Diaz-Balart recognizes veterans

U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Doral, honored three Miami Lakes veterans with Congressional Veterans Commendations. The veterans may also participate in the Veterans History Project that is sponsored by the Library of Congress. The project collects firsthand recollections from former service members to better understand what they witnessed. Shown from left: American Legion Post 144 Vice Commander William Perez, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran; U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michael Coote, Ret., who served as grand marshal for the town’s Veteran’s Day Parade; U.S. Navy Mate Pedro Llaguno, who was a machinist; Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart and former U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Leonardo Polo, of Hialeah. The veterans are all members of American Legion Post 144 in town. Post Commander Gary Cardenas nominated the veterans for the recognition. The ceremony happened Nov. 10 at Diaz-Balart’s Doral office, which provided the photo.