Illinois Tornado: Team Rubicon Brings Military Vets And Medical Professionals To Help Devastated City

Two days after a tornado devastated a small town in Illinois, only one volunteer rescue organization was allowed to bring its team of veteran rescue workers to help.

Team Rubicon, an organization that brings military veterans and medical professionals to tend to crisis situations, was eager to breathe some life into Harrisburg, Ill. The town of 9,000 lost six lives to the twister that hit early Wednesday morning.

Its crew of volunteers arrived Friday and has been clearing debris and repairing damaged homes.

The fact that about 70 percent of the volunteers are former service members is what distinguishes it from other rescue groups. Their unique skill set and experience has prepared them to effectively deploy to crisis situations and offers them the chance to continue serving their country.

"We want to establish a new community of veterans who want to continue their service through disaster relief projects," William McNulty, Team Rubicon founder, told the Huffington Post.

Feeling inspired? Consider donating to Team Rubicon's mission here.

Click through our slideshow of exclusive photos below to learn more about Team Rubicon's critical work in Harrisburg, Ill.

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Comments

[LeeRose]

07:55 AM on 03/06/2012

Great story. It would be nice to see more stories like this instead of another post about a certain family with a reality show.

[guccimirage]

02:22 AM on 03/05/2012

I love reading stories like this. They always restore my faith in humanity. :)

[BookGoddess]

06:45 PM on 03/05/2012

God Bless them! This is what make me proud!

[scottieriz]

10:30 PM on 03/04/2012

Now this is much better than the National Guard being called up to go home to home and search everyone and every person and to seize all weapons found as happened with Katrina and too leave the devastated victims helpless against the looters and robbers that came out of the woodwork... actually help the people... that's what I like to see. Thank you

[The Cupcake Kid]

04:52 PM on 03/04/2012

God Bless and keep safe the members of Team Rubicon, USA.

[Gordon Soderberg]

11:43 AM on 03/04/2012

We need to expand what Team Rubicon USA can do. I just donated $20 per month. Small drop in the bucket but every drop counts.