Showing Our Veterans Matter everyday not just Veterans day

November 11, 2015 by Raul Colon

I am not a fan of holidays or choosing a specific date to celebrate something. I try to enjoy every day as much as I can.

I also make sure that every day I let those I care about know they mean something to me.

My Veterans Day Tradition

Every year on Veteran’s day I send out messages or write a blog post mentioning those veterans that I admire.

It is always a difficult task because I don’t want to disclose to many of their personal stories on my blog.

Those are their stories to tell.

Helping those that Help Our Less Fortunate Veterans

I also make sure I remind you to help organizations like Invisible People and my friend Mark Horvath. Mark takes care of the less fortunate veterans which are without a home and might be invisible to the rest of us. He runs my favorite charity because most of the money goes to help those in need. So if you want to help Mark help more veterans, stop by invisiblepeople.tv and make a donation.

Accepting that I too am a Veteran

A few years ago my best friend Alex Burgos who is a decorated combat veteran reminded me I am a veteran too. When we were teenagers we became a bit more like brothers than anything else. Alex and I grew up in a rough neighborhood; we were not involved in illegal activities or drug dealing. As a kid, he was like my battle buddy and to this day when Alex is around, we get talk, laugh, and enjoy our time together.

Alex is still serving after two tours in Afghanistan and one in Iraq. I admire Alex’s commitment towards the career he has chosen. On one Veteran’s Day as I congratulated him, he convinced me that I also had made the decision to serve.

I also thank Alex for allowing me to accept that although I did not serve in combat, I chose to enlist at the age of 17.

Time Goes by and My Admiration Grows

As I look back, I can’t believe that this November marks 18 years since I made that decision.

With time, my admiration for Veterans has grown even more.

I have also seen that appreciating Veterans has become something more relevant.

Companies who Appreciate our Veterans

I see the press focusing on what is not done for veterans but I don’t see enough to put the spotlight on those that decide to appreciate our Veterans.

Opposite of what some NFL teams are doing to benefit economically by creating Veteran events, there are many organizations like Jetblue that offer discounts to Veterans like me. A benefit I have used on multiple occasions.

I wanted to include a list that I was able to quickly curate with the help of some Facebook friends.

The list includes places that are offering Veterans a meal or some sort of gift during Veterans Day. Feel free to add other offers in my timeline.

Places in Puerto Rico Offering Veterans a Gift

Local Small Businesses

thank you for a great week! we look forward to seeing you again on wednesday! oh and that’s veteran’s day – complimentary coffee or soft drink for those that have served! ?????
Posted by TBC food & drink on Sunday, November 8, 2015

It is even more admirable for a small business to offer something to veteran. Way to go TBC.

TBC food & drink

Franchise Offers

Applebee’s
Macaroni Grill
Olive Garden – Always provides 20% discount for Veterans

Other deals throughout the U.S.

We had the chance to work with our client and friends at Uncle Gussy’s to create a landing page where you can thank you favorite veteran. If they happen to be in Midtown New York city. Lunch is on Uncle Gussys.

Thank Your Favorite Veteran – Uncle Gussys’ Food Truck
Where to find Veterans Day freebies (USA Today)
- Denny’s
- Starbucks
- IHOP
- Panera Bread
- Olive Garden
- Applebee’s
- Outback Steakhouse and more

What are you doing to make sure any veteran around you is shown appreciation?

9 Years After my 25th Birthday

April 23, 2014 by Raul Colon

Nine years ago when I turned 25 I remember thinking of goals that I had set for myself which today as I turn 34 make very little sense to me. My life would turn around in as little as those next 3 years.

6 years ago I decided to leave the world of being an employee and becoming self employed. Now I realized that at that moment I resigned to many of my goals.

Challenging, Interesting, and Fun

It has been an interesting 6 years. I have launched many projects. Some which have survived others have been abandoned.

As I turn 34 today I realize I have been able to do many things that I don’t think would have been possible if I would have not left being an employee for larger corporations.

Letting Go

From returning the home I bought at 25 to the bank that truly owned it, my luxury convertible which turned out to be a lemon, and a laundry list of material things I did not need in my life such as a Country Club Membership where I played golf every day.

Somewhere easier to let go others like the foreclosure process of what was my house took a huge toll on me like. These experiences have allowed me to focus more in finding what is my purpose in life.

DSC_0510-1024x791 9 Years After my 25th Birthday — Photo taken by Gene Bradford on my 33rd Birthday!

The Return on Letting Go

I earned a lot more by giving up those material things that were tied to my goals at age 25.

Here are a few things that I was able to do:

I landed my first client for my IT security practice with an organization that is the backbone to the U.S. Economy during the Lehman Brothers and Bear Stearns debacle (a sign that things would change at a very fast pace).
My first clients where outside of the Island given the relationships I had nurtured from the clients I had taken care of while I was at KPMG.
I worked for a few major banks (including Banco Santander) as an IT Security Consultant where some of the processes and tools they are using to date I created.
We launched a Puerto Rico Job board which in a matter of months had around 45k+ unique visitors a month but we could not figure how to find a revenue model for it.
I met Ramon Morales one of the most selfless human beings who has been a mentor to me and Lucy during these years of running our projects and business.
I was able to attend the first and only Twitter Developer Conference (Chirp) where I met Ramon in person and he hosted me in his Silicon Valley home and also had the opportunity to be in the same space with AJ Leon.
My friend Ramon Morales introduced me via a book he gave me to a guy called Chris Brogan.
I attended the Conversational Marketing Summit as a Guest of John Battelle and Federated Media where I got to meet and had access to some very influential individuals.
I took a complete month flying all over the U.S. visiting friends and family members when JetBlue launched its second and last All You Can Jet.
I got to meet Chris Brogan in person and from that moment I consider him not only a mentor but a close friend.
I have helped multiple small businesses use online platforms to improve sales, increase visits to their websites and physical locations, and increase reach.
I became a dad to a beautiful little girl.
I launched a parenting site with my friend and business associate Rick Lipsett.
I also launched a Vegan/Vegetarian blog inspired by the idea that an online friend Sandra Ordonez saw the need to connect other hispanics and latino who were vegetarian/vegan.
I went to SXSW for the first time and met some very amazing individuals who have become friends. After 4 trips to SXSW I have to say that each one has connected me with a few individuals who are part of my day to day.
I met Mark Horvath in person and got to understand even more his work and how he helps the homeless and many others with their struggles. Very happy to call Mark a close friend.
I volunteered (the most work I have done for any for profit organization without getting paid) and bought a ticket to speak at the second hispanicize conference where I was part of 4 sessions.
I got to visit Disneyland for the second time with two awesome friends Yvonne Pere Borroto and Javier Plaza. I can’t wait to take Daniela.
We landed our first international client in Mexico for CIMA IT Solutions.
I landed the opportunity to work with Chris Brogan and worked with him on an International Consulting client out of the United Kingdom.
Mark Hayward invited me to work on hosting Jeff Pulver in San Juan for a 140 Conference Meetup. Not only did I get a chance to meet Jeff and call him a friend I also had the opportunity to meet Alan Weinkrantz who brought my love of photography back and has also been a mentor.
I was invited by AJ Leon and Melissa Leon to attend their first Misfit Conference. Which was a life changing experience. Counting the days to the second one.
Bianca Estrada and I signed up to be part of the Good Misfit project where we helped raise money to build a Windmill in Africa.
Inspired by a documentary I saw at Misfit Conference I decided to build Limonade where I bring creatives, geeks, and business advisors to get rid of the “limones”.
I got the opportunity to work with my friend Nicko and redesign the Uncle Gussy’s Food Truck website.
I got the opportunity to work with Junior Padilla from Impression Associates where in the first meetings he shared some business tips that have served me well very thankful for his support in many ways.
Thanks to the help of Chris Brogan we landed our first client in Canadá and our helping Donna and her team reach kids with learning disabilities like dyslexia.
I started writing for Owner Magazine in spanish and have met some pretty awesome folks by just sharing content.
I found out that I am mentioned on a future bestseller written by my friend and author Chris Brogan. Buy the book here → The Freaks Shall Inherit the Earth: Entrepreneurship for Weirdos, Misfits, and World Dominators

Memories and Opportunities to Grow

I have been able over the last 6 years to do a list of things that have been fun others very challenging and not fun at all. Most of these experiences good or not have created memories and opportunities to learn and improve myself.

In summary I feel better mentally, physically, and with more control of my life.

I am grateful for those that have been with me throughout my life but most importantly in the past 6 years.

One Big Favor

As I celebrate my 34th birthday today I can only ask you for one thing.

Understand that we are here on earth with a mission. To define that mission might take a lifetime. But take a moment now to realize and think of what you have accomplished and put one thing you want to do in the next week or so on a piece of paper.

Just one goal which you want to accomplish it can be simple it can be complex just make sure you will go after it.

Another and more important Favor

One more thing I love the work Mark Horvath does if you can take a moment make a donation to Mark’s organization, share Mark’s work with a friend, or help someone in need out today it would mean the world to me.

Happy Birthday To Me

Daniela-on-my-34th 9 Years After my 25th Birthday — Photo Taken by Lucy

The #LoTieneChiquito Campaign

December 27, 2013 by Raul Colon

Getting ready for the New Year in Puerto Rico means lots of celebrations in backyards or outdoor venues; we are in the tropics and don’t need to stay in to celebrate. But many of us decide to be cautious about open air parties for one important reason.

On our densely populated island, everyone lives close to each other and at times this creates a not so favorable place for festivities. During New Year’s Eve, criminals and other individuals decide to welcome in the new year by shooting live bullets up in the air.

Everything that goes up must come down and the practice is not very well seen by most of the population. The individuals who still think its a good idea to shoot up in the air, don’t think about where they will land.

The Victims

Every year we end up with innocent victims from children to adults. Two years ago while we were enjoying our first official Christmas season as parents, Puerto Rico added an innocent 15 year old named Karla Michelle to the list of deceased because of this senseless act; and the list keeps getting longer. No one was ever caught for this crime.

Lazy Efforts by the Government

A few days ago I saw a lame scripted message by the spouse of Puerto Rico’s Governor. There was clearly no connection with the audience she needs to convince to not shoot in the air.

A New Approach

On the other hand, our friend Angiemille Latorre, launched her campaign which clearly addressed those that think they are macho by shooting up in the air.

The campaign was inspired by this Australian Campaign that brought awareness to people who sped on the road.

“Lo Tiene Chiquito”

The “Lo Tiene Chiquito” campaign attacks the ego and manhood of those who decide to shoot in the air.

Even Though a few conservative individuals see it as a bad manners, the reality is that those who decide to shoot in the air are not the most well mannered individuals.

Mitigating Loss of Life During New Year’s

Once again Angiemille Latorre is asking for our help to spread the word and do everything possible to avoid these senseless deaths by getting into the minds of those who decide to shoot up in the air.

How can You Help?

Being part of the Effort
Sharing and asking others to be part of the effort. If you’re outside of the U.S. you can still help by spreading the word.
Using your power to connect the effort with different media channels.
Finding other influential individuals that can push the message further.

To the Veterans

November 11, 2013 by Raul Colon

When I was 17 I made the decision to join the military and to this day I clearly did not understand very well what I was getting into. There where a few things that motivated my enlistment and one of them was following in the steps of my Uncle Rey and both my Grandfathers who served in the military.

Following in My Uncle Rey’s and Grandfathers’ Footsteps

As a kid I use to dream of becoming a soldier especially since my uncle Rey had served in the military for a few decades. When he finally went to combat he was a Lt. Colónel and was the highest ranking Puerto Rico National Guard officer inside the combat theatre.

My uncle left shortly after his tour in Iraq where I guess he served around 34+ years in the National Guard. Once I saw he left it also kept me away from re-enlisting.\

Both my grandfathers also served in the military. My grandfather on my Dad’s side was thrown out of the military because he stood up the racism and unjust treatment Puerto Rican Soldiers received. To this day I admire the stance that my Grandfather Ignacio took. He was so hurt by the situation even when it was decided that he was entitled to veterans benefits given they had enough evidence to prove that how he was treated was unfair, it is my understanding he turned them away. I have tried to ask him about his service and it is a subject he steers clear from.

My Closest Friend and Brother in a Combat Zone Again

For the past 10 months I have tried to steer clear from getting any news on Afghanistan. My best friend and brother of another mother Alex Burgos was serving in a combat zone in Afghanistan (his second tour in Afghanistan). For me no news is good news, and I also was confident in Alex’s training as a soldier but more importantly an awesome leader and commitment for his team.

One thing I learned from Alex on this deployment was that he was in combat for the third time primarily to make sure his team and brothers in arms would come back safely. I congratulate Alex for doing an awesome job. But I would be lying if say I was not worried during the 9 months since I was on the list to be notified if anything happened to him.

The Combat Risks

We all step outside our doors and don’t know how much time we have on this earth. A soldier steps into the battlefield and knows there is a higher probability for them to get hurt or injured. I have soldiers who I served with who were injured in combat like Jose Rodriguez Soba who was injured in Combat, received the purple heart and I communicate with still on facebook. He is truly an example to follow such a positive attitude towards even after the struggles him and his family have gone through.

I’m glad all my friends that were recently in combat zones returned safely to their families especially Carlos Gonzalez (my buddy while in the military), Deb Hancock (was my Military Instructor now a good friend), Luis Diou (Long time Friend) and Luis Javier Ramos (our neighbor for the four years we lived in Coamo). I am sending positive vibes to my buddy Robert Delirah who is currently in Afghanistan and I am anxiously waiting for his safe return.

A Lesson from Veterans

During my time in the military I met veterans not only from the U.S. Army but from the many other countries we had an opportunity to train with.

One thing I learned from all of them was how War was cold and ugly. Combat veterans usually have scars that are not seeing and easily forgotten by those who don’t dig deep enough to understand them.

Let’s Do something for the Veteran’s

Today I see how there is a veteran’s day sale and how people commemorate them. But then all I have to do is quickly browse over to Mark Hovarth’s website and see that so many veterans are not only misunderstood but they are forgotten on the streets to fend off on their own.

You would have thought that in 2013 especially when the U.S. has been at war for over a decade veterans would be taken care off a bit better. But the reality is that there is still much to do.

Instead of complaining about what is still to be done I rather have you help me in donating even $5 to someone who helps veterans every day.

Stop by Invisiblepeople.tv and help my buddy Mark Hovarth to get those veterans who are still on the streets a roof over their head.

It’s great that you posted a picture, wrote a message, and congratulated our veterans but a small sacrifice for some of us can mean a whole deal to a veterans sleeping in the streets.

To my veteran friends and family Thank you for your service.

Now skip a Latte or two and donate in the name of veterans.

May all those Serving Return Back Safely.

May those that return get the support they need for the sacrifice they made.

Alex-return-home To the Veterans — Welcome Back Alex!

My 3 words for 2013

January 1, 2013 by Raul Colon

Many people go crazy by creating resolutions and of goals that they probably don’t believe they are going to reach during the first few weeks or days of the new year.

While I was doing my last workout of 2012 yesterday with our neighbor’s husband who is German and lives in Romania part of the year explained how many wanted a new experiences but welcomed the new year with old bad habits. At the moment that particular moment there where people eating and drinking uncontrollably, most of them drunk already, and it was only 4 pm.

He explained that their behavior identified the new years resolutions of having a bigger gut and degrading their health.

Welcoming the New Year with a 6 mile run!

His thoughts made me think of how as a person that is constantly looking to evolve into healthier habits maybe I had to start the year in a new way. I quickly shifted my mind into just waiting for the New Year to make noise and hug people that are near me to lying down next to my daughter (who was sleeping) getting rest to make sure I could get up and run at least 6 miles in the morning.

The 3 Words Concept

For me the past 3 years I start the New Year by choosing 3 words that will guide me throughout the year.

My friend and colleague Chris Brogan introduced me to this exercise. For the past few years Chris publishes a blog post sharing what his three words of the year will be. If you want more detail on how he uses and explains the concept (feel free to stop over his 3 words for 2013 and read through the post).

How I use the Three Word Concept

I use the three-word concept as a guide to focus on certain areas I need to improve on. In previous years I put some post in notes in front of my desk with the 3 words as a reminder. This year I am planning to take the first pictures I take this year add my 3 words and print them out to place in strategic places as reminders. I will create a follow up post on things I plan to do to remind myself of the 3 words that will guide me throughout 2013.

My 3 Words Over the Years

2011 – Renew, Focus, and Complete

2012 – Sharing, Purpose, and Organic

My 3 words for 2013

Fluid

I have a tendency to start resisting once something discomforts me. I have been very lucky to have people around me like Melvin, Chris B., Resat, Robbie Vorhaus, and Lucy helping me focus and not resist things that drain energy from me.

I believe that by being more fluid in many personal decisions I can also cover many of the gaps I see need to be filled in my business by using my resources to strengthen them.

I want to have the ability to flow around obstacles and take the form needed to solve most of my personal and business challenges.

Control

Taking control of my emotions ties well with being fluid. Even though I have gotten better at it I tend to allow others to take control of my emotions more often than I should. As C.C. Chapman explains in his book Amazing Things Will Happen you have to be like a duck and continue to move under adversity.

I will also work on controlling when to stop to enjoy moments that will not return. As I was completing the draft of this post on New Year’s Day my daughter approached me with a few requests. I dropped everything and took care of her made her giggle and smile. I knew that you could wait longer to read this post but my daughter needed my love and attention at that moment (and that just could not wait, I hope you understand).

Too many times I see myself and others attacking secondary priorities (ex. Work) and not taking care of their key priorities (ex. Family). Time moves on and people get caught up in mortgages, bills, and other things that take away and drain a family’s resources. Make sure you control how you use your resources so you can be lean and always make those loved ones in your life a priority. We are only here on this earth for a short period of time.

I will also look into controlling some aspects when it comes to business decisions finding a balance in between logic and my gut feeling.

Brevity

In 2012 I wrote less than previous years. I also worked harder to make sure I was listening to others. I like to share stories and experiences but sometimes I take away from being able to absorb the experiences from those around me.

If someone reminded me in 2012 that brevity is highly important was Mr. Chris Brogan. In 2013 I am deeply committing towards being more concise and precise in everything I do.

Which in once sentences means talking less and listening more.

What are your Three Words?

I followed Chris Brogan’s lead for the past 3 years and I have gotten lots of value throughout the year by being able to use these 3 words I choose as a guide to making better overall decisions.

I would love to hear what your 3 words are?

Feel free to share your 3 words in the comments are or a link of where you described them.

Have an awesome 2013 I am sure I will make the best of mine!

3wordsrainbow-1024x769 My 3 words for 2013 — Isla Verde New Year’s Day 2013 with my 3 words for the year.

This pic was taken at Isla Verde Beach here in Puerto Rico after my 6 mile run New Year’s morning with my running partner Leonardo!