Return to Base | A VeteranLife Podcast
Return to Base | A VeteranLife Podcast
Jim Brooks | Leadership, Readiness, and Team Rubicon's Mission
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For many veterans, service doesn't end when they take off the uniform—it simply takes on a new mission.
In this episode of Return To Base, Cliff sits down with Jim Brooks, CEO of Team Rubicon, the veteran-led disaster response organization that has become one of the nation's premier humanitarian relief nonprofits. Founded in the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Team Rubicon now mobilizes thousands of volunteers to help communities recover from hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, floods, and other disasters across the country.
Jim shares his own military journey, reflects on his first year leading Team Rubicon, and explains why disaster response begins long before a storm ever makes landfall. From the organization's annual hurricane readiness exercise to its ambitious America250 service campaign, this conversation explores the enduring value of preparedness, purpose, and continued service.
Whether you're a veteran looking for your next mission or simply someone searching for a meaningful way to give back, this episode is a powerful reminder that resilient communities are built by people willing to step forward when they're needed most.
In This Episode
- Jim Brooks' military service and leadership journey
- Why he chose to lead Team Rubicon
- What he learned during his first year as CEO
- Inside HURREX, Team Rubicon's annual hurricane readiness exercise
- How military experience prepares veterans for disaster response
- The powerful sense of purpose veterans find through continued service
- Team Rubicon's America250 initiative and national volunteer goals
- How the organization is preparing for the future of disaster response
- How listeners can volunteer and support Team Rubicon's mission
Stay Connected
- Team Rubicon: https://teamrubiconusa.org
- Learn more about Team Rubicon's America250 service initiative and volunteer opportunities at https://teamrubiconusa.org.
- Follow @teamrubicon on Instagram.
- Get the latest on veterans benefits, military history, and stories of service at www.veteranlife.com.
- Follow @thisisveteranlife on Instagram.
- Subscribe to Return To Base on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.
- Share this episode with someone who believes service doesn't end when the uniform comes off.