In 1985 after the birth of his first child and feeling his patriotism swell, Vinny founded Phoenix Group, a distributor and manufacturer to the defense industry. Three years later, he founded Aegis Electronics to cater strictly to his domestic clients. In his role as Chief Executive Officer he handled business operations in the US, and Europe. He was responsible for various government projects and had personal dealings with heads of industry worldwide until just after his Ground Zero in New York City in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001.
At home, Vinny has always been very active in his community and with his kids. He was a volunteer firefighter with his local fire department. He was a baseball coach and Board Member of in local Little League Baseball, and along with his fellow board members was responsible for lighting The Field of Dreams in his town. Vinny was also a Board Member of the Boy Scouts of America, and active in many other programs. Vinny's goal was to set an example for his three children, Michael, Brittany, and Danielle. His message was “you can't just take, you must also give back”. It was successful, as all of his children have been involved in community service from very early ages.
Michael dedicated himself to the love of this country through his enrollment directly after graduation from high school and 9-11 into the U.S. Marine Corps. He continues to proudly serve our country to this day. Brittany graduated college and Danielle is currently attending college., Vinny responded to the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001. He was exposed to the toxic cocktail at Ground Zero and continues to face challenges. Like many first responders, Vinny worked, inspired by an incredible brotherhood for as long as he could. Due to this life changing experience he was unable to return to life as it was prior to 9-11.
Vinny founded Gear Up Foundation. Because of his 9-11 service and Gear Up Foundation, Vinny has had the privilege of meeting with some very special people, including Mayor Giuliani, Governor Pataki, Tom Von Essen, Hillary and Bill Clinton, many U.S. Senators and Congressmen, Mayor Bloomberg and actors including Sarah Jessica Parker, Robert DeNiro, Ron Silver, Dave Letterman, Christie Brinkley and countless others. He also had the honor of meeting President Bush more than once. He recalls an event after speaking on his behalf, where he presented the President with his Ground Zero Service Medal and the President presented him with the President’s Medal.
Vinny recalls, “One of my most special memories is marching in full dress uniform with my son, also in uniform, down 5th Avenue, leading the Columbus Day Parade soon after 9/11. We were side by side, and less than an hour later, Michael would visit Ground Zero for the first time since 9/11, and he announced to me that because of this attack on his city, he was going to become a U.S. Marine as soon as he graduated from high school”.
Soon after 9/11 Vinny met Monica Carrera, who was in NYC on a special assignment from Ecuador. They partnered in life, then through Gear Up Foundation and married in October of 2003. After marriage his family grew by four more children including 3 that live with Monica and Vinny. Denisse, Gaston, both in college and Alejandra currently in High School complete the “Brady Bunch”. Andrea remains in Ecuador, her home as a fashion designer and recently married with Agustin Loor. Vinny continues to serve via the mission of Gear Up Foundation and has appeared and continues to appear on television and radio programs including THE TODAY SHOW, FOX NEWS and NEIL CAVUTO. Recently he was Joel Osteen’s guest of honor at his Night of Hope at Yankee Stadium in NYC where he had a speaking role.
"I see myself an icon for the Foundation, inspired by my service at Ground Zero. My life is dedicated to this mission inspired by the brotherhood and humanity that I experienced first hand at Ground Zero. I count on those close to me to carry on with this mission of love around the world. My dream is that Gear Up Foundation continues to do great deeds in the name of those who perished on that horrible day, and that we continue to be a living tribute to all of our loved ones lost and those who continue to make the ultimate sacrifice, saving lives in their name."
What better tribute can we offer?
