Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Paton.
Ryan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I own a residential mortgage company which is my job. This is my vehicle that is allows me to do my passion, serve America’s oldest and most revered WWII Veterans. I am also co-founder and director of operations for Honor Flight South Florida, which is a 501c3 non-profit with zero paid employees. 100% Volunteer.
Over the past 6 years, I have helped build this hub which has flown over 1.000 WWII/Korean War Veterans to be honored at their Memorials in DC, at zero cost to the Veterans. During those 6 years, I have become family to a group of 10 specific WWII Veterans.
They have made such an impact on me, that 4 years ago I started filming a documentary called Cocktails with Heroes, which is about the last remaining WWII Veterans and the relationships with the Countries they liberated and served in. With a few twists on history.
Cocktails With Heroes has 3 components. The Book, The live events, and the Documentary, which will all be done in fall 2018. So that people will enjoy what these people did, and never forget.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There has been an Incredible amount of struggles trying to get this done while the Veterans are still alive.
Not to mention all the funerals I have to go to for my WWII Veterans. That never gets easy.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Cocktails With Heroes – what should we know?
I focus on one area, residential mortgages. I have been doing this since my 1st year of college in 2000. I am known for being an expert in lock strategy for fixed rate mortgages.
But that is my job, which is my vehicle that allows me to do my passion, which serves and honor our Nation’s Veterans.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My parents are the reason I do what I do. They made me into the person I am today and deserve all the credit.
However, my motivation for what I am doing with Cocktails With Heroes comes from two of my closest friends, Julian Syphax and Leo Gray. Two Black WWII Heroes that served our Country when our Country would serve them. Their courage, intelligence, and tenacity motivated me to do this.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Cocktailswithheroes
- Facebook: Ryan Paton
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