Roast & Reel 2025: A Day to Remember at U.S. Southern Command!
On May 29, 2025, Vet Info teamed up with MWR at U.S. Southern Command to deliver a one-of-a-kind event: Roast & Reel — a pig roast and fishing competition like no other, with support from the Pig Roast Bowl Series!
The Roast: Top chefs from police departments across Miami-Dade County went head-to-head in the Military Edition of the Pig Roast Competition. Five elite teams battled it out for the title of “Best Roast” — bringing the heat and the flavor for our service members and their families.
The Reel: Vet Info also hosted the Commander’s Cup Fishing Tournament on-site, where nearly 60 participants competed for awards in:
Biggest Fish
Most Fish Caught
Smallest Fish
It was a close call, with rods in the water and smiles all around — a true celebration of community, camaraderie, and competition!
A huge THANK YOU to all the service members, veterans, civilians, and law enforcement teams who made this event unforgettable.
Want to learn more about Vet Info and how we support active-duty military and veterans? Visit our website and fill out the Contact Us form. We’d love to connect! [www.vetinfo.org]
Honoring the Fallen: The True Purpose of Memorial Day On the last Monday of May, Americans across the country pause to recognize Memorial Day. While many mark it with gatherings, food, and time off, it is important to remember that this day was never intended to be a celebration.
Memorial Day is a day of mourning, not a holiday. It is a time to honor the men and women who died in service to the United States. These individuals made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. Their lives were not lost for leisure or commerce. They were lost in the name of duty, honor, and country.
The Misconception of “Happy Memorial Day”
The phrase “Happy Memorial Day” is commonly used, but it is not appropriate. While well-meaning, it misrepresents the solemn nature of the day.
Memorial Day is not a festive occasion. It is a day of reflection and remembrance. Using the word “happy” diminishes the weight of the sacrifice made by those we are honoring. Imagine attending a funeral and hearing someone say “Happy Funeral.” It would feel disconnected and insensitive. The same applies here.
This Day Is Not About Barbecues or Boats
There is nothing wrong with enjoying the freedoms afforded to us. However, Memorial Day should begin with gratitude and reflection. Before lighting a grill or heading to the lake, take a moment to remember the reason the day exists.
It is not about sales, parties, or long weekends. It is about the soldiers who never made it home. It is about the empty chairs at dinner tables. It is about the folded flags handed to grieving families. And it is about remembering that our freedom has a price.
How to Honor Memorial Day with Purpose
If you are unsure how to properly observe Memorial Day, consider the following:
Visit a local cemetery or war memorial and pay your respects.
Attend a Memorial Day ceremony in your community.
Take a moment of silence at 3:00 PM during the National Moment of Remembrance.
Read about the life of a fallen soldier and share their story.
Teach your children about the significance of the day.
These are simple but powerful ways to show respect for those who gave everything.
City of Doral Veteran’s Park Memorial Day Ceremony.
A yearly celebration of veterans, the City of Doral, THe City of Doral Military Advisory Board and Vet Info place a wreath in memory of the fallen.
Mourning, Reflection, and Hope
Although Memorial Day is a day of mourning, it also holds a message of hope. It reminds us that we live in a country where people are willing to defend others, even at the cost of their lives. That kind of courage and selflessness should not only be remembered but should also inspire us to live lives of integrity, gratitude, and service.
Final Thought
Let us not forget that freedom is never free. It is paid for with the lives of the brave. On this Memorial Day, may we reflect with dignity, speak with reverence, and act with purpose.
To the fallen, we owe more than words. We owe remembrance.
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.
What a great surpise today while holding our monthly Cast Off 22/ Fishing Friday event at U.S. Southern Command to receive a hand written note from Admiral Holsey. For a 4 Star General to take time out of his busy schedule to recognize Mark and Bill both with Thank You notes is a great Honor.
Come join us for our Monthly Fishing Friday Event for Active Duty and Veterans who work at Southern Command. Veterans who have access to the Facility are welcome to join. Bass Pro Shops Pro – Staff Capt. Bill Watts on Hand.
Come join us for our Monthly Fishing Friday Event for Active Duty and Veterans who work at Southern Command. Veterans who have access to the Facility are welcome to join. Bass Pro Shops Pro – Staff Capt. Bill Watts on Hand.
Come join us for our Monthly Fishing Friday Event for Active Duty and Veterans who work at Southern Command. Veterans who have access to the Facility are welcome to join.
Come join us for our Monthly Fishing Friday Event for Active Duty and Veterans who work at Southern Command. Veterans who have access to the Facility are welcome to join.
Come join us for our Monthly Fishing Friday Event for Active Duty and Veterans who work at Southern Command. Veterans who have access to the Facility are welcome to join.
Roast & Reel 2025: A Day to Remember at U.S. Southern Command! 
The Reel:
A huge THANK YOU to all the service members, veterans, civilians, and law enforcement teams who made this event unforgettable.
Want to learn more about Vet Info and how we support active-duty military and veterans?
[www.vetinfo.org]
