the Navy for nine years and has attended the U.S. Naval Academy where he received a bachelor’s degree in economics and the University of Florida where he earned an MBA. Today, he works at Marathon Petroleum Corp.

Slavik has been a Greyshirt for two years and has yet to have the opportunity to deploy, but he says, “at this point, just being a member has had a positive influence on me.”

Reflection on Service: Simple…it’s not about you. From the simplest household task to joining the military, if you do an act for someone or something else besides yourself.

Daniel Abadilla

United States Army

Dan Abadilla enlisted for duty as a combat medic at the age of 17 and later transitioned into the Hawaii Army National Guard as an infantryman. After retiring as a platoon sergeant, he went on to serve in law enforcement. Now, he works as a high school substitute teacher for algebra and geometry. His most memorable Team Rubicon experience has been serving as Incident Commander on Operation Separate Kingdom. That operation took Greyshirts to remote parts of Hawaii where they had no reinforcements and were guided entirely by a remote IMT. Like he says, “You have to do what you can with what you got.” 

Reflection: Service is when we share what we have—time, talent, or treasure—to those who have less, so they may be filled.

Preston Barker

United States Marine

Preston Barker served from 2009–2015 as a rifleman in the infantry as well as a Motor Transport line chief. During that time, he was deployed to Africa. These days Barker volunteers at the Vacaville Fire Protection District in Solano County, CA as a firefighter and EMT, rope rescue technician, and swiftwater rescue technician. Recently, Preston served as the logistics section chief at the Federal Medical Station in Santa Clara, CA in support of Team Rubicon’s nationwide medical response to COVID-19.

Reflection: My entire adult life has been spent wearing a uniform in service to others. Service to others is part of my identity and what gives my life meaning and purpose. As John Bunyan said, “You have not lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”

Erich Allman

United States Navy

Erich “Doc” Allman served as a Navy Corpsman with the U.S. Marines from 1997–2006, going on multiple deployments to Asia and the Middle East. Today, he lives in San Diego with his dog, Stark. Along with volunteering for Team Rubicon, Allman contributes his time and passion for helping others to the Wounded Warriors Project.  

Reflection: Service means being part of something bigger than myself, for the benefit of others and for the greater good. It is doing for others without wanting anything in return. It is natural to want to help others.ERicj

Justin Buckner

United States Army

Justin Buckner joined the Army in 2003 and served for nine years as a scout and human intelligence collector. During that period, he deployed to Iraq three times and Afghanistan once. After transitioning to civilian life, Buckner focused on furthering his education. Upon graduation, he dove into the tech field working for companies such as Oracle and Adobe. Justin has two daughters and is married to his wife of 15 years, Weronika.  

Reflection: Service is about helping others and working to make the world a better place. I feel that anyone with the means and abilities to help others less fortunate than themselves, should do so as much as possible. Imagine how many of the world’s problems could be solved if we all made service to others a cornerstone in our lives?

Eric Dunn

United States Marine

Eric Dunn served for four years as a USMC rifleman, deploying to Iraq in 2006 and again in 2007. On his first tour Dunn acted as a point man and navigator, but after graduating from the Marine Corps’ Infantry Squad Leaders Course he became a patrol leader for combined American and Iraqi patrols. Since leaving the military, he has become a certified firefighter and EMT, learned to skydive, been ordained as a minister, and performed 11 weddings. Now, he’s working in the security industry and earning a bachelor’s degree in history. 

Reflection: Service is about putting others before yourself and helping out where you can, when you can. Keeps you humble and puts life in perspective.

Keith Leung

United States Navy

Keith Leung served as an Information Professional Officer, starting in communications systems management and network security before transitioning into project management. His first Team Rubicon deployment was on Operation Hard Hustle in response to Hurricane Harvey. Leung has been a volunteer leader ever since, deploying to 10 operations and holding various command and general staff positions. Right now, he’s on Team Rubicon’s Incident Management Team as a technology specialist. 

Reflection: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of “disaster,” I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted that there are still so many helpers- so many caring people in this world.” —Fred Rogers

Tara Patterson

United States Marine

Tara Patterson served in the USMC from 2011–2015 as a radio operator in an artillery regiment. Since leaving active duty, she has continued to serve others as a trauma-informed yoga teacher, caseworker, and the Nashville platoon leader for The Mission Continues. A Minnesota native, she now resides in Tennessee with her husband, John, and daughter, Belle. 

Reflection: If you’re able to make someone’s life better or lighten their load in anyway, it is your duty to do so. A service-driven life is one of purpose and an opportunity to create the kind of world you want to live in. 

Elizabeth Saunders

United States Navy

Elizabeth Saunders enlisted in 2003, and after initially being stationed in Naples, Italy she served aboard the USS Pinckney out of San Diego. She was honorably discharged in 2008 and now teaches global corporate innovation and entrepreneurship programs. Currently, she is reading “The Myth of the Nice Girl” by Fran Hauser.  

Reflection: To me, service means being mindful that we are all on this earth together; at times we need to help others and at other times we need to accept help so we can all move forward on this grand journey we call life. 

Robert Schwartz

United States Air Force

Robert Schwartz, who goes by Bob, served in the U.S. Air Force’s Security Forces, spending most of his career in nuclear security with deployments to Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Currently, he lives in Houston and enjoys teaching high school social sciences. 

Reflection: The world is a rough place and we’re all in this together. Service is the way to make good on the duty each of us has to make the world better for one another.

Peter Varney

United States Air Force

Pete Varney served for over seven years, first as a registered nurse in the SICU, MICU, and PACU at Walter Reed Hospital, then as an ICU nurse and executive officer at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson. Additionally, he took a six-month non-combat deployment providing medical support at the Aeromedical Staging Facility at Andrew’s Air Force Base. Varney says the most rewarding experiences from his career have been caring for critically injured warriors and their families, and training Navy Corpsmen to treat wounded patients in the field.  

Reflection: When I joined Team Rubicon, I was isolated and overcome with despondency. There was that one person who reached out and I knew they “got it.” At my first op, I was grateful to find a conduit to channel positive energy and drown out the negative noise. Through service, I got out of my head and felt the impact of altruistic actions. 

Christopher Waters

United States Coast Guard & United States Air Force

Christopher Waters served seven years active duty as an operations specialist and law enforcement officer. Most of his career was spent at sea while stationed in Alaska. There, he was a combat information center supervisor overseeing international search and rescue and law enforcement operations. Later, Waters was attached to the Maritime Security Response Team. After being honorably discharged from the Coast Guard in 2016, he transitioned into the U.S. Air Force Reserves as a security forces specialist. He is now enrolled at the University of Colorado Denver earning a degree in criminal justice. 

Reflection: Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Team Rubicon has done exactly that for me. I was in the Coast Guard from the age of 19, so my entire identity was wrapped up in this service. The second most difficult transition I have experienced in my life was deciding to leave the military, and Team Rubicon greatly eased that transition and gave me back my sense of purpose.

Justin Ball

United States Army

United States Army

Education: Bachelor’s of Applied Science, Campbell University

Justin is currently on active duty, U.S. Army Special Operations Command at Ft. Bragg.
Ball, who has spent the last 23 years active duty, applied to be a CHF to immerse himself in TR’s culture, and because he wanted to learn about humanitarian assistance in the international arena.

Currently Reading: Noise, by Joseph McCormack, “a really interesting read about the strategies for living in a world where we are constantly bombarded with information.” That includes how information addiction develops to the point where people experience anxiety when away from their phones. “As a parent, much of the points hit home in terms of the habits we model for our kids. Scary stuff sometimes.”

Rob Cilla

United States Air Force

Branch: United States Air Force
Education: BS in Computer Science, Air Force Academy; MS in Digital Forensic Science, Champlain College

Cilla served as a Cyber Operations Officer in the U.S. Airforce where he gained IT skills that he continues to use professionally. He first deployed for Operation Hard Hustle, and says that his favorite TR experience has been carving and tossing pumpkins for the Halloween festivities at the Beaumont FOB. He applied to the CHFP because of a desire to grow as a Greyshirt and a person. In particular, he looks forward to discussions among the cohort and hopes to explore some intellectual areas one typically doesn’t venture into during the daily grind.

Currently Reading: Slogging through Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series

Jonathen Davis

United States Navy

Branch: United States Navy
Education: BS in Visual Journalism, Brooks Institute; MS in Communication and Media Technologies, the Academy of Art University

Davis served for seven years as a mass communication specialist assigned to Navy Expeditionary Combat Command’s Combat Camera. During that time, he traveled the world documenting disasters and humanitarian responses for the military. He also provided support for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. He joined TR to continue using his combat cameraman skills, as well as to act as volunteer Southwest Territory Communications Deputy. Davis’ most memorable deployment was during Operation Tenzing in Nepal. The team was helping villagers in Shermatang recover from an earthquake when a second, smaller quake struck, causing the villagers to relive the first quake and the Greyshirts to freeze as the earth trembled and cracked beneath their feet.

Currently Reading: An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth: What Going to Space Taught Me About Ingenuity, Determination, and Being Prepared for Anything, by Chris Hadfield.

Joe "Panda" Dietz

United States Navy

Joseph Dietz
Branch: United States Navy
Education: AA in Applied Nursing, Germanna Community College

Joe is a Nurse at Stafford Hospital Emergency Department
During Operation Amberjack, Dietz was a team lead for a group that mucked out the house of a homeowner who had little hope that her home was salvageable. When the team returned five days later to check on the woman, they found her talking with a contractor about rebuilding instead of tearing the house down. That showed him how profound of an impact TR has on the lives of survivors. Before joining TR, Dietz had a long history of service that began as an engineman in the U.S. Navy. He would go on to become an equipment operator in the Seabees where he oversaw a number of critical tasks. Throughout his career, he took on nine deployments including on Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and to Afghanistan. Before retiring in 2013, he was awarded the rank of chief petty officer. Not one to rest on his laurels, Dietz has used retirement to volunteer as a firefighter and EMT.

Currently Reading: The Witcher, by Andrzej Sapkowski, because he likes to go to new worlds when he reads

Mark Hayward

United States Army

Mark Hayward
Branch: United States Army
Education: BA from William and Mary; BS from the University of Nebraska; JD from Liberty University

Mark teaches medical skills to Native Alaskan Community Health Aides in Alaska’s Norton Sound region.
Before becoming one of the original eight volunteers to deploy to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake, Hayward already had a long career in service. During his time in the Army he rose from machine-gun ammo bearer to infantry officer, Special Forces medic, and battalion physician assistant. Now, he lives in Nome, Alaska teaching medical skills to Alaska’s Community Health Aides in the Norton Sound Region. His most memorable experience with TR was seeing the patients in the Manresa camp the first evening in Haiti.

Currently Reading: Dark Rendezvous, by Bob Killebrew

Kevin Hough

United States Air Force

Branch: United States Air Force

Kevin serves as the Burlington, Vermont Metro Planning Lead; Secretary for the Vermont VOAD; member of GXP Remote Support Team. During his time in the U.S. Air Force, Hough deployed on Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom as a Security Forces Desk Sergeant, Raven, and Customs Inspector. In 2005, while at Keesler AFB, Hough survived Hurricane Katrina and served with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations disaster assessment team operating in Mississippi. After joining Team Rubicon as a Greyshirt, he volunteered with his brother Cody and a former coworker and friend on Operation What the Flood, which opened his eyes to disaster response and how he could use the skills learned in the Air Force to help people affected by disaster.

Adam Korkow

United States Marine Corps

Branch: United States Marines
Education: MBA, Kelley School of Business at Indiana University

During Korkow’s more than nine years with the Marine Corps, he served as an MV-22 Osprey Pilot, supported Operation Iraqi Freedom, and deployed twice on Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He went on to earn his MBA, then spent time in corporate America before deciding to apply to become a Clay Hunt fellow to help further his impact on others. He has also worked closely with the Post Traumatic Growth Institute, a nonprofit helping veterans.

Currently Reading: Natural Born Heroes, by Christopher McDougall

Carol McCoy

United States Army

Branch: United States Army

Education: AA in General Studies, Johnson County Community College, at age 56

Carol is technically retired, but a contractor with the TR National Incident Management Team.
McCoy was attending high school in Wichita, KS, at the height of the 1970’s race riots. In 1973, she found herself bored in school just as cross-town bussing and forced integration caused multiple riots on her high school campus—a situation she calls “frightening and dangerous”—so she chose to drop out of school. By 1976, she was enlisted in the Army’s Military Police Corps as a sergeant, followed by 15 more years in law enforcement. McCoy’s first TR deployment was on Leap Day, 2012, but her most memorable experience was being the first Regional Administrator for Region 7 because she was part of a great team of leaders who are still active with TR today. Her favorite op so far was Geaux Big in Baton Rouge.

Currently Reading: Always a mix of fiction with a sprinkle of non-fiction: the Outlander series, by Diana Gabaldon (again), and The Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety, by Alan W. Watts.

Brian Ojalehto

United States Marine Corps

Branch: Marines

Education: BS in Exercise Physiology, Fitchburg State University; MS in Construction Management, Wentworth Institute of Technology

During his time with the U.S. Marine Corps, Ojalehto served with the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion in Camp Pendleton, CA and deployed twice to Iraq. On one tour he was a member of General Mattis’ Personal Security Platoon; on another, he served as a LAV-25 gunner at Ar Rutbah. He then went on to teach gunnery to the Battalion in advance of their next deployment. After leaving the service in 2007 he began accumulating college degrees, including his Masters’ in Construction Management.

Currently Reading: Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead, by Jim Mattis and Bing West

Rob Passmore

CT Air National Guard

Branch: CT Air National Guard

Education: BA in Political Science and Spanish, University of Connecticut

Rob is a veterans Educational Benefits Counselor and School Certifying Official with the University of Connecticut Office of Veterans Affairs and Military Programs.
Passmore enlisted as a senior airman in the Connecticut Air National Guard in 1986, and left the service in 1996 as a captain. He found a new passion, helping veterans with service-related disabilities go back to school, as the Veterans Educational Benefits Counselor at the University of Connecticut. Passmore signed up in response to Hurricane Harvey and has been on nine deployments since, always serving as a strike leader. His favorite TR experience was mucking out a house in Omaha two weeks after the flood—and finding live fish in the muck.

Currently Reading: Unfuck Yourself: Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Life, by Gary John Bishop; The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11, by Garrett M. Graff, and a book on the 101st Airborne

Leland Turner

United States Air Force

Branch: United States Air Force
Education: PharmD, University of Arkansas

Leland is currently working as a pharmacist in Arkansas.
After obtaining his doctorate of pharmacy from the University of Arkansas, Turner joined the Air Force and was stationed with the 11th Med Group in DC. When he finished his time in the Air Force, not quite two years ago, Turner headed to Southeast Asia where he spent 18 months backpacking. He served with TR for the first time in the Bahamas, and his most memorable moment was hearing another Greyshirt’s struggles while the two were together at a laundromat. This made the dual purpose of TR very real, that it is both a support system for communities in need and also for its veteran volunteers.

Currently Reading: Shantaram, by Gregory David Roberts; Designing Your Life, by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans; How to Change Your Mind, by Michael Pollan

Ryan Weisheyer

United States Marine Corps

Branch: Marines
Education: BS in Justice Systems, Truman State University; MPA, National University

Since Weisheyer is still active duty, he has yet to go on a TR op. But, he has participated in a joint project with Habitat for Humanity in Tacoma, WA. During his 20 years with the U.S. Marine Corps, Weisheyer deployed multiple times and was stationed in Japan and Germany for a total of nine years. In Addition to TR, he volunteers with the Pierce County Explorer Search & Rescue organization.

Currently Reading: Fond of leadership books and biographies, he’s currently reading the CHFP-required Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry into the Value of Work, by Matthew B. Crawford

Atiya Corbett

U.S. Marine Corps

Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Resides in: Augusta, GA

Atiya recently retired from the U.S. Marine Corps after serving 20 years. She served multiple tours in the Middle East. Atiya has served with Team Rubicon since September 2019 and continues to be an active member in her region. Two of her favorite activities are playing roller derby with her team, Soul City Sirens, and spending family time with her husband and three children. She holds Bachelors Degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and a Graduate Degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Adler University.
“Serving others prepares you to lead others.” – Jim George

Nika Hermes

U.S. Navy

Nika Hermes
Branch: U.S. Navy
Resides in: Elizabeth, CO

Nika worked as an Aviation Structural and Hydraulic Mechanic for six years in the US Navy. She deployed for OEF/OIF in 2007 and worked on five different aircrafts throughout her military career. Nika assisted with training maintenance personnel and keeping shop readiness at its peak until 2010. In 2017, Nika joined Team Rubicon with a drive to find her place and serve her community once again. She hit the ground running and has since deployed on 18 operations, serving both in the field and as C&G several times. Her passion for training her team during past military service began to show through, and this led her to becoming a Regional Chainsaw, a Sawyer 2, and an instructor in many other fields with Team Rubicon.

“The only way we can keep the sun shining on the hearts of those who need it most, is by being there for them in whatever capacity we can be. I believe everyone has the capability to do good for no other reason than it’s the right thing to do. Sometimes, people just need that brief moment of hope in order to overcome whatever struggle they are facing. That one smile. That one spark. That one reminder that good does exist. Giving someone hope gives me hope.”

Jess Johnson

U.S. Army

Raechel Liska

Wisconsin National Guard

Raechel Liska
Branch: Wisconsin National Guard
Resides in: Milwaukee, WI

Rachel Commissioned into the Wisconsin National Guard and served as a Second Lieutenant.
Raechel currently serves as a career firefighter and paramedic for the City of West Allis, Wisconsin. She Graduated from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater with a bachelors degree and is continuing her education to earn a Masters of Science in Emergency Management from Jacksonville State University.
“Involvement with Team Rubicon presents a unique opportunity for me to continue to serve and embrace my favorite phrase; live a life you’re proud of.”

Bernie Lodge

U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard 

Bernie Lodge
Branch: U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard
Resides in: Loveland, CO

Bernie retired from the U.S. Coast Guard as serving as a Boatswain’s Mate whose last duty station was Marine Safety and Security Team 91112. Bernie currently is an Emergency Management Specialist with Northern Water Conservancy in Berthoud, Co. Bernie’s involvement with TR started in 2016 and he has served in various rolls from Territory to State. When not TR’ing or working, Bernie spends time with his wife, two kids, six dogs, three cats, and two guinea pigs. With his remaining time, he is either watching hockey or riding motorcycles. He holds a Bachelors of Science in Emergency and Disaster Management.
“Always give a hand up, never a handout”

Juan Ortiz-Giro

U.S. Coast Guard

Juan Ortiz-Giro
Branch: U.S. Coast Guard
Resides in: San Juan, PR

Juan (JC) decided to join the U. S. Coast Guard in 2000. Right after basic training, he was sent to the USCG Boarding Team Member (BTM) school in Petaluma, CA; granting him the opportunity to amass a wealth of maritime law enforcement experience and to serve as an interpreter. JC also served as a Machinery Technician Second Class and was discharged honorably as such in 2004. Currently, JC is the TR State Administrator for Puerto Rico and the RCI 1 CADRE Lead for the NE territory. JC recently graduated with honors. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Public Health Science with a minor in Health Services Management.

S.C. Parker

U.S. Army

S.C. Parker
Branch: U.S. Army
Resides in: Tacoma, VA

Parker spent 4 years on active duty as an Army Engineer Officer. She just recently transferred into the reserves where she serves on a Forward Engineer Support Team out of JBLM, WA. On the civilian side she works as an Applications Engineer with the Center for Advanced Manufacturing – Puget Sound. Parker holds a Bachelors of Science in Engineering Physics from Fordham University.

”To serve is to dedicate time and energy to something that exists outside the sphere of your own life. I can think of nothing more fulfilling than seeing the impact I’ve had on the world around me. That is what Team Rubicon and the Clay Hunt Fellows Program are all about.” 

Joseph Reno

U.S. Marine Corps Reserves

Joseph Reno
Branch: U.S. Navy Reserves, 2016 – current
Resides in: Colorado Springs, CO

After a 10 year break in service, Joseph rejoined the military using professional skills to enter in the Hospital Corpsman field. He is currently serving with NCHB 13, a Navy cargo handling Battalion, HQ in Gulfport Mississippi. Joseph is currently a D.O.D civilian working for the Army as a firefighter paramedic. He holds multiple volunteer leadership roles in TR’s NW Territory. He holds an A.A.S. Firefighter with academy emphasis and National Registry EMT – Paramedic certification.

“Whenever the world needs our help, if we listen, are trained, prepared and willing, we can make a significant difference in another’s life in their darkest hours.  As we sacrifice our time, energy, and souls individually for others, collectively we change the outcome of natural disasters, and together change the entire world.”

Britni Ryan

U.S. Navy  

Britni Ryan
Branch: U.S. Navy  
Resides in: Tigard, Oregon

Britni worked as a fleet Marine Force Corpsman for 16 years starting in 2001. She deployed to Afghanistan with the Army for a year in 2007 as part of an embedded training team and was the only female on the team. From there she was stationed at the White House to support all travel medicine needed for Presidential trips. Her final duty station was with 3rd Marine Division 1st Battalion 12th Marines as part of the push of females into Combat roles. After leaving the military, she found Team Rubicon and became heavily immersed in volunteering for TR. She has become a Regional Chainsaw Instructor and Chainsaw Sawyer 2.

“When I found Team Rubicon, I found a second purpose in life. Now I focus on helping people help other. I went through most my struggles alone and I want to try and make sure people don’t have the same experience.”  

Justin Warner

U.S. Air Force 

Justin Warner
Branch: U.S. Air Force
Resides in: Vienna, VA

Justin served as a Cyber Warfare Officer assigned to the US Intelligence Community working in Counterintelligence. Justin leads an Applied Threat R&D team for a large technology company. Justin is a loving husband and father who enjoys his limited down time traveling with his family. Within Team Rubicon, he is the State Planning Coordinator in Virginia and serves in as many operations as he can. He graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science from the US Air Force Academy in 2010.

“Service is important to me because to those we help, we might be the last bit of hope they have; I cannot imagine the alternative. Service sets the example of the importance of raising your hand to help others and is infectious, driving others to also raise their hand.”

Lawerence Montoya

U.S. Army 

Branch U.S. Army
Resides: Albuquerque, NM 

Joined the United States Army in 1989. As in infantrymen, he deployed for three ground combat tours. Lawerence completed two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. He retired as a First Sergeant in 2011. Since June of 2018, Lawerence has been on several TR deployments including one to The Bahamas. He is married and has four children and a grandson. Lawrence holds a bachelors degree from Excelsior College.

“Hug and Smiles. The idea of experiencing this when I deploy with TR is what makes my heart happy. A flicker of hope or love in the eyes of the hopeless on their worst day. This is why I serve,”

Patrick Black

United States Army

Branch: United States Army
Hometown: San Antonio, TX.

Patrick served as a Special Agent/Staff Sergeant for U.S Army Criminal Investigation Division conducting felony level investigations regarding violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice and/or criminal laws of the United States affecting Army personnel and resources. In addition to investigations, Patrick was selected to serve in the U.S. Army Protective Services Battalion, assigned to the protection of the Secretary of Defense, as well as the Chairman and Vice Chairman to Joint Chiefs of Staff. He has a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice; Police Administration from Bellevue University, Bellevue, NE.

“I have spent my entire adult life in service to others, whether it was federal law enforcement, structural firefighter, EMS, wildland firefighter, or disaster response. Helping others has always been what drives me to continue to put on a uniform, regardless of what the job may be. Even though I do love to go into communities and get dirty with a chainsaw, or muck out houses, I find my greatest sense of purpose serving other Greyshirts in whatever “Train, Teach, Mentor” position I’m asked to fill, because the work they do is critical, and their experiences matter. Sacrificing for the needs of others makes you human. Stay human.”

Jeff Burns

United States Marine Corps

Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Hometown: Eureka, CA

Once joining the Marine Corps, Jeff served as an electrician in Okinawa, Japan. He then spent three years as a Marine Security Guard at US Embassies in Cairo, Egypt; Yerevan, Armenia; and Nicosia, Cyprus. For his last four years he was a Counterintelligence/Human Intelligence Specialist spending two summers in fabulous Sangin. Jeff is a Sr. Project Manager for CCI Systems, managing telecommunication and infrastructure projects. Jeff has a BS in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis from Norwich University, VT. He also has Master of Business Administration from Hult International Business School, London U.K.

“Service to a greater cause than myself has always been my lantern when the fog is thickest. Team Rubicon helps keep that lantern burning.”

Krysti Corbett

United States Army

Branch: United States Army
Hometown: Arlington, VA

Krysti served as a linguist and interrogator for eight years in the Army.  Her first two years were spent in Chinese and interrogation school, followed by a two-year tour on mainland Japan.  A month after 9/11, Krysti PCS’d to Fort Bragg, NC, worked in PSYOPs and 82nd Airborne Division, went back to language school to learn French, and deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan. Krysti is the Director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Labor and Employee Relations Division, where she manages EPA’s union negotiations, employee accountability, and anti-harassment program. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Asian Studies, with a Chinese-Mandarin Concentration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

“It is my sincere hope that when folks look back at my life, they reflect that I made a real difference, small or large. I hope that I am known for being kind, loving, hard-working, and willing to lend a hand. This type of reputation happens one small decision at a time – and in the long term, I hope to make enough small decisions to possibly leave a legacy, like Clay, of service, honor, commitment and spirit.”

Glen Hannaman

United States Army

Branch: U.S. Army, Army Reserves, Army National Guard, Air National Guard,
Resides in: Pleasant Prairie, WI

Retired as an Intelligence Analyst from the Wisconsin Army National Guard after 17 years of service . He also served in the Army as an Electronic Warfare System Repairer and as a Ground Radio Communications Repair Journeyman in the Air National Guard. Glen currently works in the bio-pharma industry as an IT Security and Risk Management systems analyst. He joined Team Rubicon in 2013 during Operation Starting Gun in Moore, Oklahoma and has served as WI State Planning Coordinator, Regional Planning Manager, Regional Technology Manager, and Region 5 Administrator (interim). Glen has an Associates of Applied Science, Microcomputer Specialist degree, and a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems. He also recently completed his Masters of Business Administration with a focus in Homeland Security.

“It is hard for me to imagine a life without service; without the sense of purpose and usefulness. The military first provided that feeling for me and Team Rubicon has continued to provide that sense of purpose afterward.”

Luke Hundley

United States Army

Branch: Army National Guard
Resides in: Owasso, OK

Luke was an Army Engineer in a vertical construction platoon with one deployment to Al Anbar Province, Iraq in 2004. His battalion was tasked with various construction projects such as construction of hard structures for troop billeting and prisoner detainment, route clearance, fortification of FOBs/outposts, and heavy equipment transportation. Luke has been a Registered Nurse in the emergency room (ER) at Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa, OK for just over ten years. This facility specifically serves the under served community primarily as a cardiac, stroke, and regional burn center. He has served in various roles throughout his career including charge nurse, preceptor to new graduate nurses, clinical resource, and trainer in ER specific interventions. He currently holds an Associates of Science in Nursing from Rogers State University, 2009.

“From my time in the military and throughout my nursing career, I have found that being in service to others is the most rewarding way to use my time. Through training, mentoring, and leadership, Team Rubicon has helped me to identify ways I can continue to effectively be of service in my community while embracing my own altruistic motivations.”

Cylissa Mowatt

United States Navy

Branch: United States Navy
Resides in: Portland, ME

Cylissa served as a Master at Arms and spent most her time working for harbor security. She was stationed for three years in Sasebo, Japan and spent her final year in Bahrain where she worked as a patrol supervisor. Cylissa is a corrections officer at the Cumberland County Jail where she works in the intake department and process individuals into the jail. She graduated with her bachelors degree in history

“Service is about giving back to the community and helping people when they need it. Since I can’t payback the people who helped my family as a kid, I give back to honor them through my actions.”

Jason Roberts

United States Army

Branch: United States Army
Resides in: Vacaville, CA

While on active duty Jason served as an Interrogator with a special operations unit and completed two deployments to Afghanistan. In the reserves he developed scenarios for and instructed soldiers preparing to deploy on how to identify and defeat Improvised Explosive Devices, as well as instructing small arms qualification and tactics. He is now serving as an Intelligence Officer in the California National Guard, a Chapter Captain for Team RWB, and the DA Cadre Lead for SW Territory. Jason joined Team Rubicon in June of 2014. His first operation was Hard Hustle in response to Hurricane Harvey. Holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Biology and a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from University of California – Davis.

“The teams I worked with in the military showed me the importance of community service both stateside and when deployed. After leaving active duty, I saw how continued service for veterans saved lives by providing community and a sense of purpose again. The communities we helped were given comfort, relief. If you have the means and ability to help others why not do it? What’s a little bit of your time to change or save someone’s life?”

Scott Seager

United States Army

Branch: U.S. Army and
Montana National Guard
Resides in: Montana

Scott first served as an infantryman in the 82nd Airborne and then transitioned to the Montana National Guard as a flight medic until 2004. Scott works as an emergency medicine Physician Assistant. He is also a flight medic for a helicopter search and rescue program. Scott graduated from the Physician Assistant program at University of Washington.

“I believe that serving something greater than yourself is a concept that’s hard wired into our psyche as humans. It provides a sense of purpose. When you boil it down, purpose is what we’re all looking for in life whether we’re aware of it or not. Many people struggle with losing that sense of purpose after their military service. I was drawn to Team Rubicon because it not only helps provide that purpose, but also provides the camaraderie of working with like-minded people serving others in need.”

Adam Sosa

United States Marine Corps

Branch: United States Marine Corps
Resides in: Connecticut

Adam served in the Marine Corps as a radio operator for an artillery unit.Adam is focused on starting and running an online sales business. He is currently earning his degree in Accounting and Business Administration from Manchester Community College.

“Service is the fundamental obligation that all people must help each other to ensure that our world becomes a better place. I find that with our fast paced, always-on-the-move lifestyles, a small act of kindness can have untold effects on the people around us. Serving keeps us grounded and helps us become better versions of ourselves.”

Melanie Verdin

United States Navy

Branch: United States Navy
Resides in: Waxahachie, TX

Melanie was an aviation machinist mate on F-18’s. She ran training and was also a troubleshooter for our power plants shop. Melanie is an elementary teacher for grades ranging from third to fifth. She concentrates on Math and Science.
She earned Bachelor’s of Science at the University of Texas, Arlington.

“I choose to continue to serve because I want others to be able to draw strength from me when they are struggling to move forward, so their day even for just a moment is brighter, and so my future children have a community to depend on as they forge their way through life.”

Robert “Sledge” Simmons

United States Coast Guard

Branch: U.S. Coast Guard
Resides in: D’Iberville, Mississippi

Sledge served as small boat engineer and boarding team member in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Following his time in Mississippi, he served on Shoreside Detachment and USCGC Kanawha in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Sledge has a Bachelor of Science in Geosciences from Mississippi State University in addition to taking extensive coursework in geology, GIS, and archaeology. Sledge enjoys traveling and exploring the world and food of various cultures.

“I joined Team Rubicon in 2015, but wasn’t able to deploy until Op Hard Hustle, in Rockport, Texas in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. It wasn’t the first time I’d been in an area impacted by a hurricane, but it was the first time I’d been in one to help. From minute one, I knew that I’d finally found where I was supposed to be. I belonged again, and I could make a difference. Service is one of the key elements that makes my life feel whole.”

Charles Lacoste

United States Army

Branch: United States Army
Resides in: Charlestown, RI

Charles enlisted in the Army at the age of 17 and served as a Combat Engineer in the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, deploying to Iraq’s Anbar province in 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is currently Firefighter/EMT in Narragansett, RI. He previously served as the Rhode Island State Administrator for Team Rubicon and a member of the Heavy Equipment Instructor cadre. Charles is a Fire Service Instructor and holds several certifications, including Surf Rescue Technician and Fast Boat Operator.

“Growing up on a small, isolated island, I learned the importance of service first-hand. Volunteerism is critical to the health and safety of the community. Whether serving as an EMT, on a board or committee, or cleaning up after a disaster, service to others benefits all parties involved. As long as there are people whose struggles outweigh their means, our service will continue to be vital.”

Beau Rodriguez

U.S Navy

Branch: United States Navy
Hometown: Houston, TX.

Beau Rodriguez is born and raised in Houston, Texas. He is a husband and a father to two amazing kids. He served in the Navy Veteran as a FMF Corpsman for 3/7 India Company out of Twentynine Palms California.

Danielle Revette

United States Navy

Branch: United States Navy
Resides in: Houston, TX

Danielle is the proud mother of a 22 year of a son, and a former SWAT Officer in Tampa FL. She served in the Nacy as a Human Intelligence for the Navy for 13 years.  She’s deployed to “many” combat and overseas tours with the government.  She enjoys hunting, camping, and a good workout.

Atheel Al Aquel

U.S. Army

Branch: United States Army
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN

Atheel served in the U.S. Army as a 19D Cavalry Scout Assault Team member and leader. In the U.S. Army Reserves, he served as a 37F Psychological Operations Specialist as a Team Chief, Unit Prevention Leader, and Foreign Language Program Manager. Atheel graduated from Ivy Tech Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration in 2013. In 2016, he graduated from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis Kelley School of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Business.

“Service is giving one’s time, effort, energy, and commitment to an organization for a greater purpose to support a group, organization, or community in need.”

Richard Bly

United States Army

Branch: United States Army
Resides in: Elmira, NY

Served in the Signal Corps and deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spends his time fighting and mitigating wildfires with the U.S. Forest Service. Studied information technology and network design at Corning Community College in Corning, NY.

“Service is helping others in time of need and not expecting anything in return.

Tomás De Oliveira  

United States Marine Corps

Resides in: Los Angeles, CA
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps

Served with HML/A-269 as a Flight Equipment Certified Duty Inspector tasked with “safe-for-flight” sign-off authority deploying in support of OEF-11. Later volunteered for Marine Security Guard duty serving as military internal security supervisor of operations from 2013-2016 in Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Russia. Tomás is currently serving in the reserves as a Flight Equipment Technician on the V-22 Osprey with VMM-764, and tasked with the professional development of all reserve component Marines in his section. Tomás is a Residential Property Manager for Atlantic 2 LLC, and is Student Veteran Liaison for Pasadena City College’s Veterans Resource Center. He is enrolled at Pasadena City College working towards his Bachelor of Science in Engineering.

“I couldn’t stand by as my fellow Americans’ lives were washed away by Hurricane Harvey, Americans I’d sworn to protect. Right away, I signed up to deploy to Wharton with Team Rubicon. There I performed muck-outs and teardowns, but this fellowship gives me the opportunity to finish the job and rebuild. I want to help these people put their lives back together.”

Ginger Lawrence

United States Marine Corps

Branch: Marine Corps
Resides in: Mechanicsville, VA

Ginger did six years active and six years inactive in the Marine Corps with three deployments to Iraq and one tour to Afghanistan. She held three different billets and wouldn’t change a thing about her time in service. Ginger most recently worked for Samaritan’s Purse as a DART (disaster assistance response team) member. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in intercultural studies/international development from Biola University in Mirada, CA

“Service to me is opportunity to reflect on what I have and find a way to give back to others. I think it ultimately comes down to being grateful for what you have.”

Dylan Nuttle

United States Marine Corps

Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Home of Residence: Utica, KS

Served as an Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighter (ARFF) and later as a Marine Security Guard (MSG). As an MSG, Dylan was entrusted with the position to safeguard national security in U.S. Embassies all around the world and protect the personnel inside. Dylan is a carpenter for ALLCOMGS where he directs and supervises laborers and construction aids in addition to constructing top-notch structures and fixtures. Dylan received his Associate of Arts in 2016 from the American Military University. He also earned a Carpentry/Cabinetmaking certification from North Central Kansas TECH that same year.

“The opportunity to serve again gives me the chance to bring hope to people that thought it was gone and give those affected by tragedy the strength to push through the upcoming storms.”

Christopher Reeves

United States Army

Branch: U.S. Army
Resides in: Seabrook, TX

Culminated 26 years of service as the Command Sergeant Major of the 91st Military Police Battalion out of Fort Drum, NY. Christopher was responsible for the law enforcement of the Fort Drum community and oversaw military police operations for an 837 personnel military police battalion. Conducted three combat deployments and several non-combat deployments in support of military police operations.  Christopher is a retired Army Command Sergeant Major. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Purdue University in 2018. Graduated from the United States Army Sergeants Major Course Class 64.

“Service means getting out and doing something that does not benefit you, but is tremendously beneficial to others.  There is nothing better in life than knowing that your actions assisted someone in need and helped make their life a little easier.  Service is a way to stay humble by giving back to others and expecting nothing in return.“

Cindy Robison

United States Air Force

Branch: United States Air Force
Resides in: Castle Rock, CO

Joined the Air Force directly out of nursing school. Her background includes numerous nursing duties from the intensive care unit, primary care, as well as multiple nurse manager and flight commander roles.  She deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.  She retired in 2013 after 23 years of service. Prior to joining Team Rubicon, Cindy worked as an in-house nursing supervisor, volunteered as a Court Appointment Special Advocate (CASA) for abused or neglected children, and volunteered as a driver for The American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery Program. In addition to holding a Bachelors of Science in nursing from the University of Rhode Island, Cindy also holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Regis University.

“Service means doing all you can to improve someone’s position or outlook while treating them with respect and dignity.  To serve someone is to make their world better in some way.  It means advocating for the welfare of the individual while looking out for the needs of the community.  It’s what you do because it’s the right thing.  I feel it’s my duty to do what I can for as many as I can.”

Sam Schreier

United States Army

Branch: U.S. Army,  2011-2015
Resides in: New Albany, IN

Sam was a second-class diver in the army. He did both surface-supplied hardhat diving and SCUBA while assigned to the 7th Engineer Dive Detachment on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Sam also worked on multiple jobs with DPAA to recover service members lost in past conflicts in addition to conducting a few underwater construction jobs. He works as a Youth Development Specialist for St. Vincent de Paul. Sam is earning a Bachelor of Science in social work from the University of Louisville and will graduate in December of 2018.

“Service is doing what you are capable of in order to help other people while also stepping into the arena when the situation calls for it.

David Turner

Army National Guard

Branch: Army National Guard
Resides in: St. Louis, MO

Served as a Team leader in a Chemical Company which was part of the Homeland Emergency Response Force, dedicated to training and responding to natural or man-made disasters stateside. He was also attached to a Military Police battalion serving as base security on an overseas deployment. In addition to volunteering with Team Rubicon, David also volunteers his time to teach Yoga to Veterans and first responders in the local community. He is a Crew Leader for Classical Gardens where he instructs and guides a team. He holds a Bachelor of Science in criminology with a minor in psychology and sociology from the University of Missouri- St. Louis.
“My time in the military allowed me to personally experience the profound feeling of unity an individual can have when joined in effort with others in pursuit of a common goal. I believe that meaning comes from taking responsibility for one’s own life and for the mark that they leave on the world.” 

Billy Dempsey

United States Navy

Branch: United States Navy
Resides in: Boston, MA

Joined the Seabees as a Construction Mechanic where he worked on armored vehicles and heavy construction equipment. Billy deployed with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 40 to Afghanistan in 2010 and Guam in 2011. Billy just completed his final semester of college at Wentworth Institute of Technology. While there, he played on the men’s rugby team and was a member of the SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society. He graduated in August 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology.

“Service is about giving back and being a part of something bigger than yourself. College has been great the past four years, but being a student never gave me the same sense of purpose I found in the military. I think working with Team Rubicon can.”

Nicholas Elter

U.S. Marine Corps

Branch: U.S. Marine Corps, 2003-2007
Resides in: Baltimore, MD

Prior to joining Cohort 8, Nicholas worked as a skilled tradesman in plumbing and carpentry. Nicholas earned his associate’s degree from Coastal Carolina Community College in 2012 and served as a Combat Illustrator and Photographer.

“Serving others is highly infectious and if executed properly, the results can be incredible.”

Ronald Najarro

U.S. Marine Corps

Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Resides in: Live Oak, TX

Ronald deployed to Iraq twice where he served as a squad leader. Ronald is a cook at Alonti Catering where he manages multiple roles in the kitchen all while creating an exceptional product.
Education: Graduated from Downey high school 2002.

“Looking at what I had growing up and comparing it with what I have today makes me grateful. Now it is my turn to return the favor of service to others and put a smile on their face.”

Eliot Tucker

U.S. Army

Branch: U.S. Army
Resides in: Newkirk, OK

Eliot was a Signal Support Specialist in the Army and was stationed from Ft. Knox to Korea and any where in between. Eliot served tours in Iraq from 2006-2008 where he was personal security detail for the vice president of Iraq, Adil Abdul-Mahdi. A proud parent of seven wonderful kids and has been happily married to his wife, Stephanie, for 21 years. Eliot has been with Team Rubicon since 2013 and has been on many operations. He serves as an active instructor in several fields as well as the field operations manager for Oklahoma.
Eliot received his degree in Behavioral Science from Northern Oklahoma College along with his CNA from Pioneer Technology Center Vo-Tech in 2014.

“Service is not just a word, it is a civic responsibility for all of us. I served my country proudly all my adult life and even though I don’t wear my army greens does not mean I can’t continue to serve.”

Windy Burton

United States Navy

Branch: U.S. Navy, 1994-1997
Resides in: Vernal, UT

Windy served as a Hull Maintenance Technician where she was responsible for the upkeep and care of systems. When on duty at sea, she leads the Flying Squad. She was Team Rubicon Region VIII membership manager who mobilizes volunteers. She works on improving the new member experience, in addition to maintaining and training new volunteer leaders. Windy has naval training in damage control and is currently is in the process of earning her bachelor’s degree.

“Serving others has become my way of life because it has helped me become whole again. On the days that my life seems to be the darkest, I find someone and I serve them.

Donna Burdett

United States Navy

Branch: US Navy, 1988-1999
Resides in: Panama City Beach, FL

Donna was a Hull Technician on tenders and shore maintenance facilities tasked in the pipe fitters and welding shops to repair and maintain the ships. She also served on the Carrier USS Eisenhower, was attached to a Seebee unit in Gulfport, MS, and Beach Master Unit 2 out of Little Creek, VA. Donna recently deployed on her 25th operation with Team Rubicon, Operation Carolina Courage. She previously served as a State Engagement Coordinator for Team Rubicon for three years.
Donna has a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from Ivy Tech State College.

“Being a volunteer with Team Rubicon gave me a reason to get up and motivated. Team Rubicon helped me go from existing to living.”

Anthony Celani

United States Army

United States Army, 2012-2015
Resides in: Madison, WI

Served as a Weapons Squad Team Leader and machine gunner in the Infantry. Anthony is a contractor for Team Rubicon’s Mobile Training Center that aids volunteers in furthering their training skills to better respond to disasters.  Anthony has his associate degree from Madison College and is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business Administration.

“When I’m on an operation with Team Rubicon I feel like I’m apart of a unit again. I have a sense of purpose and camaraderie that I haven’t felt anywhere outside of the military. With Team Rubicon I truly feel that I have more than just fellow volunteers or co-workers, I have brothers and sisters.” 

Jaime Cullen-Dega 

United States Army

United States Army, 1995-2004
Resides in: Elkridge, MD
Served as a Military Police Officer. Deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, and primarily tasked with conducting patrols and route clearance.

Jamie serves as a Police Officer/Technician with the Metropolitan Police Department, Narcotics and Special Investigations Division Gun Recovery Unit. Jaime has completed multiple courses through the National Incident Management System.

“Every single homeowner and Greyshirt I have met over the years has motivated me to continue to serve. There are homeowners who have lost everything but still line up to help their neighbor. They remind me of the importance of service and community” 

Yusra Kauppila 

United States Marine Corps

United States Marine Corps, 2001-2006

Resides in: Oceanside, CA

Yusra was a Russian Cryptologic Linguist primarily assigned to Operations during her enlistment. She deployed to Iraq in 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. She also deployed with the Coast Guard as a translator in support of maritime boundary line security patrols. She served as a paralegal for a military law firm that focuses primarily on criminal defense. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Chaminade University and Paralegal Certificate from UCSD Extension.

“Team Rubicon helps people feel blessed in the midst of tragedy and while surrounded in disaster. Strangers become a team after just one day together. That’s something that I have not seen anywhere else besides the military. Nothing compares to experiencing the gratitude homeowners have when they realize that not only are complete strangers there to help them but they ask for nothing in return.”

Benjamin Kennedy

United States Marine Corps,

United States Marine Corps, 2003-2014
Resides in: Commerce City, Colorado

At age 17, Ben enlisted in the USMC where he spent 11+ years, including four combat deployments and one non-combat deployment supporting a wide array of roles from Aviation support, to Infantry, and spending the last eight years of his career in the imagery intelligence field. Ben was a Principal Systems Engineer for BAE Systems Geospatial eXploitation Products (GXP). Benjamin is responsible for training and supporting the use of geospatial software across a wide array of DOD and civilian customers.

“I’ve learned that through shared experiences, not only have we made a huge difference in the lives of those we help, but we offer something for veterans that is rarely found. Aside from the angry, depressed, or violent veteran that society so often sees us as, Team Rubicon provides a place for us to be at ease with ourselves without labels or judgments. I want to be able to help other veterans and first responders who may not have that in their lives to understand they are not alone out there.”

Amber Laughlin

United States Army

United States Army, 2005-2008
Resides in: North Chesterfield, VA

Amber served as a Military Police specialist and Emergency Medical Technician for the Chesterfield Fire and Emergency Medical Services. She serves as Team Rubicon’s Field Operations Manager for Virginia as well as the Richmond City Coordinator. Amber also owns and operates a small business, Marley’s Barkery. She pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness from Virginia Commonwealth University.

“Service is a combination of passion and the challenge of stepping up when others have walked away. It is placing the needs of others above the needs and desires of myself. True service is to be done without the expectation of recognition. It is to bring light into a dark world in hopes that there will be a ripple effect.” 

Amanda McDonald

United States Army

United States Army, 1998-2007

Resides in: Albuquerque, NM

Amanda served as an Arabic Linguist and Signals Intelligence Analyst then worked for Grandview School District as a sixth-grade math and science teacher. She has also held several leadership roles within Team Rubicon and currently serves as the Region X Logistics Manager. Amanda earned her Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Studies from the American Military University in 2007. In 2017, she received her Master’s in teaching from Heritage University.

“The type of person that I want to be is someone who helps those who have had a turn of bad luck whether it was a disaster that struck their home, illness, injury or just circumstances in life that forced them into disadvantaged situations.”

Ashley Peterson

United States Navy

Branch: United States Navy
Resides in: Standish, ME

Ashley served as a paramedic for Gorham Fire Department and Northeast Mobile Health Services and is also a medical communications tech at Maine Medical Center.  Ashley is a certified paramedic and is currently getting her associate degree in nursing from Excelsior College.

“Service gives me a purpose that is greater than myself. It allows me to make a positive impact on others. I serve because I love it and because I need to. I couldn’t imagine my life without it because it keeps me going, defines who I am, and helps me become a better person. 

Joe Quinto

United States Marine Corps

Branch: United States Marine Corps

Resides in: Houston, TX

Joe was an All-Source Intelligence Analyst applying techniques to develop actionable knowledge to manage technology platforms and networks. Joseph was a Staff Engineer specializing with LINUX/UNIX Systems and Storage Area Network devices. Joe has been educated in Asian History and maintains a number of Information Technology certifications.

“There’s a magic recipe that is born here within TR. It fosters hope and affirms America’s confidence in people willing to make extraordinary sacrifices for complete strangers and each other. Time and time again we see examples of blistered hands and determination do remarkable things all for nothing more than a cold sandwich and bottle of water. I want to help TR perfect this recipe to serve other veterans in their missions forward.” 

Thomas Walmsley

United States Army

Branch: United States Army
Resides in: Albuquerque, NM

Tom served as an Infantryman in the Maryland Army National Guard, including a deployment to Iraq. Tom is currently the Deputy Emergency Manager for Bernalillo County Department of Emergency Management where he maintains county emergency plans and develops the training and exercise program. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from American Public University.

“Each and every Greyshirt has a different story. It is our passion for service that brings us all together. Team Rubicon has redefined service for me and now I’m looking to continue to shape and redefine my life through the Clay Hunt Fellows Program.”

Matthew Watson 

United States Marine Corps, Kentucky Army National Guard

Branch: United States Marine Corps and Kentucky Army National Guard 

Resides in: Zionsville, IN

Served as a Heavy Machine Gunner and as an Agent with the Criminal Investigation Division. Matthew has his Bachelor of Arts from Eastern Kentucky University. He is currently studying for his MBA from the American Military University.

“I see service to others as an extension of the oath we took.  Our service to others is bigger than any paycheck, bigger than any reward, and most importantly bigger than ourselves.  My TRibe is my medium to center myself to be able to impact my community.  Serving others helps me to be a good example to my family and those I interact with.

Jason Asnes

United States Navy

Branch: United States Navy
Hometown: Sugar Land, TX

Jason served as a Hospital Corpsman skilled in working with a broad range of medical conditions and managing treatments for patients in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Jason most recently was a Medical Assistant for QTC Management in Houston, TX. He joined Team Rubicon in the midst of Hurricane Harvey. Jason completed multiple courses with the U.S. Navy at Hospital Corps School and Field Medical Training Battalion at Camp Johnson, NC. He also received certifications in Basic Life Saving and Tactical Combat Casualty Care. Most recently, he completed a ten-week course in cyber security at New Horizons Computer Learning Center in Houston, TX.

Jose Avila  

United States Air Force

Branch: United States Air Force
Hometown: Houston, TX

Jose served as an engineering technician and project manager at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey and spent three years with the Texas Air National Guard based in San Antonio. Jose most recently served as the General Manager at the J&J Collision Center in Houston, TX. He joined Team Rubicon in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. Jose received his Associate’s Degree in Construction Technology at the Community College of the Air Force. He also completed multiple entrepreneurial and project management-oriented programs and is currently participating in the Six Sigma Green Belt Fundamentals Course through Syracuse University.

Brian Calcagno

Army National Guard

Branch: Army National Guard
Hometown: Healdsburg, CA

Brian served as an Operations Officer in the California Army National Guard and as a Flight Company Commander of an Air Assault Company. He was a Project Engineer for TerraCon Constructors, Inc. located in Healdsburg, CA but has recently accepted a new role in Development with Team Rubicon, Brian joined Team Rubicon in May of 2014, and his first operation was close to home on Op Great Pumpkin in 2017. In 2007, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology, and in 2012, he earned a Master of Arts Degree in Education. Both degrees were obtained from California Polytechnic State University.

Courtney Collum

United States Coast Guard

Branch: United States Coast Guard
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ

Courtney completed a four-year enlistment with a six-month extension as a Petty Officer Damage Controlman. She was responsible for training and leading firefighting teams, welding, plumbing, carpentry, CBR, and gas-free engineering. Courtney most recently worked for the Veteran’s Education and Transit Center where her primary role was to provide general information regarding education benefits and campus services for veterans. Courtney joined Team Rubicon in May of 2017. She is currently enrolled at the University of Arizona where she is earning her Bachelor of Science in Geology Geosciences/Mining Engineering. She also has a degree in Supervisory Leadership AA General Studies & Business Management from Hawaii Pacific University, 2013.

Kirstin Daniels

United States Air Force

Branch: United States Air Force
Hometown: Stafford, VA

Kirstin served as a Security Forces Craftsman. She was assigned to the 31st Security Forces Squadron at Aviano AB, Italy and the 377th Weapons System Security Squadron at Kirtland Air Force Base. Kirstin also deployed on a four-month tour in Iraq at Joint Base Balad in 2008. Most recently, Kirstin was working in the service industry and an active member with Team Rubicon, including operation Hard Hustle in response to Hurricane Harvey where she served as Deputy Planning Section Chief. She was awarded a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice with a focus in Forensic Science from the American Military University in 2016. Kirstin also obtained an Associates of Applied Science in Criminal Justice from the Community College of the Air Force in 2013. She was recently accepted to the University of New Haven as a graduate student where she is pursuing her Master’s in Emergency Management.

Jessica Gutierrez

United States Air Force

Branch: United States Air Force
Hometown: Houston, TX

Jessica served as an Air Transportation Journeyman attached to the 62nd Aerial Port Squadron McChord Air Force Base in Washington and the 728th Air Mobility Squadron at Incirlik AFB in Turkey. Jessica provides logistical solutions for shipping and receiving departments and is based out of Houston, TX. She joined Team Rubicon in March of 2017 and stepped up to serve her hometown when Hurricane Harvey hit.

Teaira Johnson

United States Army

Branch: United States Army
Hometown: Raleigh, NC

Teaira served for a short period of time as a Human Resource Specialist before an injury, which led to her medical discharge. Teaira stepped up after Hurricane Harvey as the Operation Section Chief for Team Rubicon in Beaumont, TX for seven weeks. She studied in Perth Amboy, NJ at Perth Amboy High School from 2009 to 2012.

Elliot Rios

United States Marine Corps

Branch: United States Marine Corps

Hometown: Newburgh, NY

He joined the Marine Corps and served as a Legal Admin. Elliot was a Care Manager and Director of Scheduling for Cornerstone Family Health Care at St Lukes Hospital where he managed the scheduling department, provided patients with proper counseling, and organized and developed community programs. He has been serving with Team Rubicon since October of 2017. He attended Zion Bible College and graduated in 2011 with

Andrew Hanna

United States Army

Branch: United States Army
Hometown: Libertyville, IL.

Drew spent his formative years as a Blue Devil, falling out of planes and blowing things up for the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. After touring scenic Iraq and Afghanistan, he left the military to study history and the law. Armed with a B.S. and a J.D., he currently serves Team Rubicon as the Deputy Director of Regional Operations for the South Central Territory.  In his free time he likes to run in the woods, rant on social media, and lift heavy objects. Drew currently resides with his fiancee in the Dallas area with too many cats and an ill-behaved dog.

Traci Rankin

United States Army

Branch: United States Army
Hometown: Dodge City, KS

Traci served as a Multichannel Communications Systems Operator, Network Switching Systems Operator, Company Clerk, and first sergeant driver. She is a retired Police Lieutenant who now serves in several leadership roles with Team Rubicon, including Incident Commander with the organization’s National Incident Management Team. She is also a school board member with Dodge City Schools and sits on the board of The Alley, Dodge City’s teen center to promote healthy, safe activities for local youth.

Brandon Callahan

United States Marine Corps

Branch: United States Marine Corps
Hometown: Charleston, WV

Brandon Callahan is a North Georgia native who loves Waffle House almost as much as he loves his mama. A graduate of both the Piedmont College School of Arts and Sciences and American University’s School of Public Affairs, he has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree with minors, majors and emphases in everything from Philosophy and History to Justice, Law and Criminology. Buy him a drink sometime–it’s a fascinating conversation. He doesn’t want to talk about his time as a paid congressional intern though, so don’t ask. He joined TR in 2015 and has served in just about every capacity from line Greyshirt to Incident Commander since–somewhere along the way he earned the moniker Captain Redbeard. The Marine Corps veteran spent eight years in communications and traversed three continents. He doesn’t talk much about that, either. He might regale you with war stories from his stint as a Washington, D.C. Segway Tour Guide instead. He loves puppies, Legos, and the Georgia Bulldogs.

Sandra Rollings

United States Army

Branch: United States Army
Hometown: Nampa, ID

Sandra served as a medic, administering routine healthcare in detainee prisons during her first deployment to Iraq and then attached to a security team in an infantry unit performing patrols in Mosul, Iraq during her second deployment. Sandra is pursuing a career as a firefighter, serves as a part-time group fitness instructor, and is a former Veteran Services Coordinator at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, ID. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sports Medicine from Northwest Nazarene University in Idaho in 2017.

David Dodds

United States Army

Branch: United States Army
Hometown: Falls Church, Virginia

David served as a Senior Intelligence Analyst in the Army. David is the Director of Government Programs at Ncyber. He has also held several leadership roles within Team Rubicon and currently serves as the Region III Field Operations Manager. He is currently attending Norwich University.

Michael Lloyd

United States Navy

 
Branch: United States Navy
Hometown: Boise, Idaho

Michael served as an Aircrew Photographer while in the Navy, focusing on maritime intelligence gathering and air interdiction. Michael serves as Team Rubicon’s National Wildland Fire Program Coordinator.

Eli Rivera

United States Coast Guard, United States Army Reserve

Branch: United States Coast Guard, United States Army Reserve

Hometown: Keene, NH

Eli served in the Coast Guard as Search and Rescue coxswain and as an interpreter as part of a drug enforcement detachment assigned to the US Navy. He also served in the Army Reserves as a military police officer before transferring to an infantry unit as an assistant instructor. Eli currently is the elected Cheshire County Sheriff in New Hampshire, a position he has held since 2013. He is a retired Police Lieutenant with the Keene (NH) Police Department (1991–2012). Eli served as a Commissioner on the Higher Education Commission of the New Hampshire Department of Education for fourteen years.  With TR he’s a City Coordinator in NH and a member of TR’s Social Media Tactical Unit.

Nick Mrzlak

U.S. Navy

Location: Farmington, NM
U.S. Navy, 1993–1996 — served as a hospital corpsman serving aboard USS Blue Ridge.

Nick has a degree in Fire Science from San Juan College, Fire Academy with the Farmington Fire Department, certified as an EMT-Paramedic from the Columbia Swedish Medical Center in Colorado. He is a Retired Battalion Chief after 18 years of service with the Farmington Fire Department, specializing in technical rescue and EMS. He also served as a Tactical Medic with the Farmington Police Department.

Lisa Smith

U.S. Air Force

Location: Arvada, Colorado
U.S. Air Force, 2007–2010

Education: Lisa has her Masters in Macro Social Work, focused on policy and older adults. She also holds a bachelor of Science in Social Work from Colorado State University. She is currently running for local elected office in Arvada Colorado where she hopes to lead her community. Lisa is the ever-present volunteer. She’s the one who slaps together a Regional Conference, delivers a national presentation, flies out on a moment’s notice to support an international operation, or pulls up the slack when another leader is in need.

“Helping others, in whatever capacity you can, gives us the essential altruistic behaviors that society, as a whole, needs. Volunteerism gives us a sense of community, an attempt at making the world we live in a better place.”

Dave Petersen

Australian Regular Army

Location: Canberra, Australia
Australian Regular Army, 2006–2016
Currently: Artillery Officer in the Australian Army
Education: Graduate of the Royal Military College — Duntroon.
Highlights: Served as an Australian Army Officer with postings all around Australia and in the USA where he learnt about, joined, and deployed with Team Rubicon. “The Team Rubicon and Australian cultures are very similar — talk only gets you so far, action is what counts at the end of the day.”

“Feeling the doldrums that follow combat, I began volunteering as a wild land firefighter. Responding to emergency and disaster scenarios is the closest I have felt to combat, surrounded by like-minded individuals with a mission at hand. I feel that Team Rubicon is the next, and natural, extension of my requirement to serve my community and fellow veterans.”

JJ Selvig

U.S. Marine Corps

Location: Fort Worth, TX
U.S. Marine Corps, 2003–2010
JJ is a graduate of Arlington Heights High School. Recently selected to be a guest speaker at the Texas Behavioral Health Institute — Transforming Texas: Connecting The Dots of Behavioral Health symposium this spring, featuring his original presentation on Veteran Reintegration Through Continued Service. He works for Team Rubicon CHFP program.

“Once I found Team Rubicon and discovered that outlet of continued service, it became therapeutic for me. And to be able to help create and build out a state to give others that opportunity is an honor and a blessing that I never thought I would know. It isn’t just about continuing my service to help myself but to help others along the way.”

Adam Hale

U.S. Navy

Location: Brooklyn, NY
U.S. Navy, 2000–2003
Adam served as an EMT and professional chef before shifting gears to become a national truck driver. He is a graduate of the Clinton School of Culinary Arts. “Moose” (as his friends refer to him) nearly missed his interview for the Clay Hunt Fellows Program because he was rescuing workers trapped in a high-rise construction site collapse.

“Anyone can be a manager, very few can be true leaders. Team Rubicon and the Clay Hunt Fellows Program can help make me that leader. With that combination of great leaders and even better teammates, the world cannot help but be a better place. TR got me across the river — the CHFP will be the torch that burns my boat.”

Miguel Hernandez

U.S. Army

Location: Alexandria, VA
U.S. Army, 2007–2014
Miguel previously held the Region III Logistics Manager — stepped down to focus on his application for the Clay Hunt Fellows Program. Graduated Chicago School of Professional Psychology pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He previously worked a Peer Support Specialist for the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program and a Career Coach Fellow for The Mission Continues.

“To me, being of service is something that anyone can do. It can be more of an attitude to have necessarily a thing you do. To be of service, you don’t have to be in front of others, the key is understanding how others may benefit from your work.”

Chris Scroggins

U.S. Marine Corps

Location: Oregon, MO
U.S. Marine Corps, 2005–2009Chris has a Bachelor of Arts in Comprehensive Crisis Response from Northwest Missouri State University. He founded the Student Veterans Association at Northwest Missouri State University in 2012 and served as the president until graduating in 2014.

“After leaving the military and entering college, I struggled to adjust to civilian life. I often thought of reenlisting, figuring I was not cut out for civilian life and the military was my only option. At this point, I discovered the emergency management program at my university, immediately switching majors and diving right in. I loved the idea of serving the community in a constructive way that benefitted others. I was serving the people, but instead of destroying, I was building.”

Victoria Young

U.S. Navy Reserves

Location: Belton, MO
U.S. Navy Reserves, 2005–2016

Vic attended the University of Phoenix pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration and Emergency Management. Vic is a mentor and Female Warrior Relations Coordinator with the Warriors’ Ascent Program in the metropolitan Kansas City area and helped facilitate the very first female cohort last fall.

“Last year I stood in the office of an emergency manager and told him about what Team Rubicon could do for his community, which had suffered a flood. I saw the look on his face as it changed from caution to hope that we could help the community. With tears in his eyes he looked at me and said, ‘You must be angels — just what I have been praying for.’ I knew from that moment that we would do our best to help this community who needed “angels.’”

Marie Black

U.S. Army Reserve

Location: Chicago, IL
U.S. Army Reserve, 2011–2014
Marie “Siggie” attended The Chicago School of Professional Psychology pursuing a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Siggie believes Team Rubicon combines her three passions: veterans, service to others, and psychology together creating a perfect atmosphere for growth and the ability to have a positive impact in the TR community and the communities TR serves.

“We, as human beings, are distinguished by our lives lived in love and service to others. Through volunteering with Team Rubicon, I have experienced first hand how service creates a positive impact on a community. Service is more than and annual event; to me, it is a lifestyle.”

Brandon Bunch

U.S. Marine Corps

Location: Alice, TX
U.S. Marine Corps, 2000–2004
Currently an EMT-Paramedic/Firefighter in Austin, TX. He holds a bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health from Columbia Southern University. He started a nonprofit in Texas for veterans, first responders, and their families — a retreat center where these families struggling with PTS could enjoy the great outdoors through fishing, hiking, and horseback riding.

“I am passionate about people, helping people, relationships and making a difference no matter how small. I am especially passionate about helping veterans and first responders! There is a bond that is shared with a group of veterans and first responders that one can’t explain, it has to be experienced.”