Vito Strong- H.O.O.A.H WI
Date: June 6, 2026
Time: 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
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My name is Samantha Townsend, and I’m reaching out to invite your support for a meaningful event, the
3nd Annual Vito Strong Run to Remember —a 5k run or 1 mile walk in honor of my ever-loving brother, Vito
E. Cinquepalmi. Vito, a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and Marine Corps veteran, tragically lost his
battle with mental illness on August 7, 2023. This event pays tribute to his memory and raises awareness
of veterans' invisible wounds.
Vito’s service to our country was nothing short of extraordinary. A Marine Corps Staff Sergeant, he served
bravely in Afghanistan, earning the Combat Action Ribbon for his valor. After his military service, he
dedicated himself to helping others—whether as a Marine Corps recruiter inspiring the next generation, a
hardworking UPS driver loved by his children, or a selfless friend always willing to lend a hand. His loss is
deeply felt, and we are committed to ensuring his legacy lives on by helping veterans who continue to
fight battles unseen.
Vito's autobiography:

VITO CINQUEPALMI WAS BORN ON FEBRUARY 11TH, 1991 IN DALLAS TEXAS. IN 2001 VITO MOVED TO CRIVITZ WHERE HE WOULD LATER GRADUATE FROM CRIVITZ HIGH SCHOOL IN 2009.

IN EARLY 2010, VITO ENLISTED IN THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS, AND GRADUATED FROM MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA IN SPRING 2010. VITO COMPLETED A RIGOROUS MARINE ARTILLERY SCOUT OBSERVER COURSE IN FORT SILL OKLAHOMA. VITO WAS TRAINED AND RESPONSIBLE FOR COMMUNICATING WITH COMBAT PILOTS AND INFANTRYMAN TO SUCCESSFULLY DIRECT ORDINANCE AND ARTILLERY SUPPORT FOR GROUND UNITS IN COMBAT.

VITO WAS IMMEDIATELY DEPLOYED TO HELMAND PROVIDENCE, AFGHANISTAN IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. WHILE ON A ROUTINE SECURITY PATROL, LCPL VITO CINQUEPALMI SUCCESSFULLY RETURNED FIRE TO ENEMY COMBATANTS. VITO SURVIVED COMBAT. HE WAS LATER AWARDED A COMBAT ACTION RIBBON, COMMONLY KNOWN AS CAR. SERGEANT (SGT) VITO CINQUEPALMI DECIDED TO GIVE BACK TO THE MARINE CORPS BY SERVING AS A SUCCESSFUL RECRUITER IN LACROSSE WISCONSIN. DUE TO HIS RECRUITING EFFORTS HE WAS PROMOTED TO STAFF SERGEANT, SSGT. SSGT VITO CINQUEPALMI MOTIVATED MANY YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN TO JOIN THE MARINES. SSGT CINQUEPALMI WANTED HIS MARINES TO BE BETTER THAN HIM, HE WOULDN'T ACCEPT ANYTHING LESS. IN 2018, VITO WAS HONORABLE DISCHARGED FROM ACTIVE DUTY AND IMMEDIATELY STARTED A BEAUTIFUL FAMILY BRINGING LEO AND GIA CINQUEPALMI TO LIFE.

AS A MARINE VETERAN, VITO WAS WELL KNOWN FOR HIS ATTRIBUTES HE EMBODIED IN THE MARINES- HELPING OTHERS AND CARING FOR OTHERS. WHETHER DAY OR NIGHT, MANY REMEMBER VITO FOR HIS WILLINGNESS TO BE THERE FOR THEM WHEN THEY NEEDED A HELPING HAND.

ON AUGUST 7TH, 2023 VITO STRUGGLED WITH THE WEIGHT OF PTSD AND LOST HIS OWN BATTLE YEARS AFTER THE COMBAT MISSION WAS ENDED. VITO'S LEGACY LIVES ON THROUGH COUNTLESS MEMORIES AND A ORGANIZATION, H.O.O.A.H. (HELPING OUT OUR AMERICAN HEROES) WHO'S MISSION IS TO ELIMINATE VETERAN SUICIDE. SINCE VITO HAS DEPARTED, HO.O.A.H. HAS ADOPTED 'VITO STRONG' WHICH HELPS RAISE FUNDING TO SUPPORT VETERANS IN NEED OF A HELPING HAND. IT IS BELIEVED, VITO IS STILL OFFERING A HELPING HAND TO THOSE IN NEED.

NOT ALL WOUNDS ARE VISIBLE.

Event Details: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Crivitz Community Veterans Park John Shaffer Pavilion
Proceeds Benefiting H.O.O.A.H WI, a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating suicide in the military community

Address:

515 Park Place Crivitz, WI, 54114 Map

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Contact Email: vitostrong@hooahwi.org
Contact Name: Samantha Townsend
Contact Phone Number: 6082860109