Veterans Day: Honrando los Veteranos de Doral – Por Qué Doral

Vet Info was featured on Por Que Doral (Why Doral) with Alejandro Marcano Santelli, honoring our veteran heroes on Veterans Day in collaboration with the City of Doral.

Samantha Pinilla, an FIU student and President of the FIU chapter of the Student Veterans of America, also serves as the Activities and Volunteer Services Director with Vet Info. (at 14:30 minutes)

Mark Pinilla, co-founder of Vet Info, is the organization’s president. Mark is also a professional in the real estate industry and a speaker/trainer. (at 16:50 minutes)

Thank you Councilman Rafael Pineyro from the City of Doral for bringing Vet Info into the spotlight and allowing us to share some of what we do for veterans.

No Veteran Left Behind – Veterans Day 2024

Mark Pinilla, Founder of Vet Info, spoke at Miami Dade College’s West Campus on Monday, November 4th, in honor of Veterans Day.

This day holds deep significance as a time to remember, reflect, and show respect for the countless men and women who have served and sacrificed for our nation. Veterans Day offers us a moment to recognize the bravery, commitment, and resilience of those who have dedicated themselves to protecting our freedoms and ensuring our country’s security. As a nation, it is essential that we express our gratitude—not only by saluting our veterans but by acknowledging the sacrifices they and their families have made. We extend heartfelt thanks to those who have paid tribute to their invaluable contributions.

No Veteran Left Behind

Memorial Day 2024

On May 27, 2024, Memorial Day, at the City of Doral Veterans Park, Vet Info in collaboration with the City of Doral and the Doral Military Advisory Board held a memorial service in remembrance of the fallen men and women who sacrificed for our freedom.

Veterans and members of the Doral community came together to honor our fallen heroes.

Today is not about barbeques, drinking beer on a boat, sleeping in because you do not have to go to work today, or even the word “Happy” as so many use to describe the day.

Today is a day to celebrate the men and women who sacrificed their lives so that we may do those things. A veteran said, “I can sleep at night, in peace, without fear because of their sacrifice”.

The cost is immeasurable!! A child growing up without their parent. A spouse without her partner. The passing of a family member and not being present. Missed games, ballet recitals, birthdays, and anniversaries are just standard operating procedures.

On this weekend of Memorial Day 2024, we implore you to take a moment and remember why you have the life that you have. Freedom is not free. It was paid by those heroic men and women who said, “I will give my life for you”.

Thank you to the following people for making Memorial Day 2024 a success.

SM William Fitzgerald Retired USMC conducted the Pledge of Allegiance.
Doral Police Department Chaplin Sgt Mulet gave the invocation.
SPC Napoles from the 13^th Army Band performed TAPS.
LCMR Tony Chitwood US Navy Southern Command was the main speaker.
Mark Pinilla, Founder of Vet Info provided logistics and volunteers.
William “Bill” Watts US Army/Chair Military Advisory Committee
Chris Flynn US Air Force/Secretary Military Advisory Committee
City of Doral provided food from Sergios Restaurant in Doral
Starbucks on 41^st and 115^th Ave donated coffee.
Sports Clips on 41^st St and 104^th Ave donated haircut coupons.
Jersey Mikes Doral Plaza 58th Street and 107th Ave donated coupons.
City of Doral Police
City of Doral Parks Department

Special Guest in attendance:

Vice Mayor Oscar Puig
Council member Maureen Porras
Council member Rafael Pineyro
Derek Aguste Veteran & Military Affairs FIU
Samantha Pinilla President Student Veterans of America FIU
Kelly Aguste The Mission Continues
Amanda Khouri The Mission Continues
Amanda Rodriguez Veteran & Military Affairs FIU
Tomas Canela Mission United
Richard Bautista Veterans of Foreign Wars
Green Knights Southern Command
Costa Del Sol Run Club
William Fitzgerald IV Young Marines
Juan Carlos Esquivel Doral Voice Community Radio
Ettore Sabatella Doral Family Journal/Civil Air Patrol

Publix Super Market at Doral Isle Fundraiser

📣 Join us at Publix in Doral Isle on 10755 NW 58th Street, Doral FL 33178, on May 19th and 26th from 12 pm to 3 pm for a special fundraiser! We are raising funds to help improve the quality of life for our military veterans. Your donations will support fishing, boating, and kayaking programs, provide scholarships for veteran families, and bring awareness to the overwhelming issue of 22 veteran suicides a day.

We do so much more to help our veterans, from community events to hygiene supply drives. Every dollar counts and makes a difference. Let’s show our veterans the support and appreciation they deserve. Come out, meet the team, and contribute to this important cause. Together, we can make a positive impact!

If you cannot make it, and would like to share, you can go to the donate page or scan the Zelle QR code to the right.

Vet Info is a local Doral, FL 501(c)(3) serving the veteran community.

#VetInfoFundraiser #SupportOurVeterans #VeteranLivesMatter #DoralIsle #PublixEvent #FishingForVets #BoatingForVets #KayakingForVets #VeteranScholarships #EndVeteranSuicide #22ADay #CommunitySupport #VeteranAwareness #ThankYouVeterans #CastOff22

Every day is Veteran’s Day

Today we celebrate the sacrifices made by Veterans. But do we really understand the sacrifice? Can it really be summed up in one day of remembrance?

How do we console the family members who do not get to see their beloved Veterans anymore? How do we make up for missed births, birthdays, dance recitals, swimming competitions, school debates, anniversaries, and so much more? What about the first steps or first words of a baby? How do we only remember for one day that we are losing more than 22 veterans per day? How do we count the days of a soldier who has not been found or returned home?

Can we really celebrate for one day the daily pain many Veterans face due to their unwavering service to our country? Agent Orange and burn pit side effects, lost limbs, and mental health does not rest for 364 days until the next Veteran’s Day.

As we honor our Veteran heroes, we must not honor them for only one day. We must honor the never-ending pain and struggles they confront daily.

No Veteran Left Behind, Conflict, Does Not End on the Battlefield!

Don’t Wait & Reach Out Campaign

Vet Info participated in the Suicide Awareness Month event at the William “Bill” Kling Community Outpatient Clinic with the Miami VA. Many community organizations/non-profits participated to share how we all support our hero military veterans. Dr. Shereef Elnahal, Under Secretary for Health at the Department of Veterans Affairs spoke at the event and conveyed the importance of the need for the community and the VA to unite and combat the epidemic of suicides amongst veterans.

Dr. Elnahal, Under Secretary for Health at the Department of Veteran Affairs was kind enough to give us a plug about our bracelet at 2:36. “No Veteran Left Behind”

The Benefits of Fishing

Fishing offers numerous health benefits and provides an opportunity to connect with nature, find peace, and enjoy the water. Here are some of the key health benefits associated with fishing:

Stress reduction: Fishing provides a tranquil and serene environment that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. The calmness of the water, the sound of nature, and the rhythmic casting and reeling can all contribute to a sense of peace and well-being.
Physical exercise: Fishing involves various physical activities that can contribute to improved fitness. Walking or hiking to fishing spots, casting, reeling, and landing fish all require physical effort, which can help improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and enhance coordination.
Vitamin D absorption: Spending time outdoors while fishing exposes you to sunlight, which is a natural source of vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for maintaining healthy bones, regulating immune function, and supporting overall well-being.
Mental well-being: Engaging in outdoor activities like fishing can have positive effects on mental health. It offers a break from daily routines, allows for contemplation and mindfulness, and helps reduce anxiety and depression. Being in nature has been shown to improve mood, increase creativity, and boost cognitive function.
Social interaction: Fishing can be a social activity, providing opportunities to spend time with family and friends. Sharing the fishing experience with loved ones promotes bonding, strengthens relationships, and enhances social connections, all of which are important for mental and emotional well-being.
Cognitive stimulation: Fishing requires focus, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Observing fish behavior, assessing weather conditions, and selecting the right bait and techniques all engage the brain and can contribute to cognitive stimulation and improved mental acuity.
Connection with nature: Fishing allows you to immerse yourself in nature, whether it’s a river, lake, or ocean. Spending time in natural surroundings has been linked to reduced stress, improved mood, increased happiness, and an overall sense of well-being. It also provides an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and develop a deeper connection with the environment.
Patience and mindfulness: Fishing often requires patience, as waiting for a bite can be a slow process. This aspect of fishing can teach you the value of patience, mindfulness, and being present in the moment. Learning to appreciate the small joys of fishing, such as the sound of water or the beauty of the surroundings, can help cultivate a more mindful and peaceful mindset.

Remember to check and adhere to local fishing regulations, practice responsible fishing practices, and prioritize the safety and well-being of yourself and the aquatic ecosystem while enjoying this recreational activity.

Team Vet Info / VISN8 LPOP Fight for Air Climb Tampa

Vet Info teamed up with VISN8 LPOP-Tampa to honor our Veterans who lost the fight or continue to fight with lung-related issues. The American Lung Association held its annual Fight for Air Climb at the Bank of America Building in Downtown Tampa.

This climb consisted of 42 stories, equal to 914 steps which all team members who could participate completed in under 27 minutes. Team Vet Info / VISN8 LPOP raised $1,145.00 for this worthy cause, met numerous Veterans during the event, and spread the word about Lung Cancer Screening and Research! Well over One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars was raised during the day-long event, with ages ranging from 10 years old to 80 years old facing the challenge.

The Stars of the show were the local firefighters who donned full safety gear weighing over 90 pounds and raced to the finish line on the 42nd floor.
No Veteran Left Behind!

Veteran Appreciation Dinner

Vet Info sat down to have dinner with a Veterans group of 31 members out of Tampa, Florida in honor and appreciation for their sacrifice to our country.

At the event, we were able to fellowship and break bread. We heard stories of some of their experiences while we played games like chess, checkers, and cards.

We are grateful for the time we spent together and in hope of having many more activities together.

Vet Info Women’s History Month Breakfast

Precious Leaks-Gutierrez, Vet Info Community Outreach Director, hosted a Women’s History Month breakfast at Bob Evans restaurant in Temple Terrace, FL, on Saturday, March 25, to honor Veteran women who are part of history by serving in the military. Veterans were treated to breakfast, gift bags, and a fun time.

Thank you to the veterans that attended and all our sponsors.

Bass Pro Shops Tampa, FL
Ge ico Wesley Chapel, FL
Sephora at Wiregrass Mall, Wesley Chapel
Kirkland’s, Wesly Chapel
CND Nails, Tampa

Author: Mark Pinilla