From War Zones To Flood Zones: Two Veterans Find A New Calling

Lt. Commander Michael Davidson grew up listening to his grandfather, who he called “Pipa,” tell stories from his time in the Navy.  He was determined to follow in Peepaw’s footsteps, and spent 23 years on ships and submarines.

Windy Barton also followed her grandfather’s path into the Navy, and spent 4 years on ships—fighting engine fires and making major repairs while out to sea.

Both Windy and Michael struggled to feel fulfilled after leaving the military, until they discovered Team Rubicon: a special team of veterans who go into the fray when natural disasters strike.

They came to StoryCorps to reflect on what inspired their sense of duty, and the new calling they’ve found in helping others when they are most in need.

Top Photo: Windy Barton and Michael Davidson at their StoryCorps interview in Arlington, Texas on November 14, 2023. 

This interview was recorded in collaboration with Team Rubicon.

This broadcast is supported in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Originally aired July 6, 2024, on NPR’s Weekend Edition Saturday.