Florida’s Legendary “Band of Brothers” Remembered in Tampa

Florida’s Legendary “Band of Brothers” Remembered in Tampa

By Jack Pagano
Jackp1957@yahoo.com

“Veterans Day” 2025 Tribute.  Martha Vila, wife of Korean War veteran Hector Vila, points to his name on a granite memorial at the Vila Brothers Park in Tampa. 9 Nov 25 (photo by Jack Pagano)

At 92 years young, Martha Vila led the charge like a battlefield general at a Veterans Day celebration.  She was honoring her late husband, Hector, and his six brothers — all of whom served in the U.S. military from World War II through Operation Desert Storm. Together, the seven Vila brothers form a remarkable “Band of Brothers” family, representing six decades of service across multiple wars. “That’s patriotism in the first degree,” Martha says proudly.

“Veterans Day” 2025 Tribute.  Martha Vila, wife of Korean War veteran Hector Vila, poses for a photo with family and friends at the Vila Brothers Park tribute in Tampa. 9 Nov 25 (photo by Jack Pagano)

Hector Vila, a Marine who served in the Korean War, passed away seven years ago. Yet Martha continues to carry the Vila spirit forward.  Although she now relies on a walker, she never misses the annual Veterans Day events that honor her family’s legacy.

Nearly twenty-five years ago, Martha persuaded the city of Tampa to dedicate a park in tribute to the Vila brothers. In 2005, Vila Brothers Park was established. “It’s a place to bring children to play and to teach them that veterans are a cornerstone of our republic,” Martha explains. She describes the park as a quiet refuge, not far from downtown Tampa and MacDill Air Force Base, home of the US Central and Special Operations Command. She hopes the park carries on its message of service and sacrifice all year long.

“Veterans Day” 2025 Tribute.  Denio Vila, a Vietnam War veteran, is one of the seven Vila Brothers who served from WWII to Desert Storm. He is interviewed by WTSP Channel 10 at a Vila Brothers Park tribute in Tampa. 9 Nov 25 (photo by Jack Pagano)

Operation Enduring Freedom veteran and retired Army Colonel DJ Reyes served as the guest speaker at the celebration. As light rain fell, Florida’s Deputy Director of Veterans Affairs called the park “a corner of heaven.”  Vila Brothers Park – Bing Maps.

“Veterans Day” 2025 Tribute.  Florida Deputy Director for Veterans Affairs and retired Army Colonel DJ Reyes speaks about service, sacrifice, and the Vila Brothers Park in Tampa. 9 Nov 25 (photo by Jack Pagano)

Hillsborough County, where the Vila Brothers Park is located, has the largest veteran population in Florida — more than 100,000. Texas currently leads the nation in veteran numbers, but Reyes predicts Florida will soon surpass it. “Florida is the Sunshine State, but soon it will be known as the Veterans State,” he said.

Reyes hopes future generations will visit the park and remember that “Freedom isn’t free.” Perhaps, he added, they will walk the park and feel inspired to answer the call to service, just as he did — and just as the seven Vila brothers once did.   Florida’s own “Band of Brothers” is honored and remembered at the Vila Brothers Park.

“Veterans Day” 2025 Tribute.  A red, white, and blue tribute cake at the Vila Brothers Park in Tampa. 9 Nov 25 (photo by Jack Pagano)

Veterans Day. A day to remember and honor all who served. It is a time filled with parades, picnics, and heartfelt gratitude — a celebration that keeps the meaning of service and freedom close to our hearts.

Jack Pagano is a retired Army field grade officer with many decades of Information Operations experience and currently working remotely in the USA as COO/Strategist for one of Afghanistan’s biggest Radio/TV networks.  His current mission is getting out Afghan journalists he trained, and mentored who are stuck, stranded under the Sharia-driven Taliban