Once a Warrior: How One Veteran Found a New Mission Closer to Home

Just got the book and can’t put it down! What an eye opening account of what our military and veterans experience at war and back home. It’s a must read!

Inspiring story of service and dedication to duty. I also recommended the audio book to hear it directly from the author.

So excited to receive this from a Marine Corps brother on our birthday. Semper Fi. Following Jake Wood since @TeamRubicon I have read his other books and truely enjoyed the way he instills leadership skills in our daily lives. This country needs this book right now and I hope you buy it, read it and enjoy it as much as I did.

On Veterans Day, I received my copy of Once a Warrior, by Jake Wood. Jake, along with a small handful of great Americans, formed Team Rubicon amid the rubble that was created after the earthquake in Haiti in 2010. As a member of Team Rubicon, this book is not only a must read for all of our Greyshirts, but should be read by all Americans. It is a story of empathy, service, purpose and it is truly is our America. It is a short history of the founding of Team Rubicon, and it highlights several watershed events that have shaped what the organization has become throughout Jakes time in the Marines, and then his work over the last decade. With an underlying desire to serve, find purpose and apply the skills and experiences our Veterans have gained while serving their Nation in uniform, they have the opportunity to continue that while serving their communities in Team Rubicon. Especially during the two decades since 9/11, many Veterans have returned home, changed. War and combat change everyone. Regardless of the branch they served in, for many in the weeks, months and years since being part of a close-knit military unit, they often realize they no longer feel that sense of unity or tribe they experienced. For some, that loss is palpable. Team Rubicon, especially since the loss of Clay Hunt (one of the founding members), has evolved into a place where many of these Veterans can once again find that peace, that family, that sense of purpose. Throughout the book, Jake captures these events in details that allow the reader to feel like they are there with the members of TR as the organization grew through tough and unique challenges.
While the lessons and key events are almost too numerous to mention, they include several of note. On page 110-112 – Brother Jim in Haiti got the small team together at the end of a really tough day, and highlighted the importance of sitting around a fire pit to take stock in their day (now an essential end of day event on all TR operations), and have a place to let the emotions come together as a family. On page 116, Jake talks about being the Team Leader, and how humbling his experience was that the most important thing he could do at the particular time was scooping up linens while the other medical members of the team were performing critical care in the makeshift hospital (a lesson we all know, that despite whatever role we are in, we are all Greyshirts). Of course, the core values of Team Rubicon are highlighted throughout the book, and many circle back to Clay Hunt. On page 132 when Clay Hunt tells Jake about why it is so important for him to be part of an organization and close knit family like Team Rubicon its purpose. Thats all it is, Jake. When Im doing TR stuff, I have purpose, just like the Marines. When I look in the mirror, Im proud of the person looking back at me. This book provides invaluable lessons in leadership. Stories from Jake, or other members of the team like Lourdes, Top Washington, Matt Pelak, Nicole Green or countless others. Major responses to disasters like Hurricane Sandy, Moore Oklahoma, Typhoon Haiyan, Wimberly Texas or Hurricane Harvey. Team Rubicon earned a seat at the table with FEMA and other VOADs because of the measured approach to structured formalized operating procedures and training. The story of this organization and its impact on our Nation in just over a decade has been amazing. Every donor dollar is spent with the utmost care. Transparency with those donations, and measured, pliable responses ensure that funding is spent as it was intended. Whether its a $1 or the incredible donations from the Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation, Team Rubicon stands ready to answer the call, to help those in need, and provide Veterans a place where they can be part of a team again. I am a proud volunteer with Team Rubicon, and honored to be able to work alongside so many Veterans who have far more experience and dedication to this Nation. This is our America.

Just finished reading Mr. Woods’ new book. I could hardly put it down. Such an inspirational true story of self sacrifice and heroism. Suicide is a huge problem for our military men and women when they come home after
serving in the war torn countries that we send them to. What Mr Wood has accomplished, not just in his service to our country, but coming home to create and build Team Rubicon is truly amazing! All of them true American heroes!

Galaxyaudiobook Member Benefit

- Able to comment

- List watched audiobooks

- List favorite audiobooks

- Bookmark will only available for Galaxyaudiobook member