Step Into The Grey

Alan is not from around here. His quiet nature, and whip smart advice has a certain tone to its delivery. Always one to crack a joke, Alan has endeared himself to his community, friends and Team Rubicon Teammates. If laughter was a signature move, Alan can dance in circles. Special moments in Team Rubicon’s history have had Alan part of them. From Moore, Oklahoma to the Philippines, Alan has been there from the start of many milestones. If you have been a part of Sawyer operations, Alan has helped formulate how we do the great work to be done out in the field. Always placing a high value on training, joyful work and being prepared, has been important to Alan in his Team Rubicon and private life.

Humility and eagerness are great words to describe Luke and his attitude toward life. When asked to do something different, he jumped at the chance, all the while Hurricane Laura barreled toward the Louisiana coastline. Luke worked within the team to clear debris and open up access to areas impacted. A rapid response task force is something different for Team Rubicon, combining sawyers and heavy equipment operators, but the results are significant. Listen into Luke’s experience and get an update from the field.

Jennifer Lawrence, an OG Wellness provider and Assist Coordinator from Boston, Massachusetts, has been there and done that, providing support and guidance for Greyshirts mental and emotional well being. Her positivity is palpable, and guides her while providing care and guidance to Greyshirts while out in the field, and at home. Her ebullient personality has been a driving force as she leads the ASSIST program within Team Rubicon. Listen in as we hear about her passion, community, and some shenanigans along the way…

While he may sound like he’s from SoCal, Ehsan's roots lie far from Los Angeles. Ehsan has brought his expertise as a civil rights attorney to Team Rubicon’s Board of Advisors, helping us understand and support diversity as we respond to disasters spurred by climate and of our own making. Check out Ehsan's podcast, https://www.unfairnation.com

I invited Jonathen Davis, former Combat Cameraman and long-time TR photographer, to talk about his Go Bag essentials.  Jonathen has a unique perspective having schlepped imaging gear all over the world, underwater, and into hostile situations where preparedness was a matter of life and death. His Go Bag has been refined to the essentials through trial and error. Listen to hear some of his perspective on how your Go Bag impacts your ability to respond to disasters. If you have an idea for an episode, email us at stepintothegrey@teamrubiconusa.org

Eli Rivera, is the kind of human you want by your side when things get tough. Based in Keane, New Hampshire, Eli is the elected Sheriff of Cheshire County and a humanitarian at heart. Applying lessons he learned within the Clay Hunt Fellows Program of Cohort five, Eli's service to his community has remained compassionate and thoughtful. Whether at a Team Rubicon disaster site, the beaches of Puerto Rico, or in the mountains of New Hampshire, Eli has always lead with his heart.  Have a guest, or topic idea? Send us an email at stepintothegrey@teamrubiconusa.org

Kevin Starling leveraged His quiet leadership and built a solid reputation within the Team Rubicon Sawyer community and in the Wildland fire program. Hailing from Durango, Colorado, Kevin’s life is built around service within the Northwest Territory. As a Chainsaw instructor, his eagerness to mentor new sawyers is evident by the smiles on his students faces and the skills developed out in the field. Always eager to help, Kevin represents himself, and Team Rubicon in service to communities and Greyshirts.

Hang on, because this is going to be a wild ride down memory lane. Vince is one of the most familiar people you have never met. His genuine love for whatever he is doing comes through in his story telling, laughter, and wisdom. From the Four Corners of the western United States to Kathmandu, Vince has brought his experience and enthusiasm to his many roles within Team Rubicon. Find out the who, the what, and most importantly, why Vince continues to serve.

David Burke, VP of Programs and Field Operations, is used to change. From Iowa to Afganistan, Washington DC to Los Angeles, and currently anchored in Colorado, David has lived change. Humble beginnings as a Marine, government contractor, Team Rubicon volunteer, and National Staff, David has navigated multiple roles to prepare Team Rubicon for the Covid-19 response.  David discusses how decisions are made, capabilities are pursued, all the while providing the best way for Greyshirts to be effective, and safe in ever-changing environments.

Megan has been cooking up her own magic sauce for years with her own recipe of tenacity and hard work. As a rappeller on a helicopter crew fighting wild land fire, to an emergency room nurse, she has a pushed herself professionally. On the personal side of things she has always made choices to experience places and seek out adventure. Why does she see Team Rubicon as a place to utilize her “whole self”, it capitalizes on her background and all of its variety. Stepping into a role as a Regional Chainsaw Instructor in the Northwest Territory, she has contributed to the capacity and capability in the Territory, especially in her home state of Idaho. As she juggles her professional, personal, and volunteer life, she applies that tenacity as she supports her respective tribes of people.

Mark Hayward was there from the beginning, Haiti 2010. His experience has made an impact, which inspires him today. Mark reveals his, been there, done that career in the Army and how it has made him a better medical professional today. Mark has very personal connection to his newly associated Clay Hunt Fellow Program participation, he knew and worked with Clay. Explore the nuances of Mark's mind and his fascination for things washed ashore on the beaches of Nome, Alaska

Kate Browne has gone through many phases in her relationship with Team Rubicon: Intern, Team Rubicon UK, MOB Tool creator/alchemist, Technology Product Manager, and an all around bad ass. Her ability to see connections others do not has given her a reputation as a barrier remover. Beyond the zeroes and ones of her profession, learning the shortcomings of a job, or function is always fraught with emotion and Kate has understood the power of owning her personal connection to her work. and knowing when it is time to break out the matches.

Sitting down with Michael Davidson is like hanging out with a close friend. His time living in Hawaii has indelibly marked him with the aloha spirit. The ease by which Michael has navigated his post military life, from the outside, appears to have experienced fair winds and following seas. Dig a bit deeper and you begin to understand that the separation from a life in the Navy can be challenging. We explore Michael’s introduction to Team Rubicon, follow his journey to lead the Clay Hunt Fellows Program, and hear about the program’s impact.