What an amazing day getting to meet the HHC Commander and 1st SGT. of the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team. The Golden Knights are the Army’s elite precision parachute demonstration team, representing the highest levels of professionalism, skill, and commitment while showcasing the Army’s core values around the world.
We are hopeful that some truly incredible opportunities may come from this connection—opportunities that could positively impact the Veterans of South Florida. Keep your fingers crossed as we look ahead to what the future may bring.
Vet Info kicked off the New Year in style aboard the Cast Off 22 with our first Veteran trip of the year. In partnership with MWR Miamiand in support of those who serve in the United States Military, we were honored to begin 2026 with a Family Veteran Fishing Trip.
U.S. Air Force Veteran Kipp Williams, along with his wife Ruka and their son Max, spent the day together in the Florida Everglades fishing for bass—and whatever else decided to bite. Although we didn’t catch many fish, the experience was unforgettable as we encountered nearly 50 alligators throughout the day, adding to the excitement and uniqueness of the trip.
At Vet Info, our mission is to enhance the quality of life for those who have served and continue to serve our great nation. Under the guidance of Capt. Bill Watts, the day was filled with laughter, relaxation, and lasting memories made aboard the Cast Off 22.
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.
The Founders and Volunteers of Vet Info would like to wish all the Active-Duty Service Members, Veterans and their families a Happy Thanksgiving. Thanks for your Service and Sacrifice because of you we can enjoy the day in a free country.
It is with sorrow in our hearts that we announce the passing of Bill’s Mother who was from Mayo, South Carolina. She had been sick for numerous years and finally went home to be with her parents on October 23, 2025.
Fishing Club Saturdays – A Reel Success! On October 18th, Vet Info, in partnership with U.S. Southern Command Garrison, MWR, and the BOSS Program, hosted Fishing Club Saturdays at the facility. The event was a big success, giving service members and their families a chance to enjoy the outdoors together. Children and adults alike had the opportunity to learn fishing techniques from Vet Info staff and Bass Pro Shops Pro Staff Captain Bill Watts. While not everyone landed a catch, smiles were abundant and memories were made! We’re excited to continue this fun and educational event into 2026 — helping even more families get hooked on fishing.
🎣 All equipment is provided. Please note: Participants must have a valid ID card allowing entry through security.
Hope to see you at the next Fishing Club Saturday!
Vet Info is proud to continue its partnership with the Miami VA Hospital, supporting Veterans through the power of music. Together with Guitar Center of Miami, we are once again providing guitars for individual and group music therapy sessions. This marks the third time Vet Info has been able to donate instruments, ensuring that Veterans have greater access to the therapeutic and educational benefits of music.
For many Veterans, the cost of a guitar can be a barrier, leaving them limited to practice only during their weekly classes. Through this program, Veterans who cannot afford an instrument are given the opportunity to take a guitar home to practice and grow their skills. Those who demonstrate commitment by attending classes regularly and showing progress may even earn the chance to keep the guitar, as determined by their instructor.
Thanks to our partnership with Guitar Center, Vet Info has provided more than 20 guitars to date—and we are committed to continuing this effort for years to come, helping Veterans find healing, focus, and joy through music.
Thank you – Neno and staff for the support of Vet Info and the veterans who served our nation.
Vet Info Founder Bill Watts paid heartfelt tribute to Dr. Gloria Lewis of the Miami VA Hospital, honoring her decades of dedicated service and unwavering commitment to our nation’s Veterans. Dr. Lewis will be deeply missed by her colleagues, and most especially by the Veterans whose lives she touched with compassion, integrity, and care.
To view photos from the celebration, visit the 2025 Gallery. Highlights from the retirement ceremony are also available on the Vet Info Video Channel on YouTube..
