Mission:
To promote the development of our future military leaders.
Vision:
Supporting those who persevere through all challenges, especially those who choose to serve others and our country.
%20(3%20x%202%20in)%20(3%20x%201%20in)%20(3%20x%200_9%20in).jpg)
At our core, we are dedicated to promoting the development of our future military leaders. We support those who persevere through all challenges, especially those who choose to serve others and our country.
Vivere: What does that mean?
When Anthony began treatment, naturally shaken by the news, he transparently asked his doctors: "What do I do now?" One of his doctors, Dr. Heros, told him the honest truth: "You need to just live."
After that, Anthony connected with his Italian aunt, asking her about this. We landed on the term "Vivere," which means "to live" in Italian. That's become our family motto; dozens of family members have adopted 'Vivere', getting tattoos and living with our daily reminder to make the most of every moment.
A Letter From Anthony:
I feel like I have always had bad luck even as a child. From being bullied, overweight, and having random bad luck occurrences happening all the time. This continued with my difficulties getting into a college, joining ROTC and the military. Even when I got into the military, I noticed that my peers around me were having great success but I was not. It started to confuse me, seeing this continuing to happen. At that point, I had this realization that there was more in store for me. I saw the movie Bullet Train where they said a lady bug in the Japanese culture absorbs the bad luck so others could have good luck. I realized at this point I was a lady bug.
This really became apparent when I got out of the military. I got out literally the day Covid happened. Heck, I don’t even know if I left the military properly. But, I was moving forward, following my dreams after the military to become a yacht broker.
August 2020, I went into the VA to have a routine shoulder MRI and halfway through it -- I was pulled out by a VA nurse and told that things were going fine... but they needed to do another MRI because they saw something in my brain. What luck is that for a vet trying to start his new life? The docs were not too concerned at the time, so I continued my yacht career trying to become a broker.
Fast forward six months to another MRI. We found out that this little buddy was a bastard of the worst kind, trying to derail my new life. I continued on and one day I received an offer for a new yacht sales broker with a very established firm. That same day, I proposed to my wife and then an hour later heard that I was going to have brain surgery to find out the extent of this bastard.
Turns out it wasn't good. Having a world renowned brain surgeon tell you that this was a rare and unique cancer really sucks. Thus began my journey with radiation, 2 chemo cycles, a trial and infusions. One of the hardest parts of the journey for me hasn't been the treatments or pills; knowing that my veteran body is ready for anything. It has been the mental space. Going from this handsome, buff, beautiful haired captain to having anxiety, depression, coordination issues and being bald.
Talk about luck. But the one thing I noticed - and why we are starting this foundation - is the VA. They knew how to speak ‘veteran-ese’ and they assured me that they had my back. I always have had world-renowned everywhere I go and positive vets meeting me there. Although I was this amazing military officer, I can't do this alone and have experienced this first hand. So my bad luck has turned into good luck with the VA assistance. And I am here to show everyone that even the most stubborn veterans can use the help of the VA.
This is Captain Starace signing off, and Tony Starace signing on ready to assist.
The Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) at Northern Arizona University had a profound impact on Anthony. This is a mission and legacy we will continue. We can do this by providing continual mentorship and assisting with financial support to ROTC cadets. We can provide them with the equipment they need to pursue a path to the military.
