Last night, we had the honor of welcoming a few generous and influential members of TR Nation to our FOB in Houston.
Camp Hope, a facility opened by the PTSD Foundation of America which supports service members suffering from post traumatic stress, opened its doors for our team currently deployed on Operation Moonshot. We are resting our heads in the Clay Hunt House at Camp Hope.
Clay (1982-2011), a Marine veteran and original member of Team Rubicon, continues to have a tremendous impact on our organization. He once wrote:
“Continue to serve, even though we have taken off our uniforms. No matter how great or small your service is, it is desired and needed by the world we live in today.”
We’ve responded to over 120 disasters since the Haiti earthquake in 2010 and this Saturday, April 30, will be the five-year anniversary of our first domestic response in Tuscaloosa, AL in the wake of a tornado. Clay’s passing marked a shift in our mission. Where TR initially set out to deploy members to respond to disasters internationally, we realized there was a need here at home to not only support those affected by disasters, but also the veterans who serve them.
Staff and residents from Camp Hope joined Susan and Richard Selke, Clay’s mother and step father, for our evening brief. Roughly 30 TR members listened as Susan introduced herself and welcomed us to Houston, the city where Clay was raised.
“I’m so thankful you’re all here when we need you. And we know Clay would be right here with you helping others,” Susan said. “I couldn’t quite imagine what Team Rubicon would become back then, but it’s really an honor to meet you and see the great work you do for our communities.”
Representatives from Camp Hope then shared what services they provide for wounded warriors and their families before joining us for a TR-fashioned BBQ in the parking lot. Introductions were made and several stories and laughs flew back and forth before we all retired for the evening.
On behalf of Team Rubicon, we’d like to extend our gratitude to Camp Hope and the Selkes for playing such an important role in the lives of veterans, our communities, and supporting those who choose to be a part of something bigger than themselves.
Clay used to say, “Inaction is not an option,” and together, we’ll continue to serve others in their greatest time of need.
