ABOUT US
Big Red Challenge (BRC) started with two University of Nebraska – Lincoln students that had committed to joining the military after graduation and wanted to make a difference in the lives of Veterans.
The idea was to create an opportunity for people to come together as a community and do something challenging in honor of Veterans. Nebraskans from all walks of life were drawn to this idea and came together as an all volunteer team to be a part of making the world a better place through giving back to the Veteran community. Our small team didn’t know how we wanted to make an impact, but we were absolutely determined to do so and hungry to learn.
The process of building BRC and the journey our team has been on together continues to be one of discovery and constant learning about the obstacles Veterans encounter in transition to civilian life. Our team spent a lot of time thinking about what makes military service so meaningful and fulfilling. More broadly, we thought deeply about what makes life meaningful and fulfilling. We always sensed that there was a different way—and a much deeper way—to help Veterans.
Through identifying what brought meaning and fulfillment to our lives, we uncovered what Veterans lose in the transition process. Military service has three core pillars: challenge, service and community. In identifying these core pillars we discovered our purpose as an organization.
The BRC exists because we refuse to let Veterans lose their purpose. This is why the mission of the BRC is to remind people that meaning is found in shared sacrifice.
At BRC we have learned to embrace challenge as our guide and compass for the journey of life. At BRC we believe that the path to a fulfilled life begins with embracing challenge. We seek to inspire people to use challenge as their ultimate teacher.
Challenge is life’s way of presenting us with obstacles that help us learn life’s most important lessons—hardship provides humility, failure develops faith, and struggle creates strength. Service is the voice that whispers, and when we listen it becomes our calling to be a part of something far bigger than ourselves. When we embrace challenges that unites us in service of others, we build a Community.