“Vet Info: A Journey Forward” is more than just a video — it is a look into the heart of our mission to help Veterans find purpose, connection, and a better quality of life. Through powerful pictures and moments captured along the way, this short presentation highlights Veterans moving forward together through recreation, camaraderie, healing, and support.
At Vet Info, we believe that every Veteran deserves opportunities to reconnect, rebuild, and thrive. Whether through golf, fishing, the arts, community events, or simply being surrounded by others who understand the journey, our goal is to provide hope and purpose one step at a time.
This video is a glimpse into that journey forward.
Cathy, spouse of U.S. Military Veteran Tony Zarate, had the opportunity to attend the Miami Symphony Orchestra alongside Vet Info at the gracious invitation of Conductor Eduardo Marturet and his wonderful wife, Athina Marturet.
At Vet Info, we believe healing and connection can come in many forms. Music has a unique way of bringing people together, creating moments of peace, reflection, and unity for Veterans and their loved ones. Cathy shared how evenings like this help Veterans heal, strengthen friendships, and build lasting bonds within the community.
Vet Info is proud to partner with M.I.S.O. to provide meaningful experiences that honor those who have served our country so selflessly.
Thank you to the Miami Symphony Orchestra for making nights like this truly special.
1. Mental Health and Social Work Services focus on the mind and spirit.
2. HUD/VASH supports veteran housing security.
3. If a veteran needs a mobile device, VA Connected Services provides a smart device so they can connect to VA Warrior Wellness Services.
4. USDA and UF teach nutrition and financial education through their respective IFAS/EFNEP program.
5. The veteran (and their family) will receive medically prescribed whole foods—fruits, vegetables, dairy, proteins, and pantry items—every two weeks through a refrigerated food locker, along with learning how to cook them.
6. The VA’s Healthy Teaching Kitchen turns whole foods into healthy, tasty meals by using all four senses.
7. Our Compensated Work Therapy helps veterans develop skills and find jobs in the community.
I believe creating an integrated team across these services will promote a healthy mind and body. The food locker helps reduce stigma by allowing veterans to receive food without speaking with anyone or being seen leaving with bags of food. The Healthy Teaching Kitchen not only teaches food prep and nutrition, but also helps reduce and possibly eliminate social isolation—one of the major factors behind veteran suicides.
Vet Info is proud to be sponsored by Free Sunshields — a small, family-owned business based in historic St. Augustine, Florida, delivering serious protection with a personal touch.
Built on the spirit of resilience and strength, Free Sunshields creates “Fortified Performance Gear” designed for those who work hard and play hard outdoors. From custom UPF sun shirts to neck gaiters and headwear, their high-quality gear keeps you protected, comfortable, and mission ready.
But what truly stands out? Their heart for our military community. ❤️
Free Sunshields is committed to honoring the men and women who have served — and continue to serve — by supporting active lifestyles and giving back to Veterans.
🎖 10% Military Discount
As a thank-you for your service, use code MILITARY at checkout at 👉 www.FreeSunshields.com
When you support businesses that support Veterans, everybody wins.
Thank you to all our Veterans and to those who continue to serve our great nation. Your courage, sacrifice, and dedication do not go unnoticed. Wishing you and your families a Happy Holiday season and a safe, healthy, and prosperous New Year.
Team Vet Info
Message from Founder Bill Watts
As a former member of the United States Army, the holidays always remind me how important it is to honor those who have served—and those who are serving right now. I spent more than one holiday season far from the people I loved, proudly wearing the uniform of our nation.
From the deserts of Egypt, to the DMZ ( Camp Casey ) in South Korea, and during Desert Storm in 1990 and 1991, those moments were not easy. One holiday, I received a care package from my mother filled with some of my favorite foods and cookies. That simple gesture meant everything—bringing warmth and comfort to me in the middle of a desert, more than 10,000 miles from home.
When we speak of those in uniform, we must also remember the families who feel their absence every single day. Behind every service member is a family missing them, especially during the holidays.
SSGT Jimmy Haws—gone but never forgotten. To those I proudly served alongside—1st Sgt. Maynard Meadows, Jonah Booth, Steven Mafnas, Cpl Cruz, SSGT Berley, and so many others from C Battery, 4/5 ADA, 1st Cavalry Division—you are truly missed. I hope one day our paths cross again.
To all Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families: thank you for your sacrifice, your strength, and your service. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a strong, hopeful New Year.
In the first week of June 2025, Vet Info hit a powerful milestone — over 100,000 unique visits to our website in a relatively short time! This surge isn’t just a number — it’s a reflection of a growing community committed to one mission: improving the lives of U.S. Service Members and Veterans, both Active-Duty and retired.
Since launching in 2020, Vet Info has connected with over 10,000 Veterans, Active-Duty members, families, and supporters. What makes this even more meaningful? We’re a 100% volunteer-run initiative — no major corporate funding, no flashy overhead — just real people giving their time, energy, and sometimes their own money to make a difference.
We’re not here to claim we’re the biggest. We’re here because 22 Veterans a day is a number we refuse to accept. Suicide prevention and intervention aren’t side projects for us — they’re at the heart of everything we do.
Our leadership and volunteers are on the front lines of support, working daily to bring hope, help, and healing to those who’ve served. Every visit, every message, every conversation could be the one that changes — or even saves — a life.
This is more than traffic. This is momentum. And we’re just getting started.
Vet Info Capt. Bill was invited to Florida International University ( F.I.U.) to spend the afternoon with the Panthers during the Non-Profit 101 Seminar. Bill expressed the importance of giving back, volunteering, and Suicide Prevention in the Veteran Community. We are proud of all our Founders and thier involvement in the community. Link to Speech on our You-Tube Video Channel.
Vet Info who is a strong supporter of health care in our Veterans receives a Certificate of Appreciation for the VISN 8 Lung Health Fair 2023. Our Founder William “Bill” Watts is the VISN 8 Veteran Advocate for the LPOP Team. He suffers from Toxic Exposures and was diagnosed with RADS after his participation in Desert Storm in 1991. ( RADS – Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome ).
