PHOENIX — Team Rubicon, a veteran-led group that provides humanitarian aid, is in Tempe this week assisting with cleanup after a major microburst storm earlier this month.

Thirty members of the organization are clearing out debris, cutting up fallen trees and putting tarps on roofs throughout the city.

Arlee Altamirano, an incident commander with Team Rubicon, said they’re helping because the Oct. 13 storm caused massive damage.

“What we call leads — just lists we get from the emergency managers — I’ve heard one list had over 200 homes on it,” Altamirano told KTAR News 92.3 FM. “One list had over 500 homes on it.”

The storm dropped 0.75 inches of rain within minutes and had wind speeds that reached as high as 90 miles per hour. The Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department saw a 50% increase in calls due to downed trees, flooding, medical calls and fire alarms.

New estimates from the city of Tempe found that the microburst damaged over 1,000 homes and 83 businesses.

What’s the scope of Tempe disaster relief Team Rubicon is providing?

Altamirano says they’re not sure how many homes they’ll work on before the operation concludes at the end of this week.

Tempe resident and Team Rubicon volunteer Laurie Enright said their storm recovery efforts are comprehensive.

“We’re clearing entryways, doing debris removal, sawing trees down or if they’re already on the ground, cutting them,” Enright said. “Later on, today, we’ll be doing some roof tarping.”

Team Rubicon also focuses on helping residents in need, including seniors, low-income families, people living with disabilities and fellow veterans.

Enright said these storm cleanup efforts bring hope to impacted people in her community.

“We get paid in hugs,” she added.

Enright also initiated Team Rubicon’s operation in Tempe, explaining she did a survey of damage after the storm.

“Very quickly after doing a drive-thru of communities and some of our homes and areas around the university, it was clear we could definitely be of assistance,” she said.


storm recovery Team Rubicon Arizona veterans

volunteer veterans help with Tempe disaster relief after microburst

Storm cleanup efforts also underway in Globe, which endured deadly floods

Enright explained that just before arriving in Tempe, Team Rubicon had been working east of the Valley, assisting with recovery efforts after deadly flooding in the city of Globe.

Although the volunteers have gone a while without a break, she said they’re grateful to be helping people across the state.

For Arlee Altamirano, repairing homes in Tempe has deepened his appreciation for the communities he serves.

“You’re not going to believe me but it does more for us as individuals than it does for the community,” Altamirano said. “It makes us feel good. After spending 21 years as a police officer, now retired, I’ve seen a lot of the bad side. I’m ready to have my faith in humanity restored.”

He urged anyone interested to join Team Rubicon.

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