How We Help Others

One or more people in this picture are veterans.  One or more of these people suffer from PTSD.  All of these people want to help.  All of these statements are true.  One or more of these people pictured had anxiety when it came to doing things with large groups.  On their own they wouldn't venture out to do a 5K or even go to a large social gathering.  As a team, they can do it though.

That was my experience this weekend.  I was approached by a Team RWB member via email a while back explaining they haven't done anything because of this anxiety.  I told them that they are always welcome with us and when they were ready they could come out and do a race with us.  I mentioned a particular race, as it was smaller, and they agreed to come.  Not only did they come but they had a smile on their face and at the end of the festivities said what a great time they had and they would be back for future events!

That's what Team RWB is all about.  It's not about how much money we can raise (although money does help us do things) or how many people we can recruit.  Honestly, from a state level, I'd be fine with 50 members as long as I knew it was doing them good.  That is what we're all about.  Quality counts more than quantity.  If you've ever wondered how to make a difference, this is the way to do it.  I have been involved with multiple non-profits and other groups over the years and quite honestly, I cannot say I felt that I made a direct difference like I have with Team RWB. 

Our Unsung Heroes

As a veteran I get thanked for my service quite frequently.  Every day you turn on the news or listen to the radio and hear about our military heroes.  While I'm not trying to take away anything from them, we tend to forget other heroes in our midst.

Team RWB's mission is to enrich the lives of America's veterans.  To help them stay connected to their community through physical and social activity.  What's surprising is how much of our membership are people who have never served.

As veterans we tend to feel a responsibility to helping other veterans.  It's ingrained in us from day 1.  One reason I got involved with Team RWB was I wanted to give back to my fellow veterans.  Those that do not serve, in my opinion, don't have that obligation.  In the day of an all volunteer force, they can go about their lives and take their freedoms for granted. But these individuals don't.  They don't look the other way.  They don't think "it's not my problem, I never served" or "let the military take care of their own".  For whatever reason, and they are varied, they decide they must get involved.  Thankfully they do, because it's hard to connect veterans to their community without the community.

So I think we should take time out of our day to thank these individuals.  Thank them for becoming involved in something that they could have easily ignored.  Thank them for serving too.  Because that's what they're doing. They're serving our veterans just as our veterans served them.  For my civilian teammates:  Thank you.  Thank you for caring when you didn't have to.  Thank you for appreciating the sacrifices our veterans have made.  Thank you for YOUR service!

Sad News

Today started off with sad news:  My brother's dog, Orion, died this morning.  We aren't sure exactly how old he was.  Probably close to 12 years old is the assumption.  He followed one of my brother's friends (who was walking) over to my brother's house and then wouldn't leave.  Although he tried getting him to leave, he eventually gave in and took this flat coated retriever mix in. I often wonder if Orion knew what a great life he was given?  He seemed too the way he loved and adored my brother.

Pets, particularly dogs are such good companions in the home and out.  I love how they get you active to do things and these days can go just about anywhere with you.  While mine are not the best to run with (the random squirrel can be particularly dangerous if you aren't paying attention), I walk them every single day.  For some of us, that's the best way to get started on that healthy lifestyle again.  A walk with our four legged best friend.  They enjoy it, it's good for you and it's a great way to get that vitamin D! 

So I hope if you do have a dog, you're out being active with them.  If you don't have one, maybe that's a good reason to get one. 

Finally!

I've been talking about doing this for some time.  I wanted to create a blog about my involvement with Team Red, White and Blue.  It's been an amazing adventure with this group and they do a lot of good.  We also have some great times together which are worth sharing.  Before we get going let's post the disclaimers:

Disclaimer #1:  These are my views only and not those of Team RWB as a whole. 

Disclaimer #2:  I am a huge smartass and a very cynical person.  It's not that I'm negative, it's just my nature.  So take every thing with a grain of salt.

With that said, let's get this show on the road!

In case you don't know, Team Red, White and Blue is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to enrich the lives of veterans through physical and social activity.  This is a low cost and easy way to connect our veterans to their community through weekly runs/walks, bike rides, 5K races, movie nights etc..  The sky is the limit, which is the beauty of Team RWB.  There are chapters all over the U.S. with more popping up every day. 

So here will be my first of many plugs:  If you are a veteran and are looking for that camaraderie you missed when you were active, a veteran who just wants to help out other vets, a civilian who loves helping vets or any of the above who want to stay in shape or even get back in shape, then go to www.teamrwb.org and look for a chapter near you!