'Run as One' highlights nonprofit orgs working together to build better community

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Chad Thompson
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
GREAT FALLS, Mont. --  Despite gloomy weather, members of Team Red, White and Blue, and Team Rubicon of Montana braved the gale-force winds and participated in "Run as One," which started at the Lewis and Clark overlook and headed toward Giant Springs March 28, 2015.

This was the fourth-annual Run as One, and was hosted nationwide to raise awareness and honor Marine Corps veteran Clay Hunt, an original member of Team Rubicon who took his life after battling post-traumatic stress and depression.

"Run as One is a running event meant to bring attention to PTSD and those who suffer from it," said Tech. Sgt. Kevin Smith, an Airman assigned to Malmstrom Air Force Base and Great Falls Team RWB's veteran outreach manager. "(Team RWB) wants to get more exposure in order to reach out to veterans and provide a community that supports them."

According to the Team RWB website, the event served not only as a remembrance, but as a celebration of a continued partnership between organizations, and it's a symbol of leadership, action and collaboration in supporting veterans nationwide.

Organizations such as Team RWB and Team Rubicon understand the visible and invisible challenges associated with combat and how it affects every veteran a little differently because most members are veterans themselves.

Things ranging from guilt, survivor's remorse, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress can all take its toll on the nation's war heroes. Medical research has proven some of the best therapy to counter the effects of these types of stress is physical activity.

Tech. Sgt. Anthony Davalos, 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron resource advisor and Great Falls Team RWB's activities director, said he joined the group in 2013 after doing some research, and thinks camaraderie, cohesion and physical activity are some of the best things the organization has to offer.

"I believe that exercise is the best medicine for many of the mental disorders that our vets face today," Davalos said. "My main goal with the group is to grow it into a community."

Team RWB gives veterans and local community members a place to turn, whether it's a weekly running group, someone to work out or socialize with, or help by volunteering to feel more connected to the community.

"If you want to be involved with helping veterans and you want to be a part of a community surrounded by improving health and fitness, then join Team RWB," Smith said.

Both Team RWB and Team Rubicon are nonprofit organizations and free to join, giving Malmstrom Airmen a place to grow physically and socially, which are key pillars of mental wellbeing.

"You don't make a difference by simply donating your money," Davalos said. "As a member of Team RWB, you make a difference by being part of the team."

For those interested in joining or learning more about these organizations, visit www.teamrwb.org or www.teamrubiconusa.org. For a schedule of events being hosted here in Montana, search Team RWB Great Falls on Facebook.