What do you think?
Rate this book
Once a Warrior: How One Veteran Found a New Mission Closer to Home
The powerful story of one Marine who found healing and renewed purpose after returning from combat, for himself and tens of thousands of fellow veterans.
When Marine sniper Jake Wood came home in 2009 from grueling tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, his country asked yet more of him: to compartmentalize his traumatic memories, put his elite military training on a shelf, and adjust to living outside high-stakes situations. Jake feared he would join the huge population of veterans struggling to reintegrate. Since 2001, more service members have died by suicide than have been killed in Afghanistan.
One activity helped Jake and his friend and fellow Marine Clay Hunt find a measure of hope: helping communities after disasters, where their training rendered them unusually effective in high-stakes situations. But as their new organization struggled to get off the ground and the VA tied up Clay's meds in red tape, Clay committed suicide. Reeling, Jake resolved to help as many disaster-affected communities and provide a mission to as many veterans as possible.
Over the past 10 years, with no money or experience, he and his team have recruited over 100,000 volunteers to his organization Team Rubicon. It's established a reputation for delivering desperately needed aid faster and better than other organizations hindered by bureaucracy. Racing against the clock, veteran volunteers utilize their military training to untangle complex problems quickly and keep calm under pressure in catastrophic scenarios.
What's more, Team Rubicon gives meaningful direction to men and women who need the disaster response work as much as the work needs them. Having a continued purpose--a mission that matters--can be the key to a veteran's successful transition from war to peace.
Once a Warrior provides a harrowing look at the true cost of military service as the Forever War drags on--and most important, the path to healing.
When Marine sniper Jake Wood came home in 2009 from grueling tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, his country asked yet more of him: to compartmentalize his traumatic memories, put his elite military training on a shelf, and adjust to living outside high-stakes situations. Jake feared he would join the huge population of veterans struggling to reintegrate. Since 2001, more service members have died by suicide than have been killed in Afghanistan.
One activity helped Jake and his friend and fellow Marine Clay Hunt find a measure of hope: helping communities after disasters, where their training rendered them unusually effective in high-stakes situations. But as their new organization struggled to get off the ground and the VA tied up Clay's meds in red tape, Clay committed suicide. Reeling, Jake resolved to help as many disaster-affected communities and provide a mission to as many veterans as possible.
Over the past 10 years, with no money or experience, he and his team have recruited over 100,000 volunteers to his organization Team Rubicon. It's established a reputation for delivering desperately needed aid faster and better than other organizations hindered by bureaucracy. Racing against the clock, veteran volunteers utilize their military training to untangle complex problems quickly and keep calm under pressure in catastrophic scenarios.
What's more, Team Rubicon gives meaningful direction to men and women who need the disaster response work as much as the work needs them. Having a continued purpose--a mission that matters--can be the key to a veteran's successful transition from war to peace.
Once a Warrior provides a harrowing look at the true cost of military service as the Forever War drags on--and most important, the path to healing.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2020
102 people are currently reading
721 people want to read
About the author
Jake Wood
26 books31 followersJake Wood is cofounder and CEO of Team Rubicon and a former Marine sniper with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has been profiled by Forbes, People, and on CNN and has been named a 2012 CNN Hero and awarded the 2011 GQ Better Men Better World Award.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
November 12, 2020
It’s been over a decade since I took off my Marine Corps uniform that kept an Eagle, Globe and Anchor adorned across my heart. For 7 years and the most formative years of my life, that USMC emblem sat there in the best of times, and the worst of times.
I suppose after so many years, that Marine Corps emblem leaves an invisible imprint. An imprint recognized by a group of people unlike any other. So although I never saw Jake on the battlefield, reading through his journey in my beloved Marine Corps was like putting on my favorite pair of boots, or sitting in the yard of my childhood home. The language, the structure, the culture, the esprit de corps - all recall hard memories, but memories of men who I served with and never want to forget. It recalled a sense of duty, service, and being a part of something bigger than yourself.
Jake's journey and applicability reaches far beyond the military man. It's about a man's journey, to seize the opportunities in front of him. It's about discipline, leading in ambiguity and having a humble confidence in your abilities. It's a raw look into the heart of a warrior who doesn't pretend to have all the answers, but nevertheless activates a movement to do the most amount of good for the most amount of people. Finally, in it is a call to tap that innate voice inside us to serve those in need. When we answer that call - a joy arises in us that transcends this world.
I suppose after so many years, that Marine Corps emblem leaves an invisible imprint. An imprint recognized by a group of people unlike any other. So although I never saw Jake on the battlefield, reading through his journey in my beloved Marine Corps was like putting on my favorite pair of boots, or sitting in the yard of my childhood home. The language, the structure, the culture, the esprit de corps - all recall hard memories, but memories of men who I served with and never want to forget. It recalled a sense of duty, service, and being a part of something bigger than yourself.
Jake's journey and applicability reaches far beyond the military man. It's about a man's journey, to seize the opportunities in front of him. It's about discipline, leading in ambiguity and having a humble confidence in your abilities. It's a raw look into the heart of a warrior who doesn't pretend to have all the answers, but nevertheless activates a movement to do the most amount of good for the most amount of people. Finally, in it is a call to tap that innate voice inside us to serve those in need. When we answer that call - a joy arises in us that transcends this world.
November 17, 2023
Audible sale 8 hours 12 min. Narrated by Jake Wood (A)
A powerful and inspiring book! I'd never heard of Team Rubicon until I listened to this book written by a veteran Marine who served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and then transitioned into civilian life seeking a purpose for his life. He found fulfillment in using the skills he'd learned while serving (minus any weapon) to organize a NGO that gives veterans the opportunity to continue to serve by helping communities hit by natural disasters. They trade military uniforms for gray t-shirts and donate their time to help wherever most needed in the world. I recommend this audiobook read by the author. Check out their website: Google Team Rubicon to learn about their ongoing work.
A powerful and inspiring book! I'd never heard of Team Rubicon until I listened to this book written by a veteran Marine who served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and then transitioned into civilian life seeking a purpose for his life. He found fulfillment in using the skills he'd learned while serving (minus any weapon) to organize a NGO that gives veterans the opportunity to continue to serve by helping communities hit by natural disasters. They trade military uniforms for gray t-shirts and donate their time to help wherever most needed in the world. I recommend this audiobook read by the author. Check out their website: Google Team Rubicon to learn about their ongoing work.
November 13, 2020
I've always been a sucker for military memoirs. ONCE A WARRIOR did not disappoint. I think what struck me about this book though wasn't the war scenes - which I found to be raw, authentic, and absent the chest-thumping bravado often found in others - but the tragic story of coming home.
Jake Wood did a masterful job peeling back the veneer of military transition, inviting readers on an intimate journey that saw him struggle with the suicide of his best friend and grapple with the question: who am I if I'm not a warrior?
Finally, his journey building Team Rubicon is remarkable, told through the eyes of himself, other volunteers, and disaster survivors. He manages to weave flashbacks to his wartime narrative into these contemporary disaster response scenes in a way that ties a beautiful thread through the book from start to finish. Honestly, having read it on Veterans Day was the perfect way to celebrate our nation's finest men and women.
Jake Wood did a masterful job peeling back the veneer of military transition, inviting readers on an intimate journey that saw him struggle with the suicide of his best friend and grapple with the question: who am I if I'm not a warrior?
Finally, his journey building Team Rubicon is remarkable, told through the eyes of himself, other volunteers, and disaster survivors. He manages to weave flashbacks to his wartime narrative into these contemporary disaster response scenes in a way that ties a beautiful thread through the book from start to finish. Honestly, having read it on Veterans Day was the perfect way to celebrate our nation's finest men and women.
February 3, 2021
An inspiring must read! I listened to the audiobook narrated by Jake Wood and I really don't have words for this, except that it's a must read. It's such an important book for everyone, but especially for veterans. I could not put it down. I'm not one to watch the news much, so finding this title in my library's catalog was how I learned about Team Rubicon and about all the amazing hard core work they've been doing and continue to do. I can only hope this book continues to gain in popularity the way other military memoirs have in the past to help get the word out.
In short, all I can really say is go read this book. You won't be disappointed.
In short, all I can really say is go read this book. You won't be disappointed.
January 22, 2021
I enjoyed this book very much. I love the concept behind Team Rubicon. The idea to use veterans to help others in ongoing disasters both domestically and internationally is truly inspiring. Helping to get vets involved and giving them a purpose is key to this organization. With so many vets returning and not having jobs or jobs that are not using their skills is sad. This has shown to cause many vets to unfortunately take their life. TR gives them the purpose they need and the ability to use the skills they learned on the battlefield.
January 3, 2025
Very timely read. I love Jake and his vision and his drive to be the best and do the best for our country. From serving as a Marine to serving the people of the world.
I'm glad to have read this. So inpsiring. While difficult to hear about active duty, it was an uplifting and hopeful book.
I'm glad to have read this. So inpsiring. While difficult to hear about active duty, it was an uplifting and hopeful book.
November 27, 2020
Jake Wood is a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. When he returned home he felt at loose ends and without purpose. He states :
But when our sons and daughters take off their uniforms for the last time, they often begin a long descent into obscurity. A higher calling lives on inside of them that no longer has a mission to pursue, and as they struggle to reintegrate, it’s more comfortable for the public to look away than to take responsibility.
When the earthquake hits Haiti in 2010, he feels a calling and in the spur of the moment talks some other veterans into crossing the Rubicon and going to Haiti with him to see what difference they could make. And thus Team Rubicon was born.
Once a Warrior: How One Veteran Found a New Mission Closer to Home is the story of how Team Rubicon was formed and how it works to aid in disasters both at home and abroad and how it works to give purpose to veterans, which they lose when they return from overseas fighting.
It is an inspiring story and I was greatly invested in reading it.
But when our sons and daughters take off their uniforms for the last time, they often begin a long descent into obscurity. A higher calling lives on inside of them that no longer has a mission to pursue, and as they struggle to reintegrate, it’s more comfortable for the public to look away than to take responsibility.
When the earthquake hits Haiti in 2010, he feels a calling and in the spur of the moment talks some other veterans into crossing the Rubicon and going to Haiti with him to see what difference they could make. And thus Team Rubicon was born.
Once a Warrior: How One Veteran Found a New Mission Closer to Home is the story of how Team Rubicon was formed and how it works to aid in disasters both at home and abroad and how it works to give purpose to veterans, which they lose when they return from overseas fighting.
It is an inspiring story and I was greatly invested in reading it.
July 15, 2021
This was actually an audiobook but I couldn't make that show up. I listened to this because I needed a book. I was really impressed with how Team Rubicon was founded and how they are continuing the mission. The book makes you want to give back to your country and your community, using the skills that learned in the military (or elsewhere). One thing that the book showcased was that veterans aren't people who are broken. They are people who have, in many cases, seen and done things that were horrific. They are people who can operate in chaos and bring order to disorder. They are disciplined, generally have wicked dark senses of humor, and are able to think on their feet. They are compassionate and passionate and are the perfect people to turn to in a disaster. Team Rubicon is a tremendous asset to our nation and a tribute to the veterans who are in it.
March 7, 2021
I have many veterans in my family, but none who have served on the frontlines in Iraq and Afghanistan, so I appreciated Jake’s deeply personal and honest account of his time as a Marine and how those experiences shaped his future. We need to ask more questions of our veterans and involve them in conversations to better serve and honor them at home. To that end, I loved hearing more about the founding of Team Rubicon as an answer for those who are called to serve others, whether they’ve worn a military uniform or not. Jake’s writing is timely as we are collectively living through one of the most trying times in our history. His grit and perseverance (and enduring optimism) amidst great loss is inspiring to me as I navigate this pandemic.
September 13, 2021
This was a heartwarming story to follow
July 25, 2022
Thanks for our soldiers.... good book great idea hopefully solve some issues.... enjoyable read
May 24, 2024
Phenomenal book. Everyone should read it.
March 28, 2021
A compelling tale of self-discovery and service. Makes you want to roll up your sleeves, get out in the world, and help others.
April 20, 2021
Jake Woods memoir as a Marine and founder of Team Rubicon. Incredibly educational about becoming a warrior and veteran with the struggles after war. Loved it. Must read!
January 1, 2021
Incredibly well told story of military service and after the uniform is taken off. It is such a great read and I highly recommend you put this on your “read next” list. It is thoughtful, inspiring and provides the story of Team Rubicon - a disaster response nonprofit organization leveraging the unique skills of our military and first responders while also providing a purpose.
Wow! Just read this book!
Wow! Just read this book!
January 1, 2021
Excellent story, new favorite charity
November 16, 2020
Very real, very moving story of a marine who took what he learned in the service and created an incredible, impactful organization that helps veterans find meaning and helps the country and the world through disasters.
January 23, 2021
A beautifully written, honest, and inspiring account of one soldier’s journey to leadership and a reminder of what it really means to be in the service of others.
December 20, 2020
amazing and important
March 28, 2021
Great book; a strong 4-star review. Avoids sentimentality while addressing a lot of tough issues. Refreshing to read a biography of a former service-member with something eloquent and positive to say (in comparison to the Mat Best train-wreck I had just finished reading).
April 29, 2021
Author and Narrator Jake Wood took time to share his story of finding meaning and a calling after experiencing military hell as a U.S. Marine. Undoubtedly, he needs to be thanked and appreciated for his service to the country and fellow military teammates.
Listening to this story in Mr. Wood's strong voice filled with conviction, one gets the sense of his experiences. Everyone has them, but not everyone feels them in the same way. No person can go to war, see the outcomes and brutality without being scared in some way. Servicemen and women sacrifice a great deal as a part of their commitment or sense of duty. One significant point Mr. Wood makes is the investment in trained military assets should transfer to skills at home.
What makes this story so powerful is Mr. Wood's vision of how people with this training might pull together and form something that continues to support communities anywhere in the world. The founding of Team Rubicon speaks to his sense of duty gained from an early age and his leadership skills. Often great leaders will run to the fire as opposed to running away. Without everything needed but experience Mr. Wood and the people he trusted started creating the vision after a horrific earthquake in Haiti in 2010. Many stepped in to help support the people fighting for survival, but Mr. Wood and his team then committed to continuing their efforts to help people anywhere.
The core value of this team is to optimize the purpose and sense of direction as when they were in the Marines or other branches of service. In the first decade of Team Rubicon's existence, they have stepped in and helped with many different community situations. Donations and volunteers support many of the efforts of these committed veterans.
I highly recommend this book for those who want a genuine perspective and one man's soul-searching insight into himself with the desire to fulfill his purpose. The recount of his experiences is not sugar-coated nor for the faint of heart. This book, Once a Warrior, is a suitable listen for adults who have a military background, a give-back nature, or those who desire a different perspective. You will never forget this once you listen.
The quality of the audible is outstanding. Jake Wood has a compelling voice with consistent tempo throughout the book. I look forward to other books from Jack Wood and volunteering to support Team Rubicon.
Listening to this story in Mr. Wood's strong voice filled with conviction, one gets the sense of his experiences. Everyone has them, but not everyone feels them in the same way. No person can go to war, see the outcomes and brutality without being scared in some way. Servicemen and women sacrifice a great deal as a part of their commitment or sense of duty. One significant point Mr. Wood makes is the investment in trained military assets should transfer to skills at home.
What makes this story so powerful is Mr. Wood's vision of how people with this training might pull together and form something that continues to support communities anywhere in the world. The founding of Team Rubicon speaks to his sense of duty gained from an early age and his leadership skills. Often great leaders will run to the fire as opposed to running away. Without everything needed but experience Mr. Wood and the people he trusted started creating the vision after a horrific earthquake in Haiti in 2010. Many stepped in to help support the people fighting for survival, but Mr. Wood and his team then committed to continuing their efforts to help people anywhere.
The core value of this team is to optimize the purpose and sense of direction as when they were in the Marines or other branches of service. In the first decade of Team Rubicon's existence, they have stepped in and helped with many different community situations. Donations and volunteers support many of the efforts of these committed veterans.
I highly recommend this book for those who want a genuine perspective and one man's soul-searching insight into himself with the desire to fulfill his purpose. The recount of his experiences is not sugar-coated nor for the faint of heart. This book, Once a Warrior, is a suitable listen for adults who have a military background, a give-back nature, or those who desire a different perspective. You will never forget this once you listen.
The quality of the audible is outstanding. Jake Wood has a compelling voice with consistent tempo throughout the book. I look forward to other books from Jack Wood and volunteering to support Team Rubicon.
January 15, 2021
Once a Warrior by Jake Wood
This is truly a multi-dimensional book,
weaving several threads into an entertaining
(though sometimes horrific) read.
It's about Wood's time in the Marines,
and his two tours of duty in the Middle East.
It's about the difficulties he and his friends
had returning to "normal" life after retiring from the armed forces.
It's about how he and a small team of fellow vets,
almost on the spur of the moment, flew to Haiti after the earthquake in 2010
and threw themselves into the rescue and relief effort there.
It's about how that effort evolved into Team Rubicon
and how Team Rubicon grew into one of the top emergency response
organizations in the world today.
And ... perhaps most importantly ... it's about how Team Rubicon provided,
and still provides, a sense of purpose, a sense of meaning, a sense of value
to a large number of vets who need just that to help themselves adjust
to life out of the military.
It's a call out to the entire country to get involved in Team Rubicon's
dual mission - disaster relief and supporting our vets.
Well written and deeply engaging, I recommend this book highly.
This is truly a multi-dimensional book,
weaving several threads into an entertaining
(though sometimes horrific) read.
It's about Wood's time in the Marines,
and his two tours of duty in the Middle East.
It's about the difficulties he and his friends
had returning to "normal" life after retiring from the armed forces.
It's about how he and a small team of fellow vets,
almost on the spur of the moment, flew to Haiti after the earthquake in 2010
and threw themselves into the rescue and relief effort there.
It's about how that effort evolved into Team Rubicon
and how Team Rubicon grew into one of the top emergency response
organizations in the world today.
And ... perhaps most importantly ... it's about how Team Rubicon provided,
and still provides, a sense of purpose, a sense of meaning, a sense of value
to a large number of vets who need just that to help themselves adjust
to life out of the military.
It's a call out to the entire country to get involved in Team Rubicon's
dual mission - disaster relief and supporting our vets.
Well written and deeply engaging, I recommend this book highly.
March 13, 2021
I've been following Team Rubicon for about 7 years. My employer is one of their biggest ongoing donors so much attention is given to TR within the company. I've had the privilege of meeting members of Jake's team and seen Jake speak live to our employees just a few months ago. I've donated to TR many times as well. I will continue to, mores now than ever. Reading "Once a Warrior" gives a new perspective on the work that Jake Wood and his team have done in the past decade.
Cleverly written - war experiences juxtaposed against the development of and on-the-ground work done by TR. Jake's war experiences are harrowing; not only because of the "action" but equally around the "head games" that war plays on its participants. Seeing your friends blown up, shot at, grievously injured...no one can walk away without being affected in some way. Jake's stories about Clay Hunt are heart-wrenching. Clay's death drove Jake to form TR into the globally recognized service organization it is. He turned a deeply personal tragedy into a rallying cry for veterans and those whose heart & souls are about serving others.
Cleverly written - war experiences juxtaposed against the development of and on-the-ground work done by TR. Jake's war experiences are harrowing; not only because of the "action" but equally around the "head games" that war plays on its participants. Seeing your friends blown up, shot at, grievously injured...no one can walk away without being affected in some way. Jake's stories about Clay Hunt are heart-wrenching. Clay's death drove Jake to form TR into the globally recognized service organization it is. He turned a deeply personal tragedy into a rallying cry for veterans and those whose heart & souls are about serving others.
November 13, 2020
Great read!
I am a part of Team Rubicon and I loved the book. Jake has been able to put into words what so many veterans feel in addition to creating a place for veterans and first responders to thrive. I will definitely pick this up again!
I am a part of Team Rubicon and I loved the book. Jake has been able to put into words what so many veterans feel in addition to creating a place for veterans and first responders to thrive. I will definitely pick this up again!
July 28, 2024
From one warrior to another, I can deeply appreciate this book. One of the things I appreciate the most is Wood’s tenacity and relentlessness in publication. As he said in his epilogue, it took several years for this book to reach the market – however – as my husband and fellow SOCOM Veteran often remind me – “timing is everything.” This book was meant to be published when it happened – and the CEO and author’s story was not wholly there yet – and now Jake knows why it needed to wait.
I still feel like there is more to the story of Team Rubicon, and this is only the beginning. I loved this concept – don’t get me wrong. But from the perspective of someone who has been deliberately studying and researching the Post 9/11 Veteran issues for years, I know there is more to be done. Thank goodness this Marine took action! This book is a kick in the pants and a call to action wrapped up in his bona fides. Jake has proven himself countlessly. I believe others will answer the call. I think now his prowess as a leader will come in being able to discern how to use his clout, influence, and network to do more. Leadership is a blessing and a burden that unexpectedly fell into Wood’s lap because he took charge when others did not. The mantle of leadership is neither easy nor light. It can be lonely at the top. I hope he can soon make some friends with other visionaries with the same intent in other markets and Vet industries who share his intent. He has demonstrated that the Veteran community pulls together to make things happen; hopefully, we can prove that he is only the start. 😉
I still feel like there is more to the story of Team Rubicon, and this is only the beginning. I loved this concept – don’t get me wrong. But from the perspective of someone who has been deliberately studying and researching the Post 9/11 Veteran issues for years, I know there is more to be done. Thank goodness this Marine took action! This book is a kick in the pants and a call to action wrapped up in his bona fides. Jake has proven himself countlessly. I believe others will answer the call. I think now his prowess as a leader will come in being able to discern how to use his clout, influence, and network to do more. Leadership is a blessing and a burden that unexpectedly fell into Wood’s lap because he took charge when others did not. The mantle of leadership is neither easy nor light. It can be lonely at the top. I hope he can soon make some friends with other visionaries with the same intent in other markets and Vet industries who share his intent. He has demonstrated that the Veteran community pulls together to make things happen; hopefully, we can prove that he is only the start. 😉
August 15, 2022
I've always held a deep respect for our military, including my brother who served in Afghanistan. This book helped me better understand the complexities of war and the extent of the sacrifices our service men and women face. I also appreciated the light Jake shed on post traumatic stress disorder and his own heartbreaking and heroic stories he shared to illustrate the mental anguish our warriors face.
I'm inspired by Team Rubicon, the disaster relief organization Jake created, and the way it not only supports our veterans, but goes to great lengths to rescue and support the people who are most vulnerable after a natural disaster.
This book left me with an unignorable call to find ways to serve more effectively in my community.
"The notions of service, sacrifice, and citizenship can sound antiquated in today's me-me-me America. But I believe that Americans are yearning for a cause worthy of our history and values, yearning for inspiration to rise and be better. We can—and we must—reframe what it means to be an American and a patriot. And in doing so convince a new generation that with citizenship comes a shared responsibility to serve a common cause: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Not just for ourselves, but for others."
I'm inspired by Team Rubicon, the disaster relief organization Jake created, and the way it not only supports our veterans, but goes to great lengths to rescue and support the people who are most vulnerable after a natural disaster.
This book left me with an unignorable call to find ways to serve more effectively in my community.
"The notions of service, sacrifice, and citizenship can sound antiquated in today's me-me-me America. But I believe that Americans are yearning for a cause worthy of our history and values, yearning for inspiration to rise and be better. We can—and we must—reframe what it means to be an American and a patriot. And in doing so convince a new generation that with citizenship comes a shared responsibility to serve a common cause: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Not just for ourselves, but for others."
May 16, 2022
The book I read for my independent reading was "Once a Warrior" by Jake Wood. This book is a biography about Jake wood and his life after the military. He served 2 years in Iraq and Afghanistan and in his time he witnessed more troops commit suicide then get killed in combat. This really messed with Jake and decide that something needed to be changed. He got together a big group of soldiers to try and make sure that they are in the right mental state. They did things like help people during hurricanes and help people during Covid. All of these methods helped the troops keep there minds of war and helped get them into a good mental state.
I liked this book because he was someone who served in our military and made an impact in our world there and then even after serving for 2 years he decided to make an impact after the military by doing things to help out during tough times for other people. I think if you like stories about people haveing a big impact on the world you will enjoy this book.
I liked this book because he was someone who served in our military and made an impact in our world there and then even after serving for 2 years he decided to make an impact after the military by doing things to help out during tough times for other people. I think if you like stories about people haveing a big impact on the world you will enjoy this book.
November 26, 2022
This book was not about the military memoirs of a warrior (although those selected, many times raw, moments are there when they pertain to the overall story) but more about what awaits many of our returning military upon coming home. When he found himself unsettled and the earthquake in Haiti hit, Jake Wood gathered up some friends and headed over there. This became the start to Team Rubicon.
Jake Wood never speaks about self but always as a member of a TEAM whether it be a Badger football player, a Marine, a CEO of Team Rubicon or as a family member. He never preaches hate or politics but only about service. What was shocking to me was the quote that his division lost more men to suicide upon coming home than to all of its deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan including a close friend of Jake Woods. So many people think they are supporting our military but all they spew is rhetoric. When it comes down to it, this book will make you ask yourself... What have I truly done to show service to my country and those in need.
Jake Wood never speaks about self but always as a member of a TEAM whether it be a Badger football player, a Marine, a CEO of Team Rubicon or as a family member. He never preaches hate or politics but only about service. What was shocking to me was the quote that his division lost more men to suicide upon coming home than to all of its deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan including a close friend of Jake Woods. So many people think they are supporting our military but all they spew is rhetoric. When it comes down to it, this book will make you ask yourself... What have I truly done to show service to my country and those in need.
July 10, 2022
War is evil. At best it is a necessary evil. When I started reading this book I was not sure what to expect. Wood loved his country and felt like he was helping make a difference after 911. I found Wood's experience in Iraq and Afghanistan to be quite interesting. He even questions whether military involvement in these countries was worth it or even made the World a better and safer place. Yet the book is not about the merits of whether it was right or not. These questions must be left to others. What this book is about is hope. Suicide rate among veterans is high. Wood realizes that many veterans went to war to serve. When they come home they have many demons and issues they must deal with. Wood takes their desire to serve and gives many of these men and women a purpose. Purpose is what we all need. It gives us a reason to push through difficult times. We need more Jake Woods in the World
March 12, 2021
4 1/2 stars
After serving in the Marines...being deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, Jake Wood understands the challenges of the servicemen & women attempting to find their place upon return. Realizing the need for veterans struggling both physically and emotionally from the horrors they’ve witnessed, Jake Wood heads up what eventually becomes Team Rubicon.
It is pointed out that many die from suicide after their return because it is so difficult to transition back to “normal life”. Team Rubicon has humble beginnings and has grown tremendously over the years helping deploy veterans to help in natural disasters in America as well as other countries. They have the training and organizational skills to get things done.
This book can be heart wrenching at times but is also inspirational and heartwarming.
After serving in the Marines...being deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, Jake Wood understands the challenges of the servicemen & women attempting to find their place upon return. Realizing the need for veterans struggling both physically and emotionally from the horrors they’ve witnessed, Jake Wood heads up what eventually becomes Team Rubicon.
It is pointed out that many die from suicide after their return because it is so difficult to transition back to “normal life”. Team Rubicon has humble beginnings and has grown tremendously over the years helping deploy veterans to help in natural disasters in America as well as other countries. They have the training and organizational skills to get things done.
This book can be heart wrenching at times but is also inspirational and heartwarming.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews