Moving Forward: Where It All Began

12 years ago, a small group of great Americans ran 26.2 miles to complete the Twin Cities Marathon, carrying an American flag the whole way. The specific flag meant a lot to me because it had accompanied me on my 3 deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. While I was running, I looked to my teammates and realized that the experience was so much more powerful with them beside me.

I didn’t know it then, but that moment defined the trajectory of the next decade of my life.

After the marathon — which we recognize as Team RWB’s first official event — I found myself sitting in a grad school classroom while my brothers and sisters in arms were still risking their lives on the frontiers of freedom. Like so many veterans, I felt guilty that I was not there with them. But drawing on lessons learned from the military, I channeled those feelings to dig deeper into my mission to help build Team RWB into the organization it is today.

Since crossing that finish line 12 years ago, thousands of supporters have given their time, energy, money, sweat, and heart to Team RWB. I am confident that many veterans are still alive today because of the support Team RWB provided them.

As I reflect on Team RWB and how far we have come, I'm filled with many emotions… the strongest one being gratitude. I'm grateful for everyone who has picked up an oar and rowed to enrich veterans' lives.

As our Executive Director, I have made a promise that resting on our laurels and the impact we have made so far is not something our board, staff, and volunteers will ever do. The best is yet to come as we forge America’s leading health and wellness community for veterans. We know that there are still millions of veterans out there who don't know Team RWB yet, but whose lives will be better when they join us.

Thank you for helping us accomplish our mission and reaching more veterans in the years ahead!

Gratefully,
Mike Erwin