Everyone Has a Role: Finding My Purpose in Team Rubicon’s Mission in Jasper

Two days ago I returned from my first-ever deployment with Team Rubicon Canada. I was dispatched to Jasper on Operation Wildrose to assist with the sifting operation after the wildfire devastated nearly a third of the town. 

 
The day we got the news that Jasper was burning, I knew I would go there to help the first chance I got. Jasper has given me so much in terms of rest and recovery, and I knew this was the time for me to give something back to this place I love so much.  
 
Team Rubicon Canada was a completely new volunteering experience for me, and even after processing my time on the op for two days, I’m still not sure I can accurately convey how impactful of a trip this has been. 

 
Not having a military or first responder background, I was definitely, 100%, scared to go. I took as many online courses as I could before departing, but it turns out… I needn’t have worried. The compassion and camaraderie I felt from every single Greyshirt in Jasper was unlike anything I have ever experienced before.  

 
When they say “Everyone Has a Role,” which is part of the third TR principle, THEY MEAN IT. This is not just talk. When the role that I thought was going to be my role wasn’t possible for me to fulfill due to Reasons™️, I was thrust into a role within the Situation Unit in the Planning Section that – well, fit me like a glove. I still can’t actually believe how this all panned out – and it did so because every single Greyshirt, whether in Incident Command Staff or among the many boots on the ground doing the hard work of sifting, lived the TR values. My new role in the Situation Unit was stressful, yes, and SO busy, but it hit that sweet spot of being busy while knowing you are doing impactful, meaningful work towards a common goal. The hours and days passed by far too quickly. 

 
The appreciation I felt from the residents of Jasper, as well as from other volunteer groups who all worked hand in hand to support recovery efforts, will stay with me for a long, long time. And as for all the Greyshirts on the op – you have no idea how much you have all given me in terms of my sense of identity, belonging, and purpose. I don’t think I am the same person now that I was when I rolled into Jasper last week. I can’t thank you all enough. 

 
There are many more folks I’d want to tag, but I don’t have them on LinkedIn (yet), so shoutouts to Charles-Antoine Duval, Rachel Richardson, and Chad Mooney. I hope to all see you again, whether on an Op or for training or at an event. You are all wonderful people who are capable and driven beyond belief. I miss you all already. 

Join our team: https://team-rubicon.ca/volunteer/