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.
As part of the Vet Info program Cast Off 22 ( Fishing Friday ) which we hold the third Friday of each month at U.S. Southern Command to provide a few hours of stress relief. During this event we have Veterans, Active-Duty and family members come out to enjoy the day with Vet Info Volunteers and Bass Pro – Pro Staff Capt. Bill Watts. We want to thank those support of Vet Info and we look forward to a great continued partnership/sponsorship of our Veteran focused program. .
Event – Fishing Friday Location – U.S. Southern Command – Doral Florida Participants – Veterans, Active Duty and family members Largest fish this event – 5.29 lbs. – picture 1000022125 Sponsors – Vet Info Volunteer Director Isabel Pinilla / Bass Pro Shops Capt. Bill Watts / Headquarters Toyota / U.S. Southern Command / U.S. Southern Command Garrison Equipment – All rods and reels are Bass Pro Shops brands – Carbonlite combo, Stampede, Tourn. Special
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
Vet Info will be holding a Fund Raiser at the Doral Isles Publix on NW 58th Street. Help us Support the Veterans we serve. If you can not attend in person you may use the Zelle QR code below.
Vet Info will be holding a Fund Raiser at the Doral Isles Publix on NW 58th Street. Help us Support the Veterans we serve. If you can not attend in person you may use the Zelle QR code below.
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.
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!
Vet info is honored to receive a $2000 grant from Bass Pro. The funds will be used to further our cause of improving the quality of life of military veterans.
Bass Pro has been instrumental in our success and ability to serve the Military Veteran community. We are a grassroots organization with no employees. Support from Bass Pro and other organizations who want to serve military is truly inspiring and appreciated.
In 2022, Bass Pro Miami, Tampa, and Ft. Myers help us with providing t-shirts for Veterans living in retirement homes. We provided over 400 gift packages that included shirts, puzzle books, hygiene supplies, and a holiday card written by high school students.
One of Vet Info’s programs is kayaking. Sometimes we fish too. Bass Pro helped us with the purchase of the Kayaks. We are very grateful for the two Old Towne PDL 120s and the four Ascend 12ts. This photo was taken at the Miami Lakes Veteran’s Day Parade 2023.
The Veteran below never thought he could ever go and kayak. He suffers from many issues onset from Agent Orange when he served as a Marine in Vietnam. He found kayaking to be fun and easy to do and has even thought of buying his own kayak.
