What We’re Thankful For
It’s time to give thanks, so we asked Team Rubicon volunteers to weigh in
Linda Tacy of North Carolina — Thankful for the day when I shouted out to my husband, “I am about to do something that I may regret, but don’t try to stop me!” Thankful I followed through volunteering, watched my red dot go to green, deployed to Beaumont, TX, and soaked in the Team Rubicon experience without one moment of regret!
Scott MacIver of Georgia — I’m thankful to be granted the opportunity help those in need. I joined the Army to serve. Now that I’m retired, Team Rubicon allows me to keep serving.
Sharilyn Wasser of Florida— I’m thankful and blessed for the camaraderie, new friendships, and the spark of life Team Rubicon has given back to my husband and son.
Melea Miller of Idaho — I’m thankful I get to go out and get shit done with the best bunch of people in the world. I love that even though I am merely a veteran’s wife, I am welcomed like one of the guys. I love what we do and what we stand for.
Bethany Watson of Texas — I’m grateful for the unconditional relationships that lack judgement of our pasts. The trust that is built among our TRibe allows us to share those moments and support each other on a level like no other. Many times, as a civilian and former nurse, I have sat around the fireside sharing a beer with some of our greatest warriors, as they heal mental wounds by speaking of the experiences that haunt them. As an ASIST instructor, my passion for these warriors who sacrificed everything for my life and freedom comes full circle: it’s my turn to fight for their lives. These relationships are priceless. Thank you.
Lia Wainwright of Kansas — I am grateful for the opportunity to work with people that do not settle for managed expectations and the status quo. I am grateful to have found a family outside of blood that personifies the quality of selfless service. I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve others.
Michelle Ziegler of Louisiana — I’m thankful Team Rubicon’s culture doesn’t have a first strike against me just for being female. It doesn’t assume I am “less than” until I prove I’m “as good as” the guys. Even in the fairly progressive place I work, I always have to be over and above to be considered equal on a subconscious level. No one in TR hands the mini-sledge to the girls assuming we cannot handle the full weight. And DAMN, that sledge is a great tool to work through frustrations like these that simmer below the surface for years. It’s incredibly reassuring to know every guy there has my six.
Laura Block of North Carolina — I’m thankful for the renewed sense of purpose that Team Rubicon brings. Even kick-ass civilians can develop PTSD and burn-out in the medical field. TR is the best therapy. When the primary mission of disaster response is done for the day, veterans and civilians alike sit around the fire pit and support each other.
Debbie Castrovinci of New York — I am grateful for the ability Team Rubicon gives me to get out of my own head. TR instills both individual self-worth as well as the value of the team. Thank you, TR, for helping me gain self esteem, a sense of belonging, and a whole bunch of heroes to look up to.
Pat Bates of Wyoming — I am grateful to be a member of a community that says it will get something done and lives that commitment, professionally and with lightening speed. I’d searched for an organization of high-minded individuals that passionately served others while supporting their own for well over 40 years. TR members serve communities and one another with unparalleled compassion and selflessness. I am thankful to finally be home.
Bridget Fino of Tennessee — I’m thankful to be able to volunteer with a group who understands where I’m coming from. When my PTSD wants me to back away and hide, my TRibe reminds I’m not abnormal.
Dana Stockman of Tennessee — I’m grateful to experience the heart and soul of what it means to be an American. From small towns in the heartland, to big cities across the nation, we have one goal: to give everything we have to help others in times of crisis. Our TRibe, my TRibe, will always be there for our countrymen wherever and whenever we are needed. I found my purpose and my people in Team Rubicon.
Learn more about Team Rubicon at https://teamrubiconusa.org/
