Mark Pinilla, Co-Founder of Vet Info, recently traveled to Washington, D.C., for an important training session and promotional activities aimed at advancing the mission of Vet Info. The organization, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was established to provide vital support to veterans by offering resources in the areas of information, advocacy, and education. Through this trip, Pinilla sought to enhance the visibility of Vet Info, ensuring that more veterans have access to the tools and guidance they need to navigate the challenges they face.
About Mark Mark’s integrity and honesty are so well regarded that he has held security clearance with the Department of Defense. He also forges strong business relationships with his natural networking ability and is relentlessly driven to serve and inspire others. He has achieved greater purpose in his career as a Certified Trainer for NAHREP (National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals) and as a trainer for the Miami Association of REALTORS®, and he’s always open to speaking opportunities. Mark will also be serving on the NAHREP South Florida Board of Directors as the Co-Educational Director in 2025.
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.
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 13th 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 41st and 115th Ave donated coffee.
Sports Clips on 41st St and 104th 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
As Part of the Cast Off 22 Program Vet Info has established Fishing Fridays at U.S. Southern Command. This will be an on going program over the next 12 months to give the Active Duty and Veterans who work at the Installation a chance to learn how to fish or increase their skills with Bass Pro Shops Pro Bill Watts and the Vet Info Volunteers.
For years I have been a victim of being overweight and each visit to my Primary Care Provider (PCP) and the MOVE Clinic of the VA Healthcare system they always tell me I need to lose weight and provide me with information to look at a better way to eat. So in this post I am providing you with information on Carbs and and Gluten-Free Nutrition Therapy. This gives you great examples of low carb foods and foods to avoid. I hope you find this information helpful. Until next time your friendly neighborhood Capt. Bill
In an effort to add to quality of life of the Veterans living in South Florida, Vet Info donated 10 guitars to the Music Therapy Program. Some of the guitars were placed in wards around the VA and the rest will be used in indivual therapy classes and given to Veterans who meet certain criteria.
