Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst - Team Red, White, and Blue took part in the organization's North East Region "Eagles" annual leadership summit in New York City, April 10-12, 2015.
Team RWB's mission is to enrich the lives of America's veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.
Nearly 50 Team RWB leaders from across the region united to receive world-class leadership training and massed the largest showing at the "Run for the Parks", a 4-mile race hosted by New York Road Runners a NYC based community running organization, whose mission is to help and inspire people through running.
"Over the years I joined several veterans' organizations and there was always something missing, until I found Team RWB," said Brent Brell, Chapter Captain Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and Sgt. 1st Class at 174th Infantry Brigade. "I believe it is the sense of belonging and camaraderie Team RWB has to offer that has people from all walks of life flocking to the organization."
The summit began Friday night with a short dinner social at a local restaurant next to the 9/11 memorial. Early the next morning, the Team RWB members gathered in a conference room at World Trade Center 5 generously donated by the 9/11 Memorial Foundation.
Joe Quinn, North East Regional Director, introduced himself and explained the "Why?" for him in regards to becoming involved with Team RWB and how it has impacted his life. Quinn was a senior at West Point Academy when he lost his brother, James in the south tower on September 11, 2001. For him, the "Why?" revolves around the sense of belonging and instant family-like connections that Team RWB offers. He said he was looking for a brother to fill the void after losing James when he found Team RWB. He now has over 70,000 brothers and sisters.
One by one, Eagles stood up to give their "Why?" throughout the morning. The common theme for joining Team RWB was feeling lost, lacking personal connections, withdrawn from everyone, major life loses, and desire to give back to the community in some fashion.
"Team RWB means that you have family wherever you go and that you are never alone," said Misty DiGangi, NE Region Athletic Director of RWB and Chief Warrant Officer 3 at New Jersey Joint Forces Headquarters. "It means that you are a part of a team; you have instant friends and a network to offer camaraderie and team activities."
After the introductions, Simon Sinek, joined the group to talk about his experience in Afghanistan working with the U.S. Air Force and the significance of "Leaders Eat Last," becoming the name of his book. Sinek is also a motivational speaker who has the most viewed TED Talks episode to date.
"First, Simon discussed the importance of leading through empathy and understanding. He explained that by understanding the needs of the members of our communities and providing a safe and supportive environment for our team members, we enhance their mental health and facilitate a positive environment," said DiGangi.
After lunch, Blayne Smith, Team RWB Executive Director joined everyone through a video teleconference to share with the audience the current state of the whole organization and the way forward.
Quinn then gave a short presentation of the state of affairs in the North East Region. After which, the leaders broke into small group discussions to delve into best practices and lessons learned.
The day concluded with retired Major General Mark Graham, former First Army Division West Commander, addressing the leaders and relating his life experiences, Vets4Warriors, NJ Vet2Vet, and losing his sons. He lost one son to suicide and one to an improvised explosive device in Iraq; he lost them both in separate wars.
The evening finished with a pizza and wing social where the Eagle leaders networked and got to know each other.
"Do not get distracted by the bigger issues or challenges," said Scott Gamble, Team RWB Chapter Captain Rhode Island. "Making it a point now to ask everyone on my team if they are okay; it sounds like a simple thing but it can make a world of difference."
Sunday morning started with a 4-mile race through Central Park with New York Road Runners providing free race bibs for all of the leaders attending the summit. After the race, Quinn led an emotionally charged tour through the 9/11 memorial. Teary eyed Eagles walked through the memorial remembering where they were on that fateful day in history. Nearly every Eagle echoed the same feelings at the end of the summit that they came together as acquaintances but were leaving as family.
"Invest in leaders by giving them the right tools, the right resources, and the support and confidence they need to do their job well," said Kim VanHeste, Athletic Director Albany. "They will not only succeed but also pay that success forward to the ones they are leading."
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