In the wake of catastrophic flooding in central Texas, Team Rubicon—a disaster response organization powered primarily by military veterans—has launched an urgent mission to support communities devastated by rising waters.
The group, known for its rapid-response capabilities and military-style organization, is currently deploying reconnaissance teams and preparing for a full-scale relief operation, according to CEO Art delaCruz.
“We’ll continue to grow the operation as the waters recede primarily and as the local authorities transition out of search and rescue,” delaCruz said.
“Our goal is to be amongst the first there and to be the last to leave.”
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The situation on the ground is dire. The Guadalupe River surged roughly 26 feet in a short span, leaving widespread destruction in its wake.
Authorities have confirmed at least 90 fatalities, and dozens of people are still unaccounted for as rescue efforts continue.
In response, Team Rubicon has already sent three reconnaissance teams—small units of two to three individuals, typically made up of local volunteers—to assess the hardest-hit areas.
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These teams are collecting information on the scope of the damage and the specific needs of each community.
“We will be there in short order,” said delaCruz, a retired Navy commander.
“One of the things that we’re really diligent about is ensuring that our presence doesn’t create a tax on the system. We line everything up so we’re essentially self-sustaining once there.”
Modeled after military operations, Team Rubicon initiates its disaster missions with reconnaissance, followed by a warning order and then a formal operations order. This structured approach allows the team to deploy effectively and responsibly.
“Then we begin to pair it up with our volunteers on what they can do, which is probably, in this case, I would imagine, a lot of debris removal,” delaCruz explained.
“Everything that has been moved down river or is blocking roads, we have qualified sawyers that can come in and cut trees, and we can use heavy equipment to either move debris or materials out of the way.”
Crucially, the reconnaissance teams are also identifying the most vulnerable communities—those often overlooked in broader relief efforts.
“It’s generally the poor and those who aren’t insured for the disaster that hit them,” delaCruz said.
In addition to their scouting teams, Team Rubicon has also established a quick reaction force (QRF) in Kerrville at the request of the Salvation Army. This specialized unit is working closely with the organization to help manage the influx of volunteers and coordinate immediate needs.
“The primary effort of the QRF right now is to assess damages, like people are coming in and saying: ‘Hey, I need help,’” delaCruz noted. “And then they will also transition with the Salvation Army to help manage volunteers.”
Looking ahead, Team Rubicon is preparing to set up as many as three forward operating bases in the flood-stricken region.
Each base could house up to 30 volunteers who will take on tasks such as mucking out flooded homes, clearing debris, and restoring access to essential areas.
“They’re essentially in this race against mold and damage, so we’ll help them out at no cost to the homeowners,” said delaCruz, emphasizing the urgency of the work and the importance of acting quickly to minimize long-term impacts on affected families.
Team Rubicon has an extensive track record in disaster relief. Over the past year, its volunteers have responded to wildfires in southern California and the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.
The organization boasts a network of around 200,000 volunteers, with more than half being military veterans.
Founded in 2010, Team Rubicon has become a model for how the leadership, logistical, and crisis management skills of veterans can be repurposed for humanitarian missions.
For this latest deployment, the organization is also considering stepping in to support exhausted first responders by taking over essential services such as food and water distribution.
“We’ll try to relieve people of the burdens that they have so they can also take care of their own families,” delaCruz said.
“We’ll do whatever is necessary.”
As central Texas continues to grapple with the devastation left by the floods, Team Rubicon’s swift and strategic response offers a beacon of hope—one shaped by military precision and a deep commitment to service.
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