Biscayne Bay Veteran Fishing with SALM

On March 25th Vet Info teamed with Shake a Leg Miami to take Veterans out fishing in Biscayne Bay. The veterans all enjoyed fishing and the great weather.

Six different species of fish were caught including Grunt, Yellow Tailes, Silver Runners, and Needle Fish. Over 100 fish were caught.

Thank you to those who made this all possible with donations and/or discounts – Bass Pro Shops, Shake a Leg Miami, Design by Nature, Miami VA Suicide Prevention, Miami Vet Center, Publixs Doral Park Plaza, Hooters Pembroke Pines, Hooters Hialeah, La Fontana Restaurant in Doral, The Keyes Company, Capital Partners Mortgage, Keyes Property Management, Home Partners Title, Keyes Insurance, and Geico.

Each veteran received a gift bag with donated items or reduced-cost items because of their service and sacrifice.

Some of the items included bags, a Hooters calendar, a Hooters cup, Dick’s coupons, bracelets, a stress ball, a gun lock, and a t-shirt.

Veterans out fishing with Vet Info and SALM

Cory US Army Veteran and Bass Pro Shops Employee

Vet Info Honored by the City of Doral

On March 8^th, 2023, Vet Info, Inc will be honored with a key to the city by the City of Doral. Vet Info and Doral have worked together with the Military Advisory Board to serve the veteran and active-duty community in various events. Our last event, Military Family Day 2022, served and honored over 150 military and veteran families.

Vet Info was founded by Mark Pinilla, William Watts, and Precious Leaks-Gutierrez to improve the quality of life of our military Veterans through advocacy, education, and information.

No Veteran left behind does not end on the battlefield is our call to make an impact in the communities in which we live, work, and play. Our success is not our own. We are grateful for the support of many individuals and organizations that have supported us.

If you would like to join us in celebrating this momentous event, join us at the address listed below.

City of Doral
8401 NW 53 Terrace
Doral FL 33166
5 PM

Presentation of VISN8 LPOP Challenge Coins to Dept. of Veteran Affairs Gulf War Illness Research Advisory Committee.

Members of the Department of Veteran Affairs Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Illness Holding VISN8 LPOP Challenge Coins presented during a parent committee meeting held in Oahu Hawaii.

During the Department of Veterans Affairs Gulf War Illness Research Advisory Committee meeting held at the Oahu Vet Center in Hawaii members were presented with Challenge coins by the VISN8 LPOP Veteran Advocate who was present. This was given for the hard work and dedication of the advisory members. The Hawaiian Islands are home to 112,000 Military Veterans, 50,000+ Active Duty Service Members, and 9,600 Hawaii State Guard members.

Founding Member Bill Watts gets appointed to the Board of Directors of SFVAFRE. ( South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education.

MEMO_Board-Membership_Watts_10.1.2022_appointment-letter-1 Download

Fishing Veterans

Vet Info and Shake a Leg Miami finished September 2021 basking in the sun and sea while fishing. Eleven veterans enjoyed the Miami bay and were able to catch lots of fish.

Vet Info collaborated with several local partners who are always ready to support our community of veterans. Without their support, events such as this one would not be possible. Please visit, eat, and or shop at all of them and thank them for their support

Jersey Mike’s Doral (@jerseymikesdoral) located on 58th Street and 107th in Doral, Florida donated 16 sandwiches to feed the veterans and support crew on the vessel. Thank you Rommel M. and staff!

Bass Pro Shops Miami (@bassproshopsmiami / @bassproshops) is a long-time supporter of Vet Info and its activities in the community. Each Veteran got their own Bass Pro Shops hat. Thank you Chris S.

Shake a Leg Miami (@shakealegmia) also a long-time supporter of the military veteran community provided the 40 ft pontoon, captain, crew, bait, and tackle. Karis, without you this event would not have been possible. Thank you!!

Vet Info and the founder’s Mark Pinilla (@markpinilla), William Watts (@captbillwatts), and Precious Gutierrez Leaks are grateful to men and women who sacrificed for our country and the freedoms we have.

See all the pictures from the event!

Vamos a Pescar Miami 2021

Vamos a Pescar Miami took place on September 19, 2021, at Miami Dade’s Tropical Park. Vet Info was asked to volunteer by Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. Eight Volunteers from vet info worked alongside Miami Dade Eco Adventures, Bass Pro Shops, and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.

During the event, over 70 participants learned to cast, bait their hooks and tie knots. The volunteers supported each fisherman with casting and baiting hooks. Several participants caught fish. Anglers caught bluegill, largemouth bass, peacock bass, and tilapia.

“Big thanks go to Capt. Bill Watts and the Vet Info organization for providing eight shoreline fishing volunteers, along with FWC volunteers Roberto Chiuz and David Finley. FWC Wildlife Officers Washington, Dube, and Rodriguez facilitated quick setup and breakdown, assisted during the activities, and worked the information table throughout. Outreach literature was specifically selected to instruct new anglers and highlight local fishing sites to encourage future fishing. Eric Rivera and Miami-Dade Parks provided the main organization and location for the event, and staff from Miami-Dade’s “Eco Adventures” program provided the casting instruction and additional shoreline assistance.”
John Cimbaro
Biological Scientist III | Division of Freshwater Fisheries
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission

Founders Mark Pinilla and Bill Watts of Vet Info
volunteering at the Vamos a Pescar Miami.

It was an incredible day to share with the family as they learned to fish.

See the gallery of photos from that day!

Miami VA Healthcare System

Preparing for your Visit

Prepare for Your Visit

Prepare for a visit: Everyone entering our facilities is screened, and visitors are limited. Face coverings are mandatory. Please contact us first before going to any of our locations. For some needs, you may be able to get care at home by phone or video.

Your Safe Care is Our Mission

If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, please call 9-1-1 or visit an emergency room closest to you.

VA continues to be cautious as we move into the next phase of resuming additional face-to-face appointments and procedures; the following policies remain in effect:

Visitation Policy: No visitors are allowed, although exceptions may be made in advance for end-of-life or other concerns on a case-by-case basis.
Designated Caregiver/Support Person for Outpatient Appointments or Procedures: One designated caregiver/support person can accompany patients requiring physical or cognitive assistance. Any caregiver or support person needs to be preapproved by your provider before your visit. If you have an upcoming medical procedure, we ask that your support person/driver wait in the designated location or in their vehicle. One of our employees will keep them informed of your progress and when it’s time to pick you up.
COVID-19 Screening: All individuals must pass COVID-19 screening prior to entry to our facilities. Veterans with COVID symptoms will be referred for a clinical evaluation. All other individuals who have COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed in our facilities.
Masks: Appropriate masks must always be worn while in our facilities.
Read More at Miami VA Healthcare System

The Calm After the Storm

Living in South Florida you learn that the weather can be unpredictable. The morning is beautiful, bright, and sunny. The early afternoon breaths down on us with high heat and humidity that makes it look like you ran a marathon in 30 seconds as the sweat runs down your forehead. Somewhere around 2 pm thunderstorms role by with torrential winds making everyone scurry to their corner and late for their next appointment. And then… the day becomes clear and crisp with endless amounts of humidity and air that feels smog-free.

It sounds like life! We start of strong and then the trials and tribulations start. Work, traffic, family life, memories of he past, and so much more are like the rainstorm. Once the problem resolves itself, we are back to a nice sunny day.

What is the lesson or moral of the story? It is simply that after every rainstorm, there will be another sunny day. Our problems will come and go. We must find a way to remember that while we are in the rainstorm a brighter day is to come. We must focus on the beautiful end to the situation.

Steven Covey talked about “Begin with the end in mind”. The bible talks about our salvation and the glorious Heaven we win by following God. Goal setting requires us to know what the goal is so we can make it happen. The result can be great if it is part of your daily focus.

Today I encourage you to find that great ending. It is my hope that in some small way I have made your life better. Good Luck!

A New Resource

“Vet Info” was created by William “Bill” Watts (Veteran),Precious Leaks-Gutierrez (Veteran’s Daughter) and Mark Pinilla (Veteran’s Son) to support our fearless soldiers who served our country.

Our goal is to provide you with the resources available to you. We are here to help you.