PinoStrong Foundation

PinoStrong Foundation honors the life of their #hero Danny by supporting the lives of all #deployed #heroes through HeroBox.

Read the amazing letter PinoStrong includes in every #HeroBox

We hope this letter and package finds you well. We would like to start off by saying thank you for risking your lives for us, being away from your family as painful as it is and for serving our country.

We are PinoStrong. PinoStrong derived from your famous motto "ArmyStrong" and a motto that he lived by. Danny was born April 29, 1995 with a mission to serve on this Earth. He was tragically struck by a car September 21, 2014 in Tallahassee while visiting some friends and left us September 28, 2014. Although he may not be here in with us, his spirit lives on and his mission to serve continues through us.

Danny had many passions but his biggest one was baseball, which he started playing when he was five years old. He played at St. Timothy Parish School, Belen Jesuit, Coral Reef Senior High School and his travel team, Team Florida. Danny was always competitive and baseball fueled this competitiveness, moving him from short stop, to first baseman, to outfielder, to a lefty pitcher. His senior year of high school he was recruited to play baseball by the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Long Island, New York.

Pino was loyal, determined and compassionate. At the young age of six, he was touched deeply by the events of September 11th. For Danny, this day changed his life. It was the inspiration for him attending the Merchant Marine Academy and for, just recently, joining the Army ROTC at Florida International University. Thirteen years later on September 11, 2014, he received his Army Combat Uniform of which he was very proud. Danny receiving his uniform on the same day that impacted his life thirteen years prior, was a sign to him. A sign from God that he had chosen the right path and was doing what he was meant to be doing. His ultimate dream, more than playing baseball, was to serve his country.

Pino was funny – the life of the party. Being only 19, Danny touched many lives and was loved by everyone. He was "that guy" everyone wanted to be around. He truly lived by his motto…… So live your life that the fear of death may never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. (From the prayer from Tecumsah) from the movie Act of Valor.

Danny loved and was loved. He touched everyone he met, more than we even realized. While he was not able to fulfill his dream of serving his country, his final Act of Valor was the donation of his organs to save others. He was able to save two boys, ages 7 and 12 and a 63 year old man. That is his ultimate gift and his legacy.

He is our Hero.

It is our hope that through the PinoStrong Foundation we can continue to #PayItForward in his name and live like Danny…selflessly, courageously and full of love and laughter. We hope you enjoy our boxes and we thank you for your service.

Much love,

The PinoStrong Foundation