WHARTON, Texas – Right now, Houston is home to more veterans than normal because of Hurricane Harvey.
Though we’re set to celebrate them this weekend, they’re here to work.
It’s been two and a half months since the storm and there are still homes in need. Fortunately, there are organizations like Team Rubicon and its volunteers, many of which are veterans.
“I grew up in Iowa and they always asked me in high school, you know, what I wanted to do after I graduated and I said, 'Leave Iowa.' So, I joined the Air Force,” said John Barrett.
Now living in Colorado, Barrett recently retired from the Air Force after serving 35 years and deploying multiple times.
“First time was Desert Storm. I was over there for a while and, um, it was quite an interesting environment you might say, and back in, I don’t know, 2004, I went to Bahrain for a while,” said Barrett.
As a veteran, he’s often thanked for his service, but he’s spending the week in Wharton to be the thankful one.
“When I was in Desert Storm I had many service member packages and lots of support from the community and the people and I really just thought this would be a great way to give back for all of the things that was given to me,” said Barrett.
As for those who served alongside him, Barrett would love the chance to work with you again.
“Veterans out there, if you’re looking for something to do and you want to give back, look at Team Rubicon,” said Barrett.
Team Rubicon is in it for the long haul and so if you happen to see someone in one of their gray shirts this weekend, thank them.
Not just because they’re probably a veteran, but because of the work they’re doing in our community.