Agenda 02/28/2017 Item #16H 102/28/2017
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to select Carlos Ruiz as the recipient of the 2017 “Against All Odds” award, and
to present the award at the March 14, 2017 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners.
OBJECTIVE: To select Carlos Ruiz as the recipient of the 2017 “Against All Odds” award, and to
present the award to Mr. Ruiz at the March 14, 2017 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners.
CONSIDERATIONS: At the Board of County Commissioners meeting held on July 12, 2016,
Commissioner Penny Taylor sponsored an item establishing an annual “Against All Odds” award
program to recognize an individual in our community who has overcome great challenges that most of us
have not faced, and who in spite of his or her circumstances, has excelled and give n back to our
community.
The Board voted 5-0 to establish the program, and on October 11, 2016 approved procedures for
implementing the program
Consistent with approved procedures, the Communication and Customer Relations Office announced a
call for nominations from the public. The announcement was made in English, Spanish, and Creole and
sent to all media outlets, public and private high schools, and posted on the county’s website and on
social media.
Nominations had to be accompanied by a narrative describing the nominee’s journey, specifically, how he
or she has overcome considerable obstacles to achieve success and excel. The narrative also had to
include examples of how he or she has given back to the community.
The following two Collier County residents were nominated:
Nominees Name Brief summary of key areas where the nominee has overcome great
challenges, has excelled, and has given back to our community. (See
nomination narrative for complete information)
Carlos Ruiz Served as a paratrooper in the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division
deployed to Afghanistan where, at 18-years-old, he saw extensive combat
and loss of life; Returned home with severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD); Graduated from the Veterans Treatment Court program; Went back
to school and now mentors other veterans who have struggled as he had,
currently serving as the disabled veterans outreach program specialist at
CareerSource of Southwest Florida.
Victor Valdes Advocate for civil and human rights; former political prisoner in Cuba;
Founder - Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Lee and Collier Counties;
Founder/president of the League of United Latin American Citizens
(LULAC); Started a critical investigative TV program called, El Toro por
Los Cuernos (Grabbing the Bull by the Horns); Honored by the Collier
County Board of County Commissioners by means of a proclamation on
October 11, 2016.
16.H.1
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02/28/2017
Both nominees appear to embody the spirit of the “Against All Odds” award program by demonstrating
fortitude, determination and perseverance. Both have given back and enriched our community.
However, the Board of County Commissioners has already honored Mr. Valdes by means of
proclamation, designating October 11, 2016 as “Victor Valdes Day” in Collier County.
FISCAL IMPACT: The cost of a plaque not to exceed $200.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item has been reviewed by the County Attorney, is approved as to
form and legality, and requires majority vote for approval. -JAK
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: NONE.
RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of County Commissioners select Carlos Ruiz as the recipient
of the 2017 “Against All Odds” award, and to present the award to Mr. Ruiz at the Board of County
Commissioners meeting on March 14, 2017.
PREPARED BY: Mike Sheffield, Manager, Communication and Customer Relations
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. Carlos Ruiz (PDF)
2. Victor A Valdes (PDF)
3. Press Release (PDF)
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02/28/2017
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 16.H.1
Doc ID: 2782
Item Summary: Recommendation to select Carlos Ruiz as the recipient of the 2017 “Against All
Odds” award, and to present the award at the March 14, 2017 meeting of the Board of County
Commissioners.
Meeting Date: 02/28/2017
Prepared by:
Title: Executive Secretary to County Manager – County Manager's Office
Name: MaryJo Brock
02/21/2017 2:24 PM
Submitted by:
Title: County Manager – County Manager's Office
Name: Leo E. Ochs
02/21/2017 2:24 PM
Approved By:
Review:
Communication and Customer Relations Mike Sheffield Additional Reviewer Completed 02/21/2017 2:33 PM
Office of Management and Budget Valerie Fleming Level 3 OMB Gatekeeper Review Completed 02/21/2017 3:06 PM
County Attorney's Office Jeffrey A. Klatzkow Level 3 County Attorney's Office Review Completed 02/21/2017 3:32 PM
Budget and Management Office Mark Isackson Additional Reviewer Completed 02/21/2017 4:02 PM
County Manager's Office Nick Casalanguida Level 4 County Manager Review Completed 02/21/2017 4:44 PM
Board of County Commissioners MaryJo Brock Meeting Pending 02/28/2017 9:00 AM
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Collier Veterans Mentor Group
V ETE RANS h el pi ng V ETE RANS
NOMINEE: CARLOS RUIZ
ADDRESS: 1442 WILDWOOD TAKES BIVD, C104, NAPLES, F134104
carlos served in the 82"d Airborne division and was deployed to Afghanistan for a year where, as an 18 year old
paratrooper, he saw extensive combat and lost many brothers and sisters at arms. He returned with severe PTSD, which
led to battles with extreme social anxiety, depression and alcohol and drug abuse.
ln his own words:
After a handfil ofsuicide attempts qnd trips to the Miami VA psych ward, they diagnosed me with PTSD, mqjor depression, anxiel)
disorder, and psychotic synptoms That vas when I really learned about PTSD.
Oul ofthe Amy and back in Floridq, Ifelt alone and confused and like I was riding the edge. In 2011 I had q P7'SD episode, where I
hadflash backs antl hqllucinalions. This ended in a violent outburst where I put my family in danger. Fortunalely. no one \|as
inj red, but I was incarcerated, and my wde moved heoven dnd earth to Jincl me help. Afier I found out about the (:ollier Cotmty
l/etetans Treatmenl (:ourt Progrqm, my wife did everything to get me in. Atfirst, I was nemous and scqred and didn't know whal lo
expecl. I ttos under house qrrest and on stdte probation, and vas not alloved to speak to or see my wife and son. All ofthis vas very-
devaslating.
LIy lreatment requiremenls consisted of taking medicqtion, going lo group meelings, having one-on-one therapy sessions and
stbmitting to rdndom drug tests. I didn't think I'd be able to keep upwith it, but out offear oflosing my family I decided to pull myself
up by my boolstraps and do the besl I could in Veterqns Court. Group counseling was gredl h vas the frst tiue I vas able to see I
was not .llone; there were other vels whofell the same way I did. My case manager checkzd on me all the time and tty veterqn
mentors \pre a gredl support system. Once I gave my medication time to v,ork, I s6|, a chqnge in the leeel ofmy anxiety and I felt
peaceful.
Carlos spent a year in Veterans Treatment Court, working closely with treatment professionals, case managers, thejudge, and very
importantly other veterans. Carlos accepted the support ofvolunteer veteran mentors, who offered a friendly ear, some firm direction
and endless support and encouragement. At the same time, Carlos threw himself into successfully helping other veterans who were
struggling as he had. He quickly Ieamed that helping other veterans was the best medicine forhimself aswell.
After going back to school, Carlos was able to land ajob doingjust that. He cunently serves as the disabled yeterans outreach
program specialist ("DVOP") at Careersource of SW Florida. Now he can help support his family doing what he loves: helping other
veterans reach their goals and find meaningful work.
Outside ofhis work, in addition to speaking to various groups in Collier County, Carlos continues to giye back in his own time as
well, and has enjoyed the privilege ofjoining that same volunteer mentor corps that helped him succeed in Veterans court. Asan
actual graduate ofthis program, he can mentor veterans in that program in a way the other volunteers cannot, and that empowerment
has meant the world to Carlos.
For these reasons, we feel strongly that Carlos embodies precisely the spirit and vision ofthe "Against AII Odds" award, and urge the
Board ofCounty Commissioners to consider him for this incredible honor. Doingso will be nice for Carlos, ofcourse, but more
importantly, it will assist him in his goal ofhelping other struggling yeterans to know there are others out there like themselves and
there is help and hope forthem too. Thank you for your consideration ofthis nomination.
John Mclean, Veterans Mentor Coordinator
10546 Smokehouse Bay Drive S101
Naples, Ft 34120
630.294.5646
Email: veteransmentor@gmail.com
16.H.1.a
Packet Pg. 1337 Attachment: Carlos Ruiz (2782 : Commissioner Taylor Against all Odds award)
Nom inee Victor A Valdes Sir
4184 23'd PL SW
Naples, FL 341 16
(239) 601-7745
Who is Victor A. Valdes Sir?
We could say that he is a former Cuban political prisoner who, after almost ten years in prison,
arrives in the land of the free (USA) via Spain. But there is more than that, Valdes with the
passing of the years, also carries on his shoulders, the price he has had to pay, to fight for Civil
and Human Rights in his community. Two years of unjust prison, due to a false accusation.
(See www. Justiceforvictoravaldes.com )
CHRONOLOGICALLY
Valdes arrives in Naples, Florida in 1982, from Chicago, lllinois, where he resided with his
mother and sister for almost two years; this is also where his youngest son was born.
Once in Naples, Valdes finds that it is not possible to apply his ideas on Civil and Human rights
ln those days it would have been a struggle "Against all the odds" due to his little knowledge of
the English language, being a stranger in the area and his lack of money. But nonetheless,
Valdes decides to fight to give his community a better present and an even better future.
Together with other nascent Hispanic leaders, he founded the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
of Lee County. That year he was elected Secretary of the same.
July 10, 1985
Valdes brings the service of Public Buses, whose company was called All Stars Services being
Valdes, its Administrator; the new service did not receive official support. (See photos of
periodicals of the time)
December 9, 1988
Valdes joined the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Collier County along with other Hispanic
leaders; he was elected its President and Founder. (See newspaper copy)
May 1991
A MAN WITH A I\4ISSION
Beginning summer of the year 1980:
Victor A. Valdes, helped the US Army, in Ft. Chaffee, Arkansas by speaking with almost 21,000
Cuban refugees who were dissatisfied with the delay in the process of their documents. Valdes
persuade them not to use violence during their protests (See letter from General James
Drummon)
July 7, 1985
16.H.1.b
Packet Pg. 1338 Attachment: Victor A Valdes (2782 : Commissioner Taylor Against all Odds award)
The Collier County Commission creates, at the request of Victor A. Valdes, the Hispanic Affairs
Advisers Commission HAAB. Valdes also asked in that resolution the Board of African-
American Affairs Council BAAB be created. Although it was unanimously approved, the
commissioner who put more time and effort was the Honorable Burt Saunders. One of the
Commissioners at the time.
Year 1991
He founded Council # 7015, of the League of United Latin American Citizens, being elected its
President.
Achievements from 2005 to 201 5
On October 2005 the City of Cape Coral gave lvlan of the Year proclamation to Valdes
. On October 201 1 the City of Cape Coral once again gave The Man of Year proclamation to
Victor A Valdes.
Year 2007
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) organization names Victor A. Valdes
. National Commissioner for Civil Rights organization, the same statewide organization in
Florida also appoints Victor A. Valdes State Commissioner for Civil Rights.
. Valdes is named t\ilan of the Year in 2007 by LULAC. For his performance in the position he
occupies.
. Valdes is called LULAC l\4an of the Year 2013. For his focus on the job.
. The City of lvliami Beach gives a Proclamation to Valdes, Declaring 15th of September as
Victor A. Valdes Day.
August 25, 2008
Collier County Sheriff Don Hunter, apparently repent what he had done to Valdes when he
accused him unjustly (see wvw.justiceforvictoravaldes. com ), Don Hunter sent a letter
practically exonerating lv'lr. Valdes and described him as a leader who was valuable to work
with.
ln this same year, Victor A. Valdes creates the nonprofit Valdes Civil and Human Rights
Foundation, lnc. to work with people in need.
Year 2014
Valdes becomes one of the founders and members of Casa Hispana. This organization was
created to assist all Hispanics who are new to the area and are in need of orientation or a
helping hand. Because of his previous experience and history, he was elected Director of
Casa Hispana.
16.H.1.b
Packet Pg. 1339 Attachment: Victor A Valdes (2782 : Commissioner Taylor Against all Odds award)
Yeat 2014
Valdes along with a group of leaders of different races and creeds, created the Multicultural
Community Advisory Alliance, a non-profit organization to serve as a council and aid to the
various Boards of Government in Collier County. Valdes was named President of the
I\Iu lticu ltu ral All iance.
Victor A. Valdez started his television program in July 2013. He named it Agarrando El Toro por
Los Cuernos "Grabbing the bull by the horns: This program is critical and investigative. Victor
writes produces, hosts this show each week. This show is one of the most watched programs
on local television in South West Florida. This program first aired three years and six months
ago. ln addition to airing on local television, the videos can be seen on Facebook, Twitter,
Youtube and on its own website www.aqarrandoeltoroporloscuernos.tv. On October 11, 2016
the Collier County Commission awarded the Leader, Journalist, Researcher and Lover of
Freedom and Democracy a Proclamation Declaring October 11, Victor A. Valdes Day in Collier
County. That Proclamation was granted to him for his struggle and advocacy on Civil and
Human Rights. On October 20,2016, during a taping of his television program, while introducing
the Mario Diaz-Balart, Mario Diaz-Balart unexpectedly presented Valdes with the Flag that
waved in the cupola of the National Capitol, ln recognition of its outstanding service to the
community through decades of leadership and dedication to civic and humanitarian causes.
Jacki Figueroa, the presenter of the renowned Univision TV network considered Victor A
Valdes a Hero in the South West Florida (Year, 2007)
On February 23, 1993.
As Victor was walking from Miami to Tallahassee during a protest the North American
journalist, Loren Schneeberger wrote on the front page under a large photo of Valdes walking
with his sign from Charlotte, heading to Tallahassee, 'A MAN WITH A MlSSlON."
Against all the odds, Victor A. Valdes is today recognized as a 0oining the two thoughts of the
two journalists.) Southwest Florida Hero with a mission. ln an interview that we gave Victor, he
said: "This can happen in America, our great nation, and our great political system."
NOTE: Letters, pictures, old papers clips, will be delivery upon request.
Sincerely,
Walter Restrepo
Vice President Hispanic House
16.H.1.b
Packet Pg. 1340 Attachment: Victor A Valdes (2782 : Commissioner Taylor Against all Odds award)
Collier County Government
Communication & Customer Relations Division
3299 Tamiami Trail E., Suite 102
Naples, Florida 34112-5746
colliergov.net
twitter.com/CollierPIO
facebook.com/CollierGov
youtube.com/CollierGov
October 17, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COLLIER COUNTY CALLING FOR NOMINATIONS FOR ‘AGAINST ALL ODDS’ AWARD
PROGRAM
Know someone who has overcome great challenges, excelled and given back to our community? Think that
person deserves to be recognized?
The Board of Collier County Commissioners on Tuesday established procedures for its annual Against All
Odds Award program. Beginning Nov. 1, the Collier County Communication and Customer Relations Office
will accept public nominations for the award, which honors someone who has overcome great obstacles and
has given back to the Collier County community.
Nominations must include the name and address of the nominee and must be accompanied by a factual
narrative (no more than 600 words) describing the nominee’s journey. Specifically, how he or she has
overcome considerable obstacles to achieve success and excel. The narrative also must provide examples of
how the person has given back to the community.
Nominations that meet the criteria will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners. Commissioners
will select the awardee at a workshop in the spring, with a presentation at a following Board of County
Commissioners meeting. The awardee will be presented with a plaque.
In June, Commissioners awarded former Immokalee football player Mackensie Alexander with the first
Against All Odds Award. The son of Haitian immigrants who joined them in the fields while attending
school, Alexander was honored for his perseverance and achieving his dreams to be drafted into the NFL.
Nominations may be sent to the Communication and Customer Relations Division, c/o Maria Garcia Pizarro,
3299 Tamiami Trail E., Suite 102, Naples, Florida 34112 or emailed to MariaGarciaPizarro@colliergov.net.
All nominations must be received by Dec. 31.
For more information, contact Maria Garcia Pizarro at (239) 252-8113.
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16.H.1.c
Packet Pg. 1341 Attachment: Press Release (2782 : Commissioner Taylor Against all Odds award)
Collier County Government
Communication & Customer Relations Division
3299 Tamiami Trail E., Suite 102
Naples, Florida 34112-5746
colliergov.net
twitter.com/CollierPIO
facebook.com/CollierGov
youtube.com/CollierGov
17 de octubre del 2016
PARA PUBLICACION INMEDIATA
CONDADO DE COLLIER ABRE LAS NOMINACIONES PARA EL PREMIO
“CONTRA TODAS LAS PROBABILIDADES”
¿Conoce a alguien que ha superado grandes retos, ha sobresalido y ha contribuido a nuestra comunidad?
¿Piensa que esa persona merece ser reconocida?
El martes la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Collier estableció procedimientos para el programa
anual Against All Odds Award (Premio Contra Todas Las Probabilidades). A partir del 1 de noviembre, la
oficina de Communication and Customer Relations (Comunicaciones y Relaciones con el Cliente) aceptará
nominaciones públicas para el premio, que rinde homenaje a alguien que ha superado grandes obstáculos y
ha contribuido a la comunidad del Condado de Collier.
Las nominaciones deben incluir el nombre y la dirección del candidato y debe ser acompañada de una
narración de hechos (no más de 600 palabras) que describa la trayectoria del candidato. En concreto, la
forma en que él o ella han superado obstáculos considerables para lograr el éxito y sobresalir. La narración
también debe proporcionar ejemplos de cómo la persona ha contribuido a la comunidad.
Los candidatos que cumplan con los criterios serán presentados a la Junta de Comisionados del Condado.
Los comisionados seleccionarán al ganador en un taller en la primavera, con una presentación en una
próxima reunión del Consejo de Comisionados del Condado. El ganador será reconocido con una placa.
En junio, los miembros de la Comisión otorgaron al ex jugador de fútbol de Immokalee Mackensie
Alexander el primer premio Against All Odds Award. El hijo de inmigrantes haitianos que cuando aun iba a
la escuela también acompañaba a sus padres en el campo, Alexander fue reconocido por su perseverancia y
el logro de sus sueños de ser reclutado por la NFL.
Las nominaciones pueden ser enviadas a la división de Communication and Customer Relations del condado
Collier, dirigidas a María García Pizarro, 3299 Tamiami Trail E., Suite 102, Naples, Florida 34112 o por
correo electrónico a MariaGarciaPizarro@colliergov.net . Todas las nominaciones deben ser recibidas antes
del 31 de diciembre.
Para obtener más información, póngase en contacto con María García Pizarro al (239) 252-8113.
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16.H.1.c
Packet Pg. 1342 Attachment: Press Release (2782 : Commissioner Taylor Against all Odds award)
Collier County Government
Communication & Customer Relations Division
3299 Tamiami Trail E., Suite 102
Naples, Florida 34112-5746
colliergov.net
twitter.com/CollierPIO
facebook.com/CollierGov
youtube.com/CollierGov
17 Oktòb, 2016
POU PIBLIYE IMEDYATMAN
OTORITE COLLIER COUNTY MANDE POU NOMINE MOUN POU PWOGRAM DE
REKONPANS KI RELE ‘MALGRE TOUT SIKONSTANS’
Eske ou konnen yon moun ki simonte gwo defi, ki briye é ki fè dè bagay pou kominote nou an? Eske ou
panse ke moun sa merite rekonesans?
Jounen Madi a, Komite Komisyonè zòn Collier County yo etabli yon pwosesis pou yon program de
rekonpans ki pral reyalize chak ane ki rele ‘Malgre tout sikonstans’. Komanse premye Novanm, Biwo
kominikasyon ak relasyon piblik zòn Collier an ap aksepte nominasyon piblik pou prim lan, prim sa ap onore
yon moun ki reyisi simonte gwo obstak é ki rann kominote nan Collier an gwo sèvis an retou.
Let Nominasyon yo sipoze gen nom ak adrès moun ki nomine a é li sipoze vini akonpaye ak yon rezume
aksyon ke moun nan poze (Pa plis ke 600 mo), rezume sa sipoze pale de trajè moun nan. Li sipoze pale de
kouman moun sa li menm li te arive reyisi simonte obstak konsiderab ki te devanl yo poul abouti a reyisit e
kijan l te rive briye. Rezume an sipoze genyen tou detay sou kijan moun sa li menm li itil kominote a.
Nominasyon ki ranpli kritè yo pral prezante devan Komite Komisyonè zòn nan. Komisyonè yo pral chwazi
moun ki plis merite prim lan nan yon atelye travay kap fet diran prentan an, avèk yon prezantasyon nan
pwochen reyinyon Komite Komisyonè yo. Yap remet yon plak ak moun ki genyen an.
Nan mwa Jwen ki sot pase la, Komisyonè yo te chwazi youn ansyen jwè foutbòl nan Immokalee ki rele
Mackensie Alexandre kòm moun ki premye ranpòte prim pwogram ‘Malgre tout sikonstans’ lan. Alexandre,
youn pitit imigran Ayisyen ki te konn al ede paran li nan jaden pandan ke an menm tan li te kontinye al lekòl,
te onore pou pèseverans li é paske li te reyalize rèv li pou li te rive jwe nan NFL lan.
Nominasyon yo sipoze ale nan Depatman Kominikasyon ak Relasyon Piblik la, e adrese a: Maria Garcia
Pizarro, 3299 Tamiami Trail E., Suite 102, Naples, Florida 34112 oubyen ou ka voye Nominasyon nan email
sa: MariaGarciaPizarro@colliergov.net. Tout nominasyon sipoze rive jwenn depatman an avan 31 Desanm.
Pou plis enfomasyon, kontakte Maria Garcia Pizarro nan (239) 252-8113.
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Packet Pg. 1343 Attachment: Press Release (2782 : Commissioner Taylor Against all Odds award)