Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB)?

A: Team RWB is a veteran support organization whose mission is to enrich the lives of wounded veterans and their families. Ultimately, we aim to transform the way wounded veterans are reintegrated into society when they return from combat and exit their position in the Active Duty force or National Guard. We feel it’s our turn to give back.

Q: Several fundraising organizations serve veterans and their families; how is Team RWB different?

A: We propose a different kind of veteran support, one that is rooted in a deep understanding and willingness to listen to veterans and their families, and aid in their reintegration into the society they fought so honorably to defend and protect. Our special community of athletes, advocates and concerned citizens (corporate, non-profit and individual) are all committed to serving those who have served our great nation. Together with wounded veterans and their families and friends, we will develop meaningful, one-on-one relationships that transcend short-term fundraising efforts. We do not view success in terms of dollars raised, but by relationships maintained.

Q: How does it work?

A: At Team RWB, our mission is to enrich the lives of wounded veterans and their families. We work toward this mission by focusing on three key areas:

• Endurance Events: Endurance events (e.g., half-marathons, marathons, ultra-marathons, triathlons or even hikes) allow the Team RWB community to come together and honor the commitment and dedication of our veterans – both in service and now during their struggle for reintegration. More specifically, these events help raise awareness and funding, and connect Team RWB members with other like-minded individuals to inspire our movement of personal appreciation and caring for war service veterans and their families. Team RWB sponsors its own events and organizes Team RWB participation in existing events throughout the country. However, our movement would not be possible through Team RWB-sponsored or organized events only. Athletes are encouraged to represent Team RWB in any event that is of interest to them and/or host their own events in support of Team RWB. Examples include 3k or 5k races for family and friends, long-distance hikes or walks and community bike rides. 

• Social Leadership-Based Network: During a June 2010 study of Iraq and Afghanistan combat veterans, almost all veterans surveyed expressed interest in services to help adjust to civilian life. Additional research has shown that 90 percent of today’s war service veterans actively search for information and connections online. Team RWB will launch a social leadership-based network using social media and other interactive tools to meet both of these needs, achieving local impact on a national scale. Once complete, teamrwb.com will enable all interested team members to create relationships within and outside their local communities. This network/community will serve as the backbone for raising awareness and funds, and connecting wounded veteran families with athletes, advocates and others.
  

•  One-On-One Relationships: Today’s veterans face many challenges to successful reintegration into society following their experiences in a combat zone. Short-term solutions can include medical prescription drugs or counseling; however, research has shown that veterans’ reintegration challenges can be compounded by feelings of isolation from no longer being part of a “unit” or team. Team RWB aims to combat these challenges by connecting veterans and their families with others (known as “advocates”) through meaningful, friendship-based relationships. Wounded veterans and advocates define the exact nature of their relationship, ensuring each relationship is mutually beneficial and unique. To better meet veterans’ needs, advocates will focus on the “everyday” – not the spectacular: being a friend, spending time together and performing small acts of kindness on a personal level.

Q: Who's behind Team RWB?

A: The Team RWB organization is comprised of numerous individuals who dedicate their time, energy and expertise to enrich the lives of our wounded veterans and their families. A board of directors (chaired by founder Mike Erwin) provides oversight and directs the activities of Team RWB to ensure excellent management and longevity of the organization. The board of directors is supported by an advisory board, which is made up of volunteers who offer their input, ideas and expert advice. The Team RWB advisory board is independent and comprised of community leaders, business leaders, military and medical personnel, and other interested individuals. For more information on our structure, please visit our Organization page.

Q: How can I get involved?

A: Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB) is made up of athletes, advocates and concerned citizens – a diverse group of people who are all committed to serving those who have served our great nation. To join Team RWB, please visit our Athletes, Advocates or Concerned Citizens pages based on your interests. If you would like to donate or help spread the word by purchasing gear instead, please visit our Donate or Purchase Gear pages.  

Q: What are the requirements for participating in Team RWB?

A:  The requirements for participating in Team RWB vary by role. If you would like to become an advocate, for example, you must complete an application, pass a security background check, participate in a training session and commit to 12 months of friendship and at least one approved activity per month (e.g., participation in an adaptive sports program or discussions over a coffee or a meal). Athletes must contact Team RWB by visiting the Athletes page and filling out the form to begin. For more information on requirements by role, please visit the Get Involved section of our website.

Q: What if there are no scheduled events near me? Can I start/schedule a Team RWB event? If so, how?

A: Yes, we encourage team members to organize/list their own events. For more information, please contact Genevieve

Q: What about training? Equipment? Travel?

A: Please contact the Race Contact listed in the Race Section. The contact will be able to answer specific questions or point you in the right direction.

Q: I'd like to train with the team; how can I find other Team RWB members in my local area?

A: Please contact the Race Contact listed in the Race Section. The contact will be able to post team practice times and locations and where you will be able to meet other team members. For privacy, we will not release contact information on any runners.

Q: Who qualifies as a wounded veteran?

A: Although it is estimated that 30,000 of the more than 2 million men and women who have been deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan since 9/11 have been physically wounded, a recent study indicated that an estimated 40 percent of respondents screened positive for non-visible mental wounds, such as those associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. A wounded veteran is therefore any military service member who spent time in Iraq, Afghanistan or another hostile part of the world and suffered physical, mental or emotional wounds while deployed.

Q: How do you select a wounded veteran and his/her family to help?

A: Veterans are currently referred to Team RWB for one-on-one relationships through a partnership with the Veterans Affairs Administration (VA). In the long term, Team RWB will also solicit referrals from other health and veteran organizations.

Q: Why has Team RWB partnered with the VA?

A: As the benefit provider for our nation’s veterans, the VA regularly interacts with wounded veterans via physical therapy, counseling and medication-related support. Therefore, the VA, through OIF/OEF coordinators who regularly monitor veterans’ treatment activities, serve as an essential medical partner to refer veterans that are in stable condition and can benefit from long-lasting meaningful friendships designed to help them reintegrate successfully into society.

Q: Can I refer a wounded veteran for Team RWB? If so, how?

Veterans are currently referred to Team RWB by the VA. However, we will accept referrals from individuals as well; please send an email to veterans@teamrwb.com.

Q: How long does Team RWB support the veteran and his/her family?

A: Team RWB aims to create long-lasting, meaningful relationships with veterans and their families, and our advocates commit to volunteering for 12 months of friendship and actively participating in at least one approved activity per month. Ultimately, however, Team RWB’s support (friendship) cannot be measured in weeks, months or even years. Advocates might decide to continue the relationship indefinitely, support another veteran/family and/or volunteer in a different capacity, and Team RWB will continue to support veteran reintegration efforts through personal interaction and community support with other advocates, athletes and concerned citizens.

Q: Where does the money raised by Team RWB go? How is it spent?

A: When it comes to donations, we direct as much as possible to our mission of enriching the lives of wounded veterans and their families through endurance events, a social-leadership community network and our one-on-one relationship program. Our board of directors is comprised of all volunteers and we aim to operate a lean, virtual-based employee model to minimize any administrative costs. Since we are currently in a start-up phase, it is expected that some initial donations might be used to help defray the investment cost of building our community programs; however, we anticipate in the long run that all operational and administrative costs will be covered through sponsorships rather than individual donations to ensure that as close to 100 percent of individuals donations as possible goes directly to support the Team RWB mission.

Q: On average, how much does it cost to help a veteran and his/her family?

A: Team RWB provides financial resources for small acts of kindness and the “everyday” – however, the reintegration needs of each veteran/family will be different. Ultimately, however, community support and friendship are intangible and unquantifiable; that’s why Team RWB is not focused on dollars raised, but relationships maintained.

Q: Where can I find more information about Team RWB?

A: The following is a link to our Press Room, which contains the latest news and other information about Team RWB. For additional information, please contact Larry