Q&A with Art delaCruz, Chief Executive Officer of Team Rubicon
Please tell us about Team Rubicon’s mission and what motivates your work to strengthen communities and empower veterans and their families.
Team Rubicon is a veteran-led humanitarian organization that serves global communities before, during, and after disasters and crises. Our vision is to support humanity and build resiliency for vulnerable communities across the world.
For veterans in particular, Team Rubicon provides an opportunity to utilize the skills, training, experiences, and education they received while in uniform. This not only promotes their well-being but also fosters a sense of connection within a like-minded community.
How does Team Rubicon’s mission overlap with the goals and mission of the Veteran Wellness Alliance of supporting veterans and their families?
Team Rubicon and the Veteran Wellness Alliance both share a profound commitment to supporting veterans and their families. Team Rubicon’s mission of leveraging veterans’ unique skills and experiences to aid in disaster response and community resilience aligns seamlessly with the Veteran Wellness Alliance’s focus on promoting the overall well-being of veterans. Both organizations prioritize creating a sense of community, purpose, and identity for veterans, which is essential in their transition to civilian life. By providing veterans with opportunities to continue serving, whether through disaster response or wellness initiatives, they foster a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. This shared goal not only enhances the lives of veterans but also strengthens the fabric of their families and communities. Together, they create an ecosystem of support that empowers veterans to thrive both personally and professionally.
Tell us about your military service and how you became involved in your work with veterans.
I served in the U.S. Navy for over two decades, where I had the honor of leading diverse teams and engaging in complex missions around the world. My journey with Team Rubicon began after I transitioned to civilian life and sought a meaningful way to continue serving. The camaraderie and sense of purpose that defined my military career were things I deeply missed. When
I came across Team Rubicon, I was drawn to their mission of disaster response and community resilience, which perfectly aligned with my values and experiences. The organization’s focus on leveraging veterans’ unique skills to aid those in need resonated with me, and I felt a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. Since then, I’ve been dedicated to fostering a supportive community for veterans, providing them with opportunities to continue serving and making a positive impact.
What would you say is the main reason veterans join Team Rubicon on deployments, especially when they can be dangerous?
Veterans join Team Rubicon for several reasons, but primarily for the sense of community, identity, and purpose we offer. Our culture, deeply rooted in military tradition, creates a familiar and welcoming environment where veterans can also feel safe being vulnerable. What’s unique about Team Rubicon is our diverse mix of veterans, first responders, and civilians. This blend fosters an exchange of experiences, knowledge, and skills that is rare and invaluable. Civilians learn about veteran experiences and culture, which can lead to deeper conversations and understanding with their veteran loved ones.
Additionally, we prioritize the safety of our volunteers. Before deployments, we ensure they are well-prepared for the environments they will encounter. Safety has always been a top priority for us, and we take extensive measures to protect our volunteers in the field. By creating a structured and supportive atmosphere, we empower our volunteers to make a positive impact while ensuring their well-being.
The communities Team Rubicon serves are normally under great distress. How has your organization managed to support the mental health of those you are serving and your own volunteers?
While we are not a veteran service organization, we focus on empathy and compassion. We prepare our volunteers for the environments they will face, including soft skills training and tips for engaging with disaster survivors. One practice we employ is called “campfire,” where volunteers, known as Greyshirts, can relax and discuss the day’s experiences. This shared space helps prevent feelings of isolation and reinforces our purpose.
We also have well-being volunteer leaders who refer Greyshirts to top-tier service providers as needed and conduct workshops to help identify signs of stress and coping mechanisms during and after deployment. Post-deployment adjustment is likened to “post deployment blues.” We encourage Greyshirts to stay connected and share their experiences with family and friends to ease their transition back home.
What are you most looking forward to or what gives you hope for the future of wellness in the veteran and military service space?
Groups like the Veteran Wellness Alliance and Face the Fight are two organizations we’ve become members of where we can learn best practices, share our experiences with other organizations, and share resources. Being part of these networks focused on improving the lives of veterans, as we are, is inspiring and good-hearted work.
Along with Team Rubicon, there are other organizations out there working to provide opportunities and support to our veterans. We all do different things, yet together we’re all making a difference in the lives of veterans and their families by ensuring they are valued, supported in the community, and find purpose beyond the uniform.
Learn more about the Veteran Wellness Alliance.
