Youth leadership and generosity in veteran support are powerful forces for change. Living the NAHREP 10 means embracing values that transform not only our lives but our communities. This week, I, Mark Pinilla, am shining a spotlight on three exceptional young leaders who embody Discipline #9: Be Generous with People Who Are Less Fortunate because philanthropy feeds your heart and spirit and gives more purpose to your work.
Keven Hernandez
President
Junior
Ronnier Canizares
Director of Logistics
Senior
Mingrui Liu
Secretary
Soph0more
These three gentlemen from Hialeah Gardens Senior High School—Keven, Ronnier, and Mingrui—demonstrate how generosity and leadership can shape lives and uplift communities. As a NAHREP 10 Certified Trainer, I am proud to honor their commitment and spirit.
Youth Leadership in Action: The Birth of the Valor and Unity Crew
Keven initiated their journey by participating in a veteran community service project last year with Joshua Peralta, Vice President. Their passion for honoring veterans gave birth to the Valor and Unity Crew. Last year, they invited Mingrui to join their mission, further strengthening their cause.
“The Valor and Unity Crew is a student-led organization that aims to honor, support, and educate our community about veterans, military service, veteran struggles, and post-secondary options, both military and academic. This year, we successfully hosted our first event, bringing together veterans, teachers, students, and community leaders. We hope to build on this success and expand our mission in the years ahead.”
Generosity in Veteran Support: The Valor & Unity Expo
In January, I was honored to be invited to the Valor & Unity Expo, a groundbreaking event planned and executed by these inspiring students. The event featured several key elements:
- Debates and Original Videos: High school teams competed, creating original content to raise awareness about veterans’ experiences and challenges.
- Veteran Non-Profit Proposals: Students developed concepts for non-profits dedicated to veteran support.
- Guest Speakers: Veterans Mr. William G. Perez and Manny Supervielle shared powerful stories about their military experiences.
- Community Organizations: Groups like Vet Info, FIU, UM, The Army, and University of Florida were present to educate and offer resources to veterans and students.
As the founder of Vet Info and a committed community leader, I spoke about the critical mission to reduce the staggering number of 22 veteran suicides daily. Our commitment is to enhance mental health resources and create safe, supportive spaces for our veterans.
Why Youth Leadership and Generosity Matter
Running an event like the Valor & Unity Expo is no small task. It requires vision, dedication, and resilience. These young leaders showcased incredible organizational skills, peer collaboration, and, most importantly, a heartfelt commitment to serving our nation’s heroes.
Their efforts are a testament to what living the NAHREP 10 truly means. They didn’t just plan an event—they created a movement of awareness and support for veterans in their community.
The Power of Giving Back
Discipline #9 of the NAHREP 10 emphasizes the importance of being generous with those who are less fortunate. True generosity extends beyond financial contributions; it involves investing time, empathy, and energy to uplift others. Philanthropy is not just about giving—it’s about creating lasting impact, building connections, and empowering communities. This discipline nourishes the soul, offering deeper purpose and fulfillment. These students exemplify this spirit, proving that when we give from the heart, we inspire change, foster resilience, and create meaningful legacies that echo far beyond the moment of giving.
Lessons from The Go-Giver
The core philosophy of The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann aligns closely with the actions of Keven, Joshua, and Mingrui. The book emphasizes that true success comes from giving value to others. These students demonstrated this principle by creating an event that provided immense value to veterans and their community. They embodied the “Law of Value” by focusing on how they could serve and uplift others rather than seeking personal gain.
Their commitment to generosity and leadership is a living example of the book’s message: that the more you give, the more meaningful your success becomes. Through their dedication, they not only impacted lives but also enriched their own sense of purpose and achievement.
Honoring Excellence in Veteran Support
It is my distinct pleasure to award Keven, Joshua, and Mingrui the Living the NAHREP 10 Award for Discipline #9. Their dedication and leadership are inspiring examples of how young individuals can create lasting change through youth leadership and generosity in veteran support.
A Call to Action for Youth Leadership and Veteran Support
To the broader community: let this be a call to action. Support student-led initiatives, honor our veterans, and engage in meaningful acts of generosity. Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate world.
“Philanthropy feeds your heart and spirit and gives more purpose to your work.”
For those looking to learn more or support the cause, reach out to Mark Pinilla or Vet Info—an organization I founded, dedicated to saving veteran lives and building healthier communities.
To contact or support the Valor and Unity Crew.
#LiveTheNAHREP10 #ValorAndUnity #VetSupport #YouthLeadership #CommunityImpact
