Anton Cardinal is the face of the organization and represents 1st Veterans Kids Care, Inc. in the community, assumes responsibility for major projects, is responsible to the Board of Directors, and assumes responsibility for the entire organization. He works collaboratively within the organization to transform to current stage to a more mature organization capable of delivering on its long term vision.
At twelve years old Anton’s heart lead him to participate in his schools’ holiday baskets can goods drive for less fortunate children in the Lake Alfred Community. During summer breaks Anton, along with his family members, prepared hot food for distribution to homeless individuals throughout the city of San Fernando in Trinidad and Tobago. After the devastating earthquake disaster in Haiti, Anton and his father Anthony Cardinal partnered with Haines City Grace of God Church to contribute new clothing and shoes to Haitian residents.
When Anton Cardinal was fifteen, he took allowance and donated that money to an organization that helped fund food drives and supported kids who were fighting against the ravages of cancer. His selfless actions inspired his father to follow his heart and pursue helping those in need by founding 1st Veterans Kids Care and established Y.E.S. (Youth Eye care Services) Vision and Literacy Initiative. When asked why he decided to give more than the $20 asked of him during the donation drive, Anton, an Honor graduate, a JROTC Battalion Commander of Ridge Community High School and Captain of the Haines City Police Explorers answers, easily and straightforward. “As long as you have you should give to others”. A martial arts instructor, Anton is an inductee to the American Federation of Martial Arts hall of fame.