After separating from the military just over a year ago, I heard about Team Rubicon through some friends on Facebook. The idea of meeting up with other veterans and first responders to bridge the gap and help people who suffered a natural disaster really excited me.
Earlier this month, I received an email stating Operation: Gingerbread Man had been extended and anyone within 450 miles is needed to come help victims of a recent wildfire. I was already planning to go to Belize with some friends to get some SCUBA time as well as relax in the sun, but I decided that my time would be better spent meeting up with Team Rubicon and seeing what their operations were all about.
![34 members deployed to Bastrop, TX in the wake of the Hidden Pines Fire.](https://cdn-ep-wordpress-prod-wus.azureedge.net/app/uploads/2015/11/2015.10_GingerbreadMan_NEW-005_web-2-1024x685.jpg)
34 members deployed to Bastrop, TX in the wake of the Hidden Pines Fire.
As much as I’d love to be hanging out in the Caribbean, I’m so glad I responded to the TR email and was mobilized. For the first time in over a year, I’ve been surrounded by people who understand me and understand my personality. I’m finally able to work with a group of like-minded people focused on a common goal – to better those around them. I loved this deployment because I finally felt comradery and was part of a group that cares about each other as much as those they serve. Sure, we joke and rib each other – sometimes pretty hard, but it’s worth it.
![2015.10.31_GingerbreadMan_LIU_004_web](https://cdn-ep-wordpress-prod-wus.azureedge.net/app/uploads/2023/09/2015.10.31_GingerbreadMan_LIU_004_web-1024x768-1.jpg)
Members closed out 26 work orders in Bastrop County, TX.
Walking out into the field under twisted and burnt trees, I felt confident knowing everyone around me had my back. Team Rubicon approaches operations much like the military. We engage in risk-prone activities, but there is planning and risk mitigation. We have team leads and a culture of respect – anyone can point out safety issues and they’re listened to. Everyone is willing to help out, bust their ass, and get their hands dirty.
![OTJ chainsaw training on Operation: Gingerbread Man.](https://cdn-ep-wordpress-prod-wus.azureedge.net/app/uploads/2015/11/2015.11.08_GingerbreadMan_Tyler_005-1024x683.jpg)
OTJ chainsaw training on Operation: Gingerbread Man.
A year after leaving the military, I realized something was missing in my life. Deploying with Team Rubicon has bridged that gap. This new family has given me a purpose and the excuse to go out and get shit done in the name of helping those in need. I only wish I would have joined sooner.