I wanted to write a blog yesterday about the importance of Veterans Day. I even thought about doing a “Help me raise $11 on 11/11” campaign. Instead, I spent all day packing bags, checking medical and food supplies, contacting government agencies, and getting ready to jump on a plane. 24 hours from now I will be leading a 4 man support and logistics team tasked with the essential job of maintaining our disaster relief experts on the ground. Within the last couple of days, the 17 surgeons who we are supporting have already completed over 100 operations. Teams on the ground are low on food, clean water, and medical supplies to continue performing their mission. My team will land in Manila, jump on a Philippine C-130 military cargo plane, and set up logistics and supply routes.
Luckily, I was already prepared. My bags have been packed for the World Race and I just finished getting my shots and malaria meds. I’m excited to go and help.
Yesterday, as I was buying some supplies, I got stopped by a couple who asked if I was a member of Team Rubicon because they had seen my “TR Medic” shirt. I told them yes and we spoke briefly. To my surprise, the guy asked if he could pray for me quickly. I said absolutely. Afterwards, I briefly explained my recent return to faith. That’s when he told me that his (wife or girlfriend, not sure which?) was not a believer. He asked me to pray for her. Guess I better get used to doing it, so we prayed together for her before I jumped in my truck and headed back to TRHQ for packing bags. God is everywhere.
We will need a lot of prayers and so will all those affected by this disaster. Please keep us in your prayers.
I guess that in short, my view on Veterans Day can be summed up in the words of a close friend: “If I had one thing to say to my fellow veterans, it would be this: Continue to serve, even though we have taken off our uniforms.” “No matter how great or small your service is, it is desired and needed by the world we live in today.” – Love you and miss you Clay. Gonna make you proud brother.
Also, you can follow operation Seabird here: http://teamrubiconusa.org/launching-operation-seabird/ you can also “like” Team Rubicon on FB to follow our progress. I will have very limited access to internet over the next few weeks.
I’m short on time, so I’ll do the rest of this in photos.
Veterans Day before:
Veterans Day now:
The scenes may be different, but the mission is the same: Service.
Take care, pray hard, and God bless.
– Dave
