Any effort that overcomes a challenge can be labeled a success. When one solves a multitude of problems in the face of difficult circumstances, one might call it inspired.
That's the response we had as we learned about a group called Team Rubicon in the wake of Tyson Foods' donation of an equipped disaster response trailer.
What’s The Point?
The effort of the Team Rubicon organization and a generous recent gift by Tyson Foods deserve praise. Their generosity and compassion make a positive difference for those suffering in the wake of disaster.
First, kudos to Springdale-based Tyson for its contribution of the 53-foot trailer and the $75,000 the company spent to refurbish it. Further, Tyson will provide a driver and truck to deliver the trailer wherever the disaster relief organization needs it.
The trailer will serve as a command center, with desks, electrical outlets, air conditioning and a flat-screen television. Another section features two bunk beds and lockers. In the midst of a disaster, such a facility can make the difference. When Team Rubicon doesn't have to worry about the working conditions in its command center, its members can concentrate on delivering the help the organization wants to provide. Its mobility will mean a serious reduction in set-up time for each incident members respond to.
Tyson is going the extra mile, too, by partnering its capacity to deliver thousands of pounds of food with Team Rubicon's ability to deploy volunteer personnel.
What is Team Rubicon? It's a nonprofit disaster relief organization with a mission to unite the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders. It serves as a rapid deployment force in the wake of disaster, getting there before other traditional long-term aid arrives. According to the organization, it also works to "bridge the gap" between military and civilian life by giving these men and women a mission to help those who need it at a critical time.
Team Rubicon represents an outstanding mechanism to take advantage of the training, discipline and knowledge these veterans received in service to the nation. It's exactly the kind of expertise communities need when disaster strikes. Team Rubicon is helping others, and in the process, they help themselves by recommitting to a mission and putting their great skills to work.
It sounds to us like the organization is helping people on both ends of its mission.
The men and women were last at work in Arkansas in the aftermath of the Faulkner County tornadoes in April. They are currently deployed to Iowa and Missouri to help people affected by heavy flooding there. They've responded to dozens of other events in the United States as well as humanitarian aid efforts in Haiti, Sudan, Mozambique, Thailand, Burma, Pakistan and Chile.
We commend the efforts of this organization and of Tyson Foods for its part in making Team Rubicon's work a little less challenging. The less time Team Rubicon spends on basic logistics -- like setting up command center tents -- the more time its members can spend helping the people they've volunteered to assist.
We applaud the efforts of all the various relief organizations that respond to disasters. Their work plays a wonderful part in helping people to start rebuilding their lives.
Commentary on 07/09/2014