The central idea is to give US military veterans a place, a community in which to gather once again with like minded people around a common objective. Whether it be disaster response or adventure races, veterans of the Long War are drawn to ventures like Team Rubicon and Team Red White and Blue for experience unique to the military. I often say (and believe) in the old adage — hope is not a method. Yet, when considering how the future will play out for our generation of veterans, one cannot discard hope. The future is unknowable so we trust ourselves and envision a brighter one. This is the central idea around these veterans organizations — there should be cause for hope after leaving the military.

Naturally, organizations like the aforementioned organizations were started by business minded veterans. But they also want to raise awareness about veterans issues. They want to continue to provide an outlet for veterans to do the good work that they started with their military service in this broken world. I am not sure that this would have been possible after the Vietnam War.

When comparing just the surface differences between one generation of veterans and the other, I think the spirit of the wars at home probably had something to do with how veterans recuperate after their wars. Obviously, I did not live through the social upheaval surrounding Vietnam and that American era, but from what I have read and seen through history — the political and citizen reaction to Vietnam was so negative toward the US soldier and military. Shunned and spit upon, that generation was not able to see a bright future after returning from war. Yet, our generation is “supported.” Generally, our nation has welcomed back this generation of veterans. Some might say that this welcome has been only skin deep and has been trending toward the negative with the recent promulgation of a “damaged” veteran stereotype. Yet, organizations like Teams Rubicon and RWB are positive examples for Americans to rally around and enable veterans to shirk victim-hood.

My friends and colleagues who have since left the military have repeatedly said that they miss the camaraderie of the military. It is a brethren unparalleled in the civilian life and work force. There is just something about difficult training and life and death circumstances that forges bonds of brother and sisterhood. The work done by our generation of veteran’s organizations to mimic and rekindle that bond has helped us to stave off the ghosts of Vietnam and forge a hopeful path to our future.

I have no affiliation with any of the organizations mentioned in this piece. These are personal observations and commentary.