Team Rubicon’s Greyshirts are known for their unwavering commitment to serving communities in crisis. Behind every successful disaster response operation stand individuals who embody the organization’s core value of getting things done—no matter the obstacles. Every year, Team Rubicon recognizes Greyshirts who have, in some way, embodied the organization’s cultural principles in the previous year with a culture coin. The “Get Shit Done” Culture Coin recognizes exceptional Greyshirts who demonstrate extraordinary initiative, tenacity, and enthusiasm in pursuit of Team Rubicon’s mission.
Team Rubicon’s “Get Shit Done” Culture Coin: Celebrating Excellence in Disaster Response
The Get Shit Done attitude was one that propelled the original Greyshirts into Haiti in 2010, and what propels the organization to be the best disaster response organization in the world. The GSD Culture Coin demonstrates the ability to get shit done by having the foresight to build plans and execute them to a high standard. Its recipients haven’t just looked at obstacles and listened to excuses, but instead tackled them head-on, identifying and prioritizing needs, and pushing full speed ahead through the chaos.
“Retreat? Hell, we just got here!”
Captain Lloyd Williams
The “Get Shit Done” Culture Coin is awarded to Greyshirts who, while supporting active operations, demonstrate unparalleled initiative, tenacity, and enthusiasm while pursuing and achieving operational objectives despite numerous challenges. This recognition celebrates those who exemplify Team Rubicon’s action-oriented approach to disaster response and community service.
Meet the 2024 Get Shit Done Culture Coin Recipients
These Greyshirts have been recognized for their outstanding contributions and embodiment of Team Rubicon’s values:
Hilda Abadia
Hilda’s approach to service combines learning what she doesn’t know and sharing what she does. Her ability to complete tasks in a safe yet efficient manner, leaving “a hard worker’s smile on your face,” coupled with her strong character, embodies what it means to “Get Shit Done.”
Manny Arcabos
Manny’s enthusiasm for Team Rubicon has inspired others to join volunteer leadership. His passion has been described as “an integral part” of the positive Greyshirt experience for fellow volunteers, showcasing how individual energy can elevate an entire team.
Jerry Belvin
Jerry’s impact extends across multiple operations where he has served as Strike Team Leader, inspiring such loyalty that his crew maintains contact and eagerly seeks opportunities to work together again. His leadership has extended to taking on the Volunteer Leadership role as County Administrator in Tennessee.
Jarrett Brown
Jarrett’s constant availability, leadership with a smile, and wealth of knowledge and experience make him a favorite among Greyshirts on deployment. His approach to service creates an environment where missions can be completed effectively and with positive morale.
Kimberly Carmody and Daren Garcia
Kim and Daren, along with another Greyshirt, Breezy, made self-sustainability possible for teams following a disaster that destroyed critical water infrastructure. Without their efforts, operations would have been either impossible or prohibitively expensive.
Kimberly Cheesebro
As an Incident Commander, Kimberly’s leadership ensured positive experiences for both Greyshirts and the communities they served. Her commitment to relationship-building throughout her tenure made her an outstanding leader who facilitated impactful service.
William “Bill” Dalton
Bill’s leadership created overwhelmingly positive reactions from a film crew and the communities of Green Mountain Falls and Manitou Springs. His ability to create an amazing experience for Greyshirts while managing external relationships demonstrated exceptional leadership.
Jim Dawkins
Jim consistently goes above and beyond, embodying Team Rubicon’s core values and the “Get Shit Done” ethos. His leadership and selflessness inspire everyone around him, making him an exemplary recipient of this recognition.
Tony Franssens
Tony’s enthusiasm, energy, and exemplary service have set a new standard for caring across Chicago area projects and national operations. His hustle as a team player is unparalleled, as demonstrated when he assisted with teardown after a memorial service for a fellow Greyshirt without being asked.
Robert Hein
Bob’s impact has been described as “undeniable” and “celebrated.” His unwavering dedication and infectious energy have set a standard for excellence that inspires all who serve alongside him.
Kathleen Kirkbride
Kathleen ensured Greyshirts were well-fed during operations while managing donor funds responsibly. Her initiative not only supported the team but also built meaningful connections with local businesses, exemplifying Team Rubicon’s cultural values through dedication and resourcefulness.
Rachel LeJeune
Rachel’s work directly impacted families in need, leaving them not only helped but grateful and eager to support Team Rubicon in return. Her ability to create such positive community relationships exemplifies the organization’s approach to service.
Peter Lindner
Peter’s approach to disaster response went beyond providing solutions—he focused on listening, caring, and creating lasting impact. His leadership has ensured that future responses will be quicker, more coordinated, and filled with hope for those who need it most.
Rose Lintz
Rose’s deep knowledge of the local Area of Responsibility (AOR) has been instrumental in maintaining forward momentum for Team Rubicon operations. Her efforts bring great credit to herself, the Fayetteville Metro Area, and Team Rubicon as a whole.
Debra Littrell
Debra’s versatility shines as she works both behind the scenes and in leadership positions. Her ability to bring out the best in everyone around her has earned her the ultimate compliment from fellow Greyshirts: “I would go anywhere with her at any time!”
Susan Lowe
Susan brings comprehensive knowledge and humor to morning briefings, compassion during worksite visits, and heartfelt appreciation during end-of-day hot washes. Her commitment to Team Rubicon has consistently impressed her fellow Greyshirts and leadership.
Brian MacDougal
Brian’s reliability with vehicles, equipment, SWAG, and tech kits has supported countless operations and service projects across the New England Region. His willingness to step in as Logistics Section Chief on multiple operations shows his unwavering support of both the mission and his fellow Greyshirts.
Jeff Marshburn
Jeff’s leadership is defined by his ability to translate concerns into meaningful action. His approach goes beyond empathy to proactive problem-solving, finding solutions that benefit both individuals and operations as a whole.
Steve Mason
Steve’s daily commitment to improvement and his infectious enthusiasm make him a standout Greyshirt. His consistent willingness to step up and make things better demonstrates a dedication that, as one nominator said, “must answer to a higher power.”
Ryan Onda
Ryan’s love for both the communities he serves on mission and at home stands out to his fellow Greyshirts. His “heart of gold” approach to service embodies the compassion that drives Team Rubicon’s work.
Jude Panetta
As a local liaison, Jude created a roadmap for how Team Rubicon establishes itself following major disasters. His ability to leverage local contacts while maintaining a “Get Shit Done” mentality has become a model for future operations.
Michael Taber
Though new to the Field Unit Leader role, Michael immediately made a positive difference in operations. Despite never having served in any Command and General Staff position before, he maintained a can-do attitude that exemplifies the true nature of servant leadership.
Darin Touw
Darin’s technical skill was highlighted when he removed a tree that had fallen into someone’s kitchen without causing additional damage to the home. His humble approach to such impressive work truly embodies the spirit of getting things done without seeking recognition.
John “David” Zaitz
Dave has served as Mission Planning Team Lead (MPTL) an impressive 10 times since 2022. His growth into an exceptional Incident Commander and Mission Planner demonstrates his commitment to getting things done—while still making time to get behind a chipper and get dirty in the field.
