Veteran Spotlight: John Bond
Across the country, Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB) members wear the Eagle and show off their Eagle Fire, but almost none stoke their fire brighter than Army veteran John Bond. Since 2014, Bond has made a big impact as a Team RWB member and volunteer. We asked him to share insight into his journey.
How long have you been a member of Team RWB?
I’ve been a member of Team RWB for 8.5 years. I joined in January 2014. My first event was a Team RWB Philadelphia Superbowl Party on February 2, 2014 (Broncos vs. Seahawks). Who woulda thunk that the people I met then would make such an impact on my life.
When did you become the Pennsylvania state coordinator?
I was a State Coordinator for two years - February 2020 to March 2022.
Why did you join Team RWB?
I joined Team RWB for the sense community. I was getting out of the Army soon and my social circle, not being from Philadelphia, was small. I didn’t know what I was looking for but was pleasantly surprised to find like-minded and like-valued people that also lived a healthier lifestyle as veterans.
Why did you volunteer to become a state coordinator?
I wanted to be a state coordinator because I wanted to give back what I had been taught and given from Team RWB. I was fresh off of my year as an Eagle Leader Fellow and I felt I had more to offer. I wanted to share my knowledge of processes and my passion for service to the chapters within the state. I wanted to help expand the state beyond our chapter borders and build a state that could be proud of what they had done and what they were doing for the veteran community as a whole.
What obstacles have you overcome as state coordinator?
The obstacles I had to overcome were mental obstacles I placed on myself. I had only ever been a social director for the Philadelphia chapter. I had never been a chapter captain, but after speaking with my area directors and other Team RWB staff, they gave me all the motivation and support I needed to do the job. There were also leadership obstacles to overcome (balancing personal and professional responsibilities, leading by example, COVID era) but what is leadership but learning how to overcome those obstacles and sharing those lessons learned.
What was your biggest accomplishment as state coordinator?
My biggest accomplishment as a state coordinator would probably be the state events that I either supported or coordinated. The Yuengling Light Lager Joggers and Gettysburg Rucks were awesome events. It met the mission of Team RWB while being so much fun. The best part was watching Eagles coming from all over the area and all over the U.S. to these events and commune, run, ruck, eat, and laugh with people who were strangers at the beginning of the event. I would also add transitioning out of the state coordinator role with my successor (who is currently kicking butt and taking names), Heather Jordan, was a success as it laid a foundation for her to start strong.
What is your best memory with Team RWB?
My best memory with Team RWB – that’s a hard one because there have been so many. I’ll go with hiking to Observation Point at Lake George while on an Eagle Leader Camp weekend. It was a sunrise hike, one that I had not been able to previously finish. It was only a two-mile hike up to the point and back but I remember not being able to finish due to being out of shape and my feet and knees giving me issues. When I finally did complete it with fellow Eagles, I just remember a sense of elation, camaraderie, joy, and satisfaction. Sharing that accomplishment with others meant more to me than doing it by myself. This pales in comparison to other people’s much more physically challenging exploits, but this was special to me because it boosted my confidence to do more.
What is the biggest impact Team RWB has had on you?
The biggest impact is simply the sense of family I have grown to love within Team RWB. They are some of the greatest humans I’ve ever met. That was not the plan, but it certainly panned out that way. I have made friends for life in this organization. I have been able to learn and grow as a person, as a leader, and as a friend, all of which impacts every facet of my life both professionally and personally. Team RWB has thoroughly enriched my life by challenging me physically and personally all in healthy and fulfilling ways.
What would you say to someone thinking of joining Team RWB?
I would say join Team RWB. It’ll probably be one of the best decisions you’ll make as a veteran or civilian when it comes to deciding to join a veteran service organization. It’s fun. It’s healthy. It’s free. All you have to do is download an app and you’re set for any type of physical activity, workout, social, or service event out there. Your presence alone will be giving back to that local community. It’s for everyone - young and more mature, veteran and civilian, individuals and families, those just getting into fitness and experienced marathoners/cross fitters/triathletes, etc. It’ll challenge you at every fitness level.
What would you say to someone thinking of volunteering with Team RWB?
For those thinking about volunteering I would let them know that it can be very rewarding. My choice to be a volunteer leader is my way of serving my community. It is not the same as serving my country but there are similarities. It gives me a sense of duty and purpose and a reason to get out of bed in the morning. It’s my way of holding myself accountable. Please know that it is a choice and it does require actual work but the pay-off comes back tenfold. I get a sense of accomplishment after every event I lead. I also feel that I am meant to be here with every conversation I hold with fellow Eagles and Eagle leaders. I would also let them know that being an Eagle Leader doesn’t have to be forever, but I guarantee that time you put into your leadership role can be incredibly fulfilling.
If you’re interested in volunteering, download the Team RWB App to find events near you and contact your local Team RWB leaders for more information.
