Living in the now. Living in the present.
Live Loud. Love Hard. Honor Always.
At Veterano Apparel, our mission has always been bigger than just what we wear. It’s about who we are, where we come from, and who we carry with us. This blog post isn’t only about remembering those we’ve lost—it’s about what their lives continue to teach us about being fully present, deeply rooted, and intentionally alive.
In the fast pace of life, it’s easy to get caught up in routines, deadlines, and distractions. We delay phone calls, skip moments that matter, and assume there will always be time later. But life has a way of reminding us—sometimes without warning—that the most meaningful parts of our story are happening right now.
This post is a moment of pause. A deep breath. A reminder that our lives, our relationships, and our legacies are built in the present—not the past, and not in some distant future.
We’ve lost some amazing people over the years. And while we could never name them all in one post, today we want to recognize three individuals—Luis Caridad, Josue Ponce, and Nayda Velez—who left a mark on our lives and on the communities they served. They were more than their ranks. More than their careers. They were light, laughter, strength, and soul.
Luis Caridad (2015) was calm, grounded, and proud of his Dominican roots. He brought peace into chaotic situations and culture into every room he entered. If there was music playing—especially bachata—Luis was moving. He reminded us that strength and joy can coexist, and that staying close to your roots is a form of power.
Josue Ponce (2019), from Maricao, Puerto Rico, had a smile that could shift the entire energy of a space. His warmth was effortless. His presence made you feel like you belonged. Josue led with heart and reminded us that kindness and connection are forms of leadership we shouldn’t overlook.
Nayda Velez (2025) may have been small in stature, but her presence was undeniable. She carried weight in rooms that demanded excellence. A respected force in the intelligence community, Nayda moved with clarity, purpose, and quiet confidence. She proved that true impact comes from authenticity and action—not noise.
"They say memories of those we’ve lost remain alive as long as we keep talking about them—and we do. Because their stories don’t end with their absence. They continue through us"
This isn’t just a tribute. It’s a call to action.
-Check on your people.
-Say what needs to be said.
-Dance while the music’s playing.
-Laugh when you can.
-Celebrate your roots.
-Be here. Be now.
That’s what Veterano is about. We live louder, love harder, and honor always—not only in memory, but in movement.
Luis. Josue. Nayda. You’re not just remembered—you’re with us, every step forward.
#VeteranoApparel #LiveLoud #LegacyInMotion #ICFamily #HonorAlways
Luis A. Caridad
Josue Ponce
Nayda Velez
